HENRICO, Va., Aug. 1, 2024 — As Henrico County Public Schools students ready their backpacks, supplies and outfits for the first day of school on Aug. 19, they will be equipped with a new accessory that will make several parts of their school day swift, simple and more secure.

HCPS is introducing student ID cards to be used daily by all students from pre-K to the 12th grade. The cards bring together a handful of processes that students encounter every day and makes them all accessible with a quick scan or tap.

During the 2024-25 school year, students will use their cards to:

Ride the bus
Check out a book or other materials from the library
Get breakfast/lunch or use vending machines at the cafeteria
Access specific technology services

“We are thrilled to see how these student ID cards will positively impact our 50,000 students across Henrico County Public Schools,” said Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent. “These cards will boost our mission to provide a safe and productive school environment all our students to thrive in. We thank families and staff members for supporting this mission and their efforts in making this new technology a success in the upcoming school year and beyond.”

The implementation of the cards follows a pilot run for bus transportation at elementary schools during the 2023-24 school year. Student data held on the card is encrypted and only accessible through our schools’ internal systems, ensuring that any private information or accounts remain secure.

As students return to school on Aug. 19, they’ll receive their student ID cards along with an HCPS-issued breakaway lanyard and protective sleeve. All students will be expected to bring their cards to school every day and wear their lanyards so that the cards are clearly visible during activities on school grounds. Required use of the student ID cards for after-school activities like sporting events and concerts will be phased in over time, beginning with varsity and junior football games at high schools this fall.

Students will get instructions on the proper use and handling of their ID cards, and there is an online resource page at https://www.henricoschools.us/page/student-id-cards. This page includes answers for a handful of frequently asked questions will be updated to reflect any new issues, questions or guidelines that arise as schools and students get used to the card system.

Looking to get psyched up for the new school year? Make plans to attend HCPS’ Back-to-School Kickoff on Aug. 9 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, which will feature a variety of family activities, community and education resources, a DJ, an immunization clinic and our daylong Hoop It Up 3X3 student basketball tournament. More information about school safety, transportation and technology can be found at henricoschools.us.

Varina High School

New student ID cards to enhance safety, simplicity of school day for HCPS students