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Sandston Elementary School

Where you belong, shining bright together!

The Star Report 11/14/2026

Posted Date: 11/14/26 (02:00 PM)
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The Star Report for Sandston Elementary School, 2026-2027, featuring the school's crest with a star, eagle, dragon, and rhino.
A large, diverse group of people pose together on a stage in front of red curtains and a banner that reads "Thank You Veterans."
A teacher smiles as two children work on activity sheets at a wooden table in a classroom.

What a week at Sandston ES!

Our students celebrated academic growth during Parent-Teacher Conferences, honored local veterans and heroes on Veterans Day, enjoyed Literacy & Math Night with family and friends, participated in engaging morning clubs, and wrapped up the first quarter by celebrating their achievements at Galaxy Day and a trip to the movies.

None of this happens without an incredible team. Our teachers and staff balanced conferences, special events, clubs, family engagement, safety, and daily instruction, all while keeping student learning at the heart of everything they do. We are so grateful to our families for partnering with us, showing up, and supporting our students every step of the way.
Together, we're creating opportunities, memories, and success stories for our 
Sandston STARS.
A young child in a green shirt smiles and holds up papers in a crowded school room.
A wide-angle view inside a classic movie theater filled with children seated in red plush seats, looking back toward the camera.

Please consider nominating a staff member or five for one of the five values mentioned below:
HCPS is pleased to announce the second annual Heart of Henrico Award Program, celebrating employees who exemplify the five core values outlined in our strategic plan, Journey to 2030: Student-Focused, Belonging, Collaboration, Innovation, and Equity.

The 250-500-word narrative should clearly state why an individual represents the true Heart of Henrico through their dedication, leadership, and values-driven contributions. Submissions should include specific examples of their actions, initiatives, or behaviors that reflect these values in their daily work. Nominators may include personal stories that highlight the nominee’s positive impact on students, colleagues, families, and the community. 

 

Henrico Christmas Mother

This year, Sandston ES will collect hats and Gloves for Henrico Christmas Mother.  Students may bring in items from November 16-20.  

Students who donate will earn a House point for each item brought in.

If we collect 100 items, Frosty the Snowman will visit!

Important Dates at Sandston

A cozy autumn banner with the text "NOVEMBER" in bold brown letters, surrounded by cute pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, and a little bird.
November 16-20
  • Christmas Mother Collection Drive
November 16
  • Stop, Drop, and Read
  • Report Cards Go Home
  • PTA Spirit Night at Mexico-see flyer in  the PTA section
November 19
  • Clubs begin at 7:40 a.m.
  • Family Life Lessons for 4th and 5th Grade
November 20
  • Family Advocate Day - Ashley Hockaday
  • House Meeting
  • Reverse Evacuation Drills During Recess
  • 5th Grade Field Trip to VCU
A cozy autumn banner with the text "NOVEMBER" in bold brown letters, surrounded by cute pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, and a little bird.
November 23
  • Stop, Drop, and Read
  • 2nd Grade Field Trip to Henricus Historical Park
November 25-27
  • Thanksgiving Break
November 30
  • Stop, Drop, and Read
  • Henrico History Night, 6:00 p.m.
  • JR Tucker High School (for 5th-grade students)
Email our staff
A colorful graphic with the words 'Staff Shout Outs' written in white cursive script over a black background and a row of pastel squares.
A colorful poster celebrating November as National Family Engagement Month at Sandston Elementary, featuring text, star mascots, and a heart shape.

Celebrating Our Family Advocate: Ashley Hockaday!

Mrs. Hockaday plays an important role in strengthening the connection between home, school, and our community. She works alongside families, teachers, and school staff to help ensure our students and their families feel supported, welcomed, and connected.
Whether she is helping families access important resources, navigating challenges, connecting families with school staff, or offering encouragement and support, Ashley approaches her work with compassion, understanding, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Her work reminds us that when schools and families work together, students are better positioned to thrive. We are grateful for the relationships she builds, the barriers she helps remove, and the countless ways she supports our Sandston STARs and their families.

Thank you, Ashley, for being a champion for our families and helping make Sandston a place where everyone belongs!

Together, we are stronger. Together, we shine! 
A promotional graphic celebrating Family Advocate Ashley Hockaday from Sandston Elementary, featuring her portrait and supportive community messages.

House Points and Attendance

A colorful school poster titled 'Our School Stars!' displaying positive points by grade level and attendance rates.

Every Day Matters!


Students in Pre-K through 5th grade need to be at school every day to learn, grow, and succeed. Please schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.
An infographic titled PBIS October Data, displaying top negative and positive behaviors along with prevention strategies.
An educational infographic titled 'Exceptional Education Corner | Calm Down Strategies' featuring exercises for children.
 
A cute banner with the text "Office News", featuring a smiling laptop and two star trophies in a retro pastel style.
Badges: If your child’s ID badge has been lost and needs to be replaced, please let your child’s teacher know. A replacement badge request form will be sent home for you to complete. The first replacement badge is provided at no cost. Any additional replacement badges will be $5.00 each.

Thank you for helping us ensure students have their ID badges each day. This helps our school operate safely and efficiently.

NEW: Please don't forget to call your students in when they are absent. You may reach the front office anytime, day or night, at 804-328-4055. If you need to leave a message at night or before school opens, you can do so on the attendance line. Please leave your child's name and why they are out.
 
NEW- Please remember that anyone picking up your student MUST be listed on their approved pickup list. If the person is not on the list, we cannot release your student to them.

 
A banner with a film strip border reads 'EVENT PHOTOS' in bold black letters on a yellow background, decorated with a camera and smiley faces.

More Access to Photos Are Coming Soon...


Veterans Day Photos
Literacy and Math Night Photos
Quarter 1 -Galaxy Day
Morning Clubs Section 1
A colorful school counseling banner featuring a mint green background, black and white cheetah print borders, and playful stickers like flowers, stars, and smiley faces.

Sandston School Counselors: Lila Hiltz and Lisa Eberhart

Classroom lessons this week will be focused on Responsibility and Gratitude.

Our School Counselors are here to help support all students.
Please reach out to either School Counselor with any concerns. 
lohiltz@henrico.k12.va.us
khshaia@henrico.k12.va.us
Counseling Family Needs Request
A colorful banner with the text 'News and Resources from our FAMILY ADVOCATE' and cute smiley face graphics.
Logo for WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students), established in 1998, featuring a cartoon dog wearing sunglasses.

Watch D.O.G.S.

DADS OF GREAT STUDENTS
(family members, community members, coaches, etc)

We are off to a great Dog start with our WATCH D.O.G.S! If you would like to be apart of this amazing Leadership role in our school please contact Ashley Hockaday your Family Advocate ! I am excited to see this program grow in our school !

Interested in volunteering?
Email our Family Advocate, Mrs. Hockaday @ achockaday@henrico.k12.va.us.

Upcoming Family and Community Engagement Events

Upcoming Events :

All Together Tuesday: Roots Family Appreciation Awards Banquet
Tuesday, November 17 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Oak Avenue Complex

Join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating the families who make our community strong. This special celebration will feature fellowship, recognition, inspiration, entertainment, and a delicious dinner as we gather to honor the roots that connect and strengthen us.

  • Enjoy an inspiring presentation from our special guest speaker focused on family, community, and empowerment.
  • Help us celebrate families and community members whose contributions have made a lasting impact. Award recipients will be recognized during a special presentation.
  • The evening will conclude with dinner and time to connect with fellow families and community partners.

We look forward to celebrating with you as we honor the families who continue to nurture, inspire, and enrich our community.

Families Growing Together. Community Thriving Together.
Colorful bunting flags frame the text 'NEWS FROM THE PTA!' on a black and white speckled background.
A promotional flyer for Sandson PTA Spirit Night at Mexico Restaurant on November 16th.

Tattoo the Teacher

Teachers and Staff at Sandston are looking to get a few new (temporary) tattoos and you can help!  If you haven't joined the PTA yet, sign up today and your student will have an opportunity to pick out a few new tattoos for staff.  It's only $6 to join, and that money goes right back into activities for the school!
A promotional flyer titled 'Tattoo The Teacher' by Sandston PTA, featuring traditional tattoo style art like roses, a skull, and a butterfly.
Do you have anything you would like to see the PTA sponsor? Contact our President, Elizabeth Williams, at eewilliams1@henrico.k12.va.us.

All are welcome to our PTA Board Meetings in the school library from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm

Upcoming meetings:
General Meeting: December 17th PTA/Music Performance, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Board Meeting: November 10, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm in the Library
A promotional image for the Sandston Elementary School PTA, featuring a red and white megaphone and text that reads "JOIN OUR PTA ONLY $6 TO JOIN".

Join the PTA Today!

Join the PTA today to help support activities at Sandston for students, staff and community members. It's only $6 to join and the join helps to bring events to Sandston like Fall Festival, our Winter Shop, classroom parties, Young Scientists and so much more!
A promotional graphic encourages supporting Sandston Elementary School by shopping at Kroger, featuring a wire shopping basket overflowing with fresh produce.

Link Your Kroger Shopper's Card In a Few Easy Steps

Help support Sandston when you join the PTA and shop at Kroger!
 

In Every Newsletter

Colorful text reads 'COMMUNITY PARTNERS' with playful doodles.
A colorful flyer titled "S.O.S. (Save Our Staffroom)!" lists categories of snacks and drinks needed for teachers.

Thank You, Sandston Community!

We are incredibly grateful for the local businesses, churches, and families who continuously support our school community. We will proudly recognize our supporters here and on our social media platforms.

If you know of a company, organization, church, or individual who would be interested in providing financial support or donating goods or services, please have them contact:
Stephanie Anderson
📧 saanderson@henrico.k12.va.us
Alyssa Slater
📧 afslater@henrico.k12.va.us
A graphic with light blue background featuring black text that reads 'Thank you so much' and school crest at the bottom right corner.

November Donors

Community Partners

Business Partners


Family Partners

If we have inadvertently missed recognizing your community, business, or family partnership, please contact Principal Stephanie Anderson at saanderson@henrico.k12.va.us.
 
A graphic displays the "Student & Parent Handbook: Read and Acknowledge" with a starry background and yellow stars.

Student and Family Handbook Expectation

📚 Student and Family Handbook Reminder
Please take the time to review the Student and Family Handbook with your child.
These expectations apply when visiting the school for:
  • Student drop-off and dismissal
  • Classroom visits and volunteering
  • Cafeteria visits
  • Parent-teacher conferences
  • School events and performances
  • Office visits
  • Any other activities on school grounds

Three school handbooks are displayed: Student and Family Handbook for Sandston Elementary, PBIS Handbook with 'One Galaxy, Three Constellations, Always Shining Stars' theme, and Henrico County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct.

Handbooks

Handbooks are also available on our school website: Sandston ES Website

Follow us on Social Media: Facebook and Instagram

Sandston Elementary School logo featuring a star, dragon, and rhino.

Follow Us On Social Media

Follow us on Facebook @SandstonElementary
Follow us on Instagram @sandstonstars 
Website section displaying contact information for Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS), including address, school hours, and phone numbers.

Resources Found On Our School Website

*** New website information is coming soon!! Check out our school website: Sandston Website