Hancock Central School District

08/27/2026

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

Please take a look at the graphic below for important upcoming dates as we return for the 2026-2027 school year at HCS!

08/27/2026

THANK YOU to our Student Summer Workers!

Throughout the summer, these hardworking students worked alongside our incredible janitorial staff to help get Hancock ready for the upcoming school year! From cleaning and painting to organizing and preparing our buildings, their hard work has made a big difference.

We truly appreciate their time, effort, and dedication to helping make sure our school is ready to welcome students back.

Thank you for all of your hard work, Wildcats!

08/26/2026

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS!

Earlier this week, our newest staff members joined Principal Durkot for New Staff Orientation as they prepare to begin the school year at Hancock Central School District!

Please join us in welcoming:
• Katelyn McLaughlin – Library Media Specialist
• Andrea Gilebarto – Music Teacher
• Devyn Jenks – High School History Teacher
• Ellen Pringle – Assistant Principal

While Devyn joined the Hancock family this past January, we are excited to officially welcome her back as she begins the new school year with us!

We are thrilled to have these talented educators and leaders as part of the Wildcat family and look forward to the knowledge, energy, and passion they will bring to our students and school community.

Welcome to Hancock! We’re so glad you’re here!

08/26/2026

HCEF AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 2026–2027

We are SO excited for the 2026–2027 school year!

If you haven’t signed up for the Hancock Community Education Foundation After-School Program, now is the time! 📚🎨🔬

After-School Program begins Monday, September 14, 2026!

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

📧 Michelle Estus
[email protected]

We can’t wait for another fun-filled year of learning, friendship, activities, and enrichment!

Don’t wait—get your application in today!

08/25/2026

UPCOMING BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES

Families, as we quickly approach the start of the 2026-2027 school year, please take a look at upcoming back-to-school events at HCS!

*Please note the time changes for 5th grade orientation (ends at 4:45 p.m.) and the Middle School Social (starts at 4:45 p.m.).

• 9th Grade Orientation: Tuesday, September 1, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• 5th Grade Orientation: Tuesday, September 1, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
• Middle School Social: Tuesday, September 1, 4:45-6:00 p.m.
• High School Social: Tuesday, September 1, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Elementary Social: Thursday, September 3, 4:45-6:00 p.m.
• First Day of School: Thursday, September 10

We look forward to seeing you next week as we get ready for the first day of school on September 10th!

08/24/2026

Just a friendly reminder to our UPK and Kindergarten families about the UPK-K Round-up scheduled for tomorrow, August 25th, and Wednesday, August 26th. We look forward to seeing you there!

UPK & Kindergarten Round-Up

Families, just a friendly reminder that our UPK and Kindergarten Round-Up event will take place Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Elementary School.

This event is for children who will be:
- 4 years old by December 1, 2026 (UPK)
- 5 years old by December 1, 2026 (Kindergarten)

During Round-Up, families will have the opportunity to:
- Meet your child's UPK or Kindergarten teacher
- Tour the school
- Participate in fun activities
- Ask questions and learn more about the upcoming school year

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Karcher at [email protected] and/or Mrs. Hull at [email protected]

We can't wait to meet our newest students and their families!

08/19/2026

HCEF FAMILY CARNIVAL

We encourage everyone to stop by the Hancock Town Square this evening for the Hancock Community Education Foundation’s Family Carnival! Additionally, NBT Bank of Hancock will be giving out school supplies and ice cream!

See the flyers below for more information, everyone is welcome for this free event!

08/14/2026

Welcome, Ms. Katelyn McLaughlin!

Please join us in welcoming Katelyn McLaughlin, our new Library Media Specialist at Hancock Central School! Katelyn is a first-year librarian who brings two years of experience as a substitute teacher and a passion for reading and learning.

Outside of school, Katelyn enjoys reading and sewing. She is a fan of Shakespeare, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, and pan-fried gyoza!

We are excited to have Katelyn join the HCS family and look forward to seeing all she will bring to our library and students! Welcome to Hancock, Katelyn!

08/14/2026

UPK & Kindergarten Round-Up

Families, just a friendly reminder that our UPK and Kindergarten Round-Up event will take place Tuesday, August 25th and Wednesday, August 26th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Elementary School.

This event is for children who will be:
- 4 years old by December 1, 2026 (UPK)
- 5 years old by December 1, 2026 (Kindergarten)

During Round-Up, families will have the opportunity to:
- Meet your child's UPK or Kindergarten teacher
- Tour the school
- Participate in fun activities
- Ask questions and learn more about the upcoming school year

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Karcher at [email protected] and/or Mrs. Hull at [email protected]

We can't wait to meet our newest students and their families!

08/14/2026

See below for August Regents Examination information!

AUGUST REGENTS TESTING INFORMATION

Students taking August Regents Exams will test at the DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19.

Examination Times
• Morning Exam: 8:30 a.m.
• Afternoon Exam: 12:30 p.m.

Transportation Information (Buses will leave from the 1st Floor Entrance)
• Morning Exams: Students should arrive at Hancock Central School no later than 7:25 a.m. to board the first bus.
• Afternoon Exams: Students should arrive at Hancock Central School no later than 11:25 a.m. to board the afternoon bus.

Meals Provided:
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all students at the BOCES Harrold Campus.

Please arrive on time so buses can depart as scheduled. We wish all of our students the very best on their August Regents exams. Best of luck to all of you!