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Winter sports resuming Jan. 4 Second semester requests considered By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND -- Hanover County Public Schools officials announced last week that winter sports in county schools can resume preparation and practice on Monday, Jan. 4, when students return from winter break. The teams will play an abbreviated in-county only competitive schedule, and eighth-graders will be eligible to try out for high school teams. No winter sports will be offered for middle school students, and teams that qualify for post season playoffs will be allowed to participate. In a statement released by HCPS last week, officials noted factors that could influence decisions moving forward. “We will continue to monitor this
closely and make any decisions regarding sports or our daily operations that may be necessary. In order to ensure a successful sports season, we need every person in our community to stay vigilant in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.” Earlier this month, a number of students and parents urged Hanover County School Board members to reconsider a decision to suspend winter sports practices. “We are completely aware of the risks and the precautions needed to make the season successful and are completely onboard with doing whatever it takes and whatever is needed to ensure that we are allowed to play,” Hanover High School swimmer Henry Atkinson said during a public comment period at this month’s school board
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 36, No. 39 | Richmond Suburban News | December 23, 2020
Teachers’ They’re ready for Santa to visit group offers requests for new budget By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Photo submitted by Jennifer Joyner
It doesn’t appear that the Christmas season will be a “ruff” one for these pups. Major, Dixie and Sasha are comfortably attired to celebrate. Wonder what kind of welcome they’ll give Santa Claus?! More photos of scenes throughout the area, courtesy of our wonderful readers, can be found on the Community page, 15. If you want to share your holiday photos, we will publish more in our Dec. 30 edition. Send to mkinser@mechlocal.com. Merry Christmas!
see SPORTS, pg. 17
ASHLAND -- With the upcoming budget season right around the corner, Hanover County’s teachers presented a wish list to Hanover County School Board members that included a salary increase, a bolstered share of employee health insurance costs, and more planning time. Gene Matthews, president of the Hanover Education Association (HEA) and Bill Callahan, Hanover Professional Educators (HPE) president, outlined the request in advance of the budget process that begins in earnest next month. Matthews said the requests were the result of surveys submitted by county teachers enrolled in the organizations see BUDGET, pg.3
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