February 3, 2026

Dear HCPSS students,

This is the first of ongoing messages I’ll send your way from time to time. I place you—our students—at the top of our organizational chart, so it's important you hear directly from your Superintendent on issues that are relevant and have an impact on our learning community.

We’re at the school year halfway mark so it’s the perfect time for a refresh. The start of the second semester is an opportunity to assess all you’ve accomplished, set new goals, and dream bigger dreams of what is to come. I challenge you to make three new goals for the second semester:

The first goal should be related to your studies: Earn a high grade in a challenging course, commit to an improved study habit, learn a new skill—or enhance an existing skill.
Next, take time to relieve stress. We all carry heavy loads, and it’s important to adopt strategies that ease tension—even for a moment. For me, it’s music. I find moments in the evenings when I can sit with my guitar and work on a new song. I find it impossible to feel stressed when I’m playing music. Can't think of something? I encourage you to speak with a trusted adult or member of the student services team at your school for strategies to tend to your well-being.
Finally, be an advocate for someone who needs one—even if that person is you. If you see something or hear something that causes harm, I urge you to say something.

I’m informed regularly of acts of bullying, harassment and hate occurring in our school communities, but our reporting data doesn’t capture the high levels at which I believe destructive actions may be occurring. Please report acts of bullying, harassment and hate that are directed at you, something you witness, or even just something you hear about.

I’m one of your biggest fans and I want each of your experiences at school to be successful and uplifting. I challenge you to be there for each other.

Have a successful second semester!

Sincerely,

Superintendent Barnes