HICKORY CAREER AND ARTS MAGNET SCHOOL
409 8th Avenue NE, Hickory NC 28601
Phone (828)328-6738 Fax (828)328-8539
August 08, 2016
Dear Students and Parents,
Hello, my name is Caroline Lovette and I am the principal at Hickory Career and Arts Magnet. I can’t believe that it is almost time to begin another school year! I am thrilled to say that my first year as principal of HCAM was a great experience. We had success academically with state test scores improving in all areas, our graduation rate increased with over 75% of our graduates planning to attend college and our overall school culture improved tremendously with increased student leadership and decreased incidents of inappropriate student behavior. HCAM is truly a GREAT place to be both as an educator and as a student!
Welcome A+ Arts School Program! We are very proud and excited to be only the second high school in North Carolina to be accepted into the A+ Arts School Program. It is an international program that is based in North Carolina and supports the integration of the arts into all content areas. Our staff will attend a three day training this month and will receive ongoing support from A+ Schools Program throughout the school year. It is a creative and engaging program that will surely engage and benefit all of our students!
We are especially excited to welcome our incoming freshman class and new students. We have the largest incoming class ever at HCAM! These students may be nervous about finding their way around the building. To ease their transition, we have planned a Freshman/New Student Orientation session for August 16th at 6:00pm. All freshman and new students along with a parent or guardian should plan on joining us for the event. New students along with a parent or guardian will also need to attend a Chromebook tutorial at HCAM on either August 18th or August 22nd in order to receive his/her Chromebook. Both the new student and a parent or guardian must complete the tutorial prior to being issued a Chromebook. The school will be offering tutorials from 12:00pm-6:00pm on both of those days. You do not need an appointment. The tutorial takes approximately 30-45minutes to complete. You will receive your Chromebook immediately following completion of the tutorial and parental paperwork.
Returning students are reminded to purchase a parking tag if you wish to drive to school. You can come by and purchase a tag beginning August 22nd. The cost of a parking tag is $10.00. We will also sell parking passes before or after school and during lunches on August 29th through August 31st. Returning students are reminded that he/she must clear all Chromebook damage or loss debt in order to receive a Chromebook for the upcoming year. Seniors will be given the opportunity to Paint the Rock at 4:00pm on August 25th! All seniors are invited!
On the first day of school, August 29, 2016, all students are expected to be in Hickory Public Schools dress code. Please review the dress code on the HPS website if you are unsure of the requirements. All students will report to homeroom at 9:00am on the first day of school. There, your teacher will give you a copy of your schedule, various forms, and will conduct a review of the student handbook. Homeroom assignments will be posted in the hallways. Homeroom assignments have changed, so be sure to check the posted rosters.
Mark your calendar now for an Open House for ALL students on September 8th at 6:00pm. Parents can meet school administration, teachers, and will have an opportunity to hear the details about the exciting things going on at HCAM!
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Caroline Lovette
Principal