We are looking forward to seeing all of our students on Monday, August 25th for the start of the 2025-2026 school year! Please take a moment to read the following information so you can start the year strong. You’ll also find some important information that you may want to keep handy throughout the year.
Table of Contents
- Important Reminders
- ARL Bell Schedules
- Transportation Information
- Absences
- Schedules
- Emergency Contact Information
- Medication
- Communication
- Messenger
- Website
- Save the Dates
Important Reminders
ARL Bell Schedules
Please note that on early dismissal days, PM ARL students do not attend ARL classes.
On delayed opening days, AM ARL students do not attend ARL classes.
ARL Bell Schedules, including schedules for Delayed Openings and Early Dismissals, can also be found on our website.
Transportation Information
Students have several options for transportation to and from ARL.
For students in morning programs, the ARL bus will leave your home high school at the time necessary to get you to your ARL class on time. Due to the difference in travel times from HCPSS high schools, the time varies from school to school. If you ride a bus to your home school, your bus will get you to school in time to catch the ARL bus. If you walk to school, you are responsible for arriving at your home high school in time to catch the ARL bus. Bus departure times are posted below.
Students are responsible for arriving in time to board the ARL bus before its scheduled departure time.
Parents/Guardians are welcome to transport their students to the ARL in the morning. There is a designated Student Drop Off lane closest to Route 108 ( follow the signs). Do not pull into the bus lane that is directly in front of the building. Be aware that traffic around campus can be busy in the morning. Parents/guardians should plan on arriving at the ARL campus between 7:55 and 8:00 for morning classes. Students are expected to be walking into the ARL no later than 8:05 and in class by 8:10. Students arriving in class after 8:10 are tardy to the ARL.
Students who wish to drive themselves to ARL must complete a parking permit application. ARL does not have a dedicated student parking lot, and spots are limited. Priority for parking permits will be given to students currently attending HCC dual enrollment programs and to those students who have off-site internships as a part of their academy program. Students who wish to apply for a parking permit should submit a Parking Permit Application.
Students will be notified if they are approved or denied a parking permit, and will receive information on how to pick up their parking permit. Please note that student drivers are not able to leave the parking lot until all buses have departed.
Absences
Absence, early dismissal, and tardy notes should be sent to a student's home school AND to ARL. Please address all attendance-related notes, including questions and concerns to arlabsence@hcpss.org
Schedules
Morning ARL students will receive a paper copy of their full schedule in their academy class. Students, make sure you keep the schedule in a safe place so you can use it throughout your first few days at ARL and at your homeschool.
Emergency Contact Information
Emergency Contact Information needs to be updated each year. It is crucial for our school program that this information be updated. While you may not have any changes this year, we need you to walk through the process so that we have your students’ emergency and annual permissions information. Annual permissions include permission to photograph. Please go online to HCPSS Connect as soon as possible, and make sure you click through each screen and hit submit on the last screen.
Medication
Medication Information, including forms for medication administered at school, can be found at https://www.hcpss.org/health/medications/. Students may not bring any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to school themselves; please ensure a parent or guardian brings medication to our health room.
Communication
School Messenger
School messenger will be sent out regularly, and will include information about what’s going on at ARL. We’ll include a table of contents at the top, and mark new information so you can find what you need quickly and read strategically. You should be automatically enrolled in our School Messenger.
Website
Important information can also be found on our ARL School Website. Our website includes a wealth of other information, so it’s always a good idea to check there if you have questions. If you have any suggestions for items you’d like to see on our website, please let us know!
Save the Dates for August and September
Monday 8/25 -First Day for Students
Monday 9/1 - School Closed, Labor Day
Thursday 9/11 - Back to School Night at ARL, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Wednesday 9/17- Schools close 3 hours early
Tuesday 9/23 - Schools and Offices Closed, Rosh Hashanah
Whether you are just beginning your journey at the ARL or continuing your education with us, we can’t wait to help you reach your goals. It’s going to be a fantastic year! If you have questions or concerns, please reach out at any time.
Sincerely,
Mikaela Lidgard
Principal
Applications and Research Laboratory
410-313-6998
mikaela_lidgard@hcpss.org