Howard Connect Academy

As a school community, our hearts are heavy. 💔

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shania, a former Howard Connect Academy student. Shania was an incredible young lady. She was so very kind and intelligent. She carried herself with a gentle strength, and we all counted ourselves lucky to have her as part of our HCA & Howard family.

During this unimaginable time, we want to surround her family with love and support. If you are able, we ask that you please consider donating to help her family take her home to Guatemala and cover expenses during this tragic loss.

Every prayer, share, and contribution means more than words can express.

Thank you for continuing to show what it means to be a community that leads with Love & Joy, even in heartbreak.

Donation link:

https://gofund.me/12aa41556

GoFundMe | The #1 Crowdfunding and Fundraising Platform Start your fundraiser in minutes with tools to help you succeed. GoFundMe is the global leader in crowdfunding, trusted by 100+ million people.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Alison Craig, a Hamilton County Schools Hero Award recipient, sponsored by the HCS Foundation! 💙

Ms. Craig’s impact at Howard Connect Academy is truly extraordinary. She builds deep, authentic relationships with students and families rooted in trust, care, and high expectations. As a true Warm Demander, she ensures students are supported both academically in ELA & Connections and holistically by running our Care Closet, providing daily snacks, and responding to family needs so no student falls through the cracks.

Throughout Howard Connect’s phase-out, Ms. Craig continues to model service leadership. She does this thorugh mentoring future educators, leading RTI efforts, supporting attendance and truancy needs, and always stepping up wherever support is needed. All this while leading our House of Love & Joy with heart and purpose!

Ms. Craig will be honored by the HCS Foundation with a celebratory luncheon and a $500 award in recognition of her incredible impact.

💐 Congratulations, Ms. Craig! We are so proud to celebrate you as an HCS Hero. 👏

See everyone on Wednesday. Please stay safe and warm!

We hope our students and families enjoy a cozy, restful day Monday and Tuesday! Please stay warm and safe! 🐯❤️❄️ We will see you Wednesday!

Please stay safe and warm! HCS is closed for Monday, January 26th.

🌨️ HCA Inclement Weather & Possible Remote Learning Plan 🌨️

Dear HCA Families,

This post serves as an update regarding Howard Connect Academy’s Inclement Weather & Remote Learning Expectations. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. When inclement weather impacts our area, Hamilton County Schools may close to ensure everyone remains safe.

We also encourage families to check your email for Dr. Robertson’s countywide correspondence regarding inclement weather procedures and decisions.

Our goal at Howard Connect is to communicate clearly, remain consistent, and lead with flexibility, so students feel supported and families feel informed.

❄️ How Inclement Weather Closures Work:

📌 District Closure for 1–3 Days
These days are considered inclement weather days.
➡️ No instructional work will be assigned, and students will not be expected to complete academic tasks.

📌 District Closure for MORE Than 3 Days
If closures extend beyond three consecutive days, we will pivot to remote learning.
➡️ Teachers will begin sharing learning activities and expectations aligned with district guidance.

📲 How Students Will Receive Instructions
If a remote learning pivot occurs, families will receive communication from Hamilton County Schools and HCA. Teachers will also share specific directions for learning activities through designated platforms like Canvas, Google Classroom, & emails.

💻 Remote Learning Expectations (if needed):
1. Check learning platforms daily
2. Review teacher instructions and activities
3. Engage in assigned work to the best of their ability
4. Communicate with teachers via email if support is needed
5. Follow digital citizenship expectations, just as they would in person

Remote learning days are designed to maintain routines without adding unnecessary stress.

💙 Access & Flexibility
We understand that weather-related challenges happen. Internet issues, power outages, or device limitations will not be counted against students. Families should communicate challenges with teachers as soon as it is safe to do so, and flexibility or alternative options will be provided as needed.

📩 What’s Next?
A follow-up email with this information will be sent to families tomorrow, and a printed copy will be sent home with students. This correspondence will include what platforms each teacher will use in the event that we pivot to remote learning.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Oliver at [email protected] or call our office at 423-498-6888.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Please stay safe and continue to monitor district and school communication for updates.

HCA Families,
We’re heading into a fun and focused two weeks! Benchmark testing kicks off this week, and we are so proud of how hard our students have been working. Please help us make sure they’re set up for success by encouraging a good night’s sleep, a hearty breakfast, and arriving to school on time. We know they’re ready to shine! ⭐️

At the same time, we’re keeping spirits bright with Holiday Spirit Week #1 and #2!
Each day comes with a festive theme—from flannel and white-out days to red & green, hats, holiday accessories, cozy PJ’s, and more. Students can show their holiday cheer while still being school-appropriate and test-ready.

🎄 This Week’s Benchmark Schedule:
✔️ Tuesday – Science Benchmark
✔️ Wednesday – Reading Benchmark
✔️ Thursday – Writing Benchmark

🎅 Spirit Week themes are shown on the attached flyers!
Join in on the fun, help your child plan their outfits, and let’s make the season both joyful and successful.

Thank you for supporting our students academically and keeping the holiday magic alive. We appreciate you! ❤️💚

Please see the post below from The Chattanooga Public Library! We are so thankful for everyone that helped make this happen!

With SNAP funding issues and the demand on food pantries right now, we want to remind you that both our Downtown and Avondale libraries offer after school meals for kids and teens throughout the week. Thank you to YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and The Chattanooga Public Library Foundation for making these meals possible!

We are so proud of you Jaiden! 🐯♥️🏆

Howard Pride Spotlight! ✨

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Jaiden Boyd, a freshman at The Howard School, for receiving the Reginald “Reggie” White Athletic Award at the 36th Annual Ruby Hurley Freedom Fund & Image Awards Gala, hosted by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP Branch!

Jaiden exemplifies leadership, creativity, and community spirit both on and off the field. A dedicated student-athlete and member of the Howard Leadership Exchange, Jaiden continues to represent the Hustlin’ Tiger legacy with excellence and purpose.

Please join us in congratulating Jaiden on this outstanding honor and in recognizing his commitment to academics, athletics, and service.
💫🏆

Remember HCA families! We ALWAYS store our devices in our lockers. This will continue for our students. Students that need help with their locker combinations, can ask ANY adult for assistance!

As a reminder, the HCS Wireless Device Policy was updated during the August Board Meeting, and new device rules will take effect October 1, 2025. Review the full policy here: https://bit.ly/4pAn3l9

🐯 Our Hustlin’ Tigers are off to a roaring start! 🐯

Howard Connect Academy students took on the SAU Adventure Challenge Course and showed the true power of collaboration, communication, and teamwork. From climbing, balancing, and problem-solving, to cheering each other on—we are beyond proud of the way every single student stepped up as a risk taker and encouraged their teammates. 🙌✨

This was our first field experience of the year, and it’s already setting the tone: at HCA, we do hard things TOGETHER. 💪🔥 The adventure may have been a challenge, but our Hustlin’ Tigers proved that with courage, kindness, encouragement, and teamwork, there’s nothing we can’t do.

Here’s to a year full of growth, grit, and golden memories!

Please see this important update from HCS!

HCA will be CLOSED tomorrow, 8/13! Please stay safe and we will see you Thursday when the doors open at 7:30am.