Update:
Hanover County Public Schools has officially opened two replacement elementary schools, marking the second and third schools constructed in Hanover County since 2008.
Students, families, faculty and staff, members of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and School Board, state legislators, county and school division officials, and other distinguished guests celebrated the ribbon cutting of Battlefield Park Elementary School (BPES) on August 18 and Beaverdam Elementary School (BES) on August 19. The first day of school for both schools is Monday, August 24.
“These new schools reflect our shared commitment to providing every child with the highest quality learning environment possible. From thoughtfully designed classrooms that inspire creativity and innovation to collaborative spaces that bring students and staff together, every detail was created with one purpose in mind: helping students thrive,” said Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools. “At the same time, these schools honor the proud history and traditions of each community while looking confidently toward the future.”
BPES Principal Mrs. Jackie McCaleb and BES Principal Mrs. Aimee Sergent served as the hosts for their respective ceremonies, which included remarks by School Board and Board of Supervisors representatives, Dr. Pennycuff, and Mr. Josh Bower of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, the architectural firm that led the design of both schools. Howard Shockey & Sons served as the general contractor on the BPES project, while Gulf Seaboard served as the general contractor for BES. Students, staff, and distinguished guests all had the opportunity to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“These ribbon-cuttings mark the culmination of years of collaboration from so many valued partners and community members,” said School Board Chair Mrs. Whitney Welsh of the Henry District. “Beyond the buildings themselves, the schools represent our commitment to public education and inspiring bright futures for our students. These places are where students will gain valuable skills, knowledge, and friendships to empower them as they grow within our schools and beyond. We hope that the time they spend in the buildings is just the beginning of a lifelong love of learning!”
Said Board of Supervisors Chair Mr. Sean Davis of the Henry District: “Opening two new school buildings is yet another meaningful step in our county’s investment in our school buildings, the parents, students, faculty, and staff who fill them. We are pleased with the partnership between the Board of Supervisors and the School Board in providing learning environments that will serve our students, families, and community for generations to come. And finally, we thank the citizens for their input and engagement in making these learning centers a reality.”
Following the ceremony, which was held in the gymnasium of the new school buildings, guests had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the new schools, visiting designated areas, such as classrooms, the cafeteria, library, and more. As part of the showcase, collaboration spaces were open to the public. These spaces will be used by the schools for special activities, engagement, and gatherings.
The construction of the two schools are among several construction projects underway in HCPS. The school division
broke ground on a new Washington-Henry Elementary School in March. The building is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year.
More information about these projects can be found on dedicated construction pages on the HCPS website (
Battlefield Park ES |
Beaverdam ES).
Original Message:
Dear HCPS Families, Faculty, and Staff,
We hope you are well. We are writing today to share exciting news regarding the opening of the new Battlefield Park Elementary School and the new Beaverdam Elementary School.
We will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Battlefield Park Elementary School on Tuesday, August 18 from 2-4 p.m.! On Wednesday, August 19 from 2-4 p.m., we will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Beaverdam Elementary School! Each event will feature a special 2 p.m. ceremony followed by light refreshments and a tailored showcase of the new school buildings. Families, staff, and local community members are welcome to attend.
These two schools mark the second and third schools constructed in Hanover County since 2008. More information about these projects can be found on dedicated construction pages on the HCPS website (
Battlefield Park ES |
Beaverdam ES).
Thank you for your continued support and for joining us in our excitement as we unveil these new school buildings!
Hanover County Public Schools