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

As Henrico County Public Schools students ready their backpacks, supplies and outfits for the first day of school August 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 to and from school
• Check out a book or other materials from the library
• Get 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 where all our students can thrive. 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 transmitted by the card is encrypted and only accessible through schools’ internal systems, ensuring that any private information or accounts remain secure.

When students return to school Aug. 19, they’ll receive their student ID cards along with an HCPS-issued breakaway lanyard and protective sleeve. Each student will have to bring their card to school every day and wear their lanyard to keep their card 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 varsity 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 here. This page includes an FAQ and will be updated to reflect any new issues, questions or guidelines that arise as schools and students get used to the card system.