Family-Student Handbook

Students are expected to attend every day unless they have a valid excuse. Parents/guardians should contact the Attendance Office with the student’s name and reason for absence.

At Hogan MIddle School, we believe that academic success is achieved through responsibility, effort, and a commitment to learning. Review our academic expectations.

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner while on campus: in the classroom, at break, at lunch, and during passing periods. Horseplay, fighting, play-fighting, throwing objects inappropriately, or any behavior that puts their safety or the safety of others in danger will not be tolerated.

Bullying is considered unacceptable behavior, like discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and hate violence. Review our policies to ensure a safe, supportive environment for everyone.

Specific rules govern student behavior on school buses [4, 5131.1, 560]. Hogan students who fail to follow bus driver instructions may face discipline, including suspension of riding privileges.

Review our safe bus riding policies

VCUSD is strengthening our commitment to student success by reasserting an important district policy: Students may not use cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, or headphones/earbuds during the school day.

The district provides support and interventions for students at risk of chronic absenteeism. Students with chronic absence (more than 10 percent of school days) may be referred to the District School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Hogan Middle School uses positive behavior intervention systems (PBIS) to help students meet expectations, providing positive reinforcement and corrective feedback.

At Hogan Middle School, we are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment where students can express themselves confidently and focus on education. Our dress code expectations are fair, respectful, and centered on minimizing conflict while prioritizing teaching and learning.

Review the guidelines below for how dress code violations will be addressed. Students have several options to resolve violations in a consistent and supportive manner.

The English Learner Advisory Council  (ELAC) includes parents of English learners. This council makes recommendations regarding programs for students with second language needs.

VCUSD’s Expanded Learning programs provide children in grades TK-8 with hands-on activities, academic support, nutritious meals, and a safe, nurturing environment. These services are an essential resource for parents, providing reliable support and enriching experiences for their children.

Visit Expanded Learning's Website

Hogan Middle School provides many opportunities throughout the school year for families to engage and participate. Family voice and involvement are valued and appreciated.

Review the Family-to-School Communication guidelines to learn how to connect with teachers and staff and keep your contact information up to date. These steps ensure timely responses and reliable communication between home and school.

Garments, especially shorts, skirts, and ripped jeans, must meet the fingertip length rule: when standing straight with arms at the side, fingertips should not reach past the garment.

Meal delivery services such as Uber Eats and DoorDash are not allowed at VCUSD campuses. Office personnel will refuse any food delivery to Hogan Middle School.

Review the health services guidelines which outline when students should visit the health office, medication procedures, and steps families should take to help maintain a safe and healthy school environment.

Review VCUSD’s Strategic Plan to see how we are shaping safe, supportive, and enriching learning environments for every student. This plan highlights the district’s vision for success, with priorities that drive equity, academic excellence, and meaningful opportunities for all learners.

View VCUSD's Strategic Plan

Parent University is dedicated to engaging and empowering families at Hogan Middle School through quarterly parent informational sessions that complement their students' educational journey.

Review which articles of clothing, garments, or other items are not allowed to ensure compliance with our school standards.

Review the Safety Rules and Expectations to help keep our campus safe and respectful. These guidelines cover daily behavior, emergency drills, and prohibited items, and all students are expected to follow staff directions promptly.

The School Site Council (SSC) includes school principal, teachers, staff, parents and community members. The School Site Council looks at student data and school information, identifies student needs and areas for improvement.

Open and consistent communication between the school and families is essential for student success. Our goal is to keep families informed, involved, and engaged in the learning process.

Hogan Middle School is thrilled to offer organized sports opportunities to our scholars, who compete with other schools in VCUSD. Our sports offerings include: Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball. To learn more information, please contact the main office.

Students should not arrive before 7:45 a.m. because there is no supervision. Free breakfast service begins at 7:45 a.m. in the cafeteria.

Hogan Middle School has a wide variety of student clubs. These opportunities encourage students to connect, grow, and get involved beyond the classroom.

VCUSD ensures that adequate, nourishing food is available as it is considered essential for student health, well-being, development, and learning. A nutritionally adequate breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to any student who requests a meal each school day.

Review the Hogan Middle School expectations: Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Together, we create a positive and safe learning environment where every student can thrive.

Review your Student Rights and Responsibilities to know how we can all help create a respectful, welcoming school community.

Students arriving between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. are considered tardy and should go directly to class. Students arriving after 8:45 a.m. are considered late and must check in at the Attendance Office for a pass. Arriving late means missing valuable instruction.

Hogan students are expected to use school technology—including computers, chromebooks, and internet access—responsibly and for educational purposes only.

All items are school property and must be properly cared for. Students are responsible for lost or damaged books, and participation in activities may be withheld until obligations are resolved.

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to Hogan Middle School! We are excited for a year full of learning, growth, and community. This Student and Family Handbook provides an overview of essential information, policies, and expectations to ensure a positive and productive learning environment for everyone. Please review it now and keep it on hand as a reference throughout the year as you navigate your middle school experience.