What's Happening in Harrison County School District

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Hundreds of HCSD Teachers, Staff are Fully Vaccinated

HCSD Census Campaign Garners National Attention

Harrison County School District is getting national attention for our efforts to promote the U.S. Census.

HCSD Graduation Ceremonies Scheduled for May 21 & 22

Meet Our 2020-2021 Teachers of the Year

The Mississippi Department of Education has released the latest graduation rates for all high schools and school districts across the state, and the data showed the graduation rate in HCSD has hit an all-time high.

HCSD Graduation Rate Hits Record High

HCSD Teachers Receive First COVID-19 Vaccinations

Over 300 teachers and staff in the Harrison County School District received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during the first week of March.

HCSD Announces Teacher, Administrator, Parent of the Year

The Harrison County School Board recognized three special ladies for their exemplary service and dedication to the students and staff of HCSD. During Monday night’s board meeting, HCSD Superintendent Roy Gill presented awards to the 2020-21 Teacher, Administrator, and Parent of the Year.

HCSD Partners with WCU to 'Grow' Teachers

Harrison County School District is the first school district on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to partner with William Carey University in the “Grow Your Own” initiative, a program designed to help fight the state’s critical teacher shortage.

Update on Three School Construction Projects

Despite disruptions from COVID-19, hurricanes, and other weather issues, construction is still moving along on three major bond issue projects in the Harrison County School District. You can see a lot of progress at all three campuses over the last six months.

HCSD Distributes Over 14,000 Laptops to Students

The new spring semester started with a new laptop for thousands of students in the Harrison County School District. On January 4 – 8, 2021, schools in the HCSD distributed over 14,000 Dell laptops to students as part of an innovative statewide program.

HCSD Joins HealthyWage $10,000 School Team Challenge

The Harrison County School District is once again kicking off the new year by joining the nationwide HealthyWage $10,000 School Team Challenge.

Two HCSD Principals Named to MDE Advisory Council

Congratulations to two administrators in the Harrison County School District on being selected to serve on the State Superintendent of Education’s inaugural Principal Advisory Council!

HCSD Receives Over 14,000 Laptops from MS Program

The Harrison County School District is excited to receive a very large delivery — over 14,000 Dell laptops! The new laptops are part of a state-wide program to put devices in the hands of every public school student in Mississippi.

Bow Tie Club Inspires Young Men at Crossroads Elementary

Some students at Crossroads Elementary definitely stand out due to their dapper attire. On Tuesdays, about 30 students arrive at school dressed in their Sunday best. What usually draws the most attention is their fashionable neck wear.

D'Iberville Elementary Celebrates National Blue Ribbon Honor

D’Iberville Elementary hosted a big celebration to honor all the teachers and staff for helping the school earn its second National Blue Ribbon Award. The city of D'Iberville also presented DES with a special proclamation.

Free Meals Extended Through End of School Year in HCSD

HCSD is excited to announce that all students in the Harrison County School District will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch through the end of the school year! This is possible after the USDA issued another extension of its Summer Food Service Program.

HCSD Recognizes Darrell Saucier Classroom Grant Winners

Six HCSD teachers and one school social worker have been selected as 2020-21 Darrell Saucier Innovative Classroom Grant recipients. Each winner received a $1,000 check during a special presentation before the Harrison County School Board on Wednesday night.

Gulfport Chamber Surprises Four HCSD Teachers with Grants

Four Harrison County School District teachers received a surprise visit on Wednesday. Representatives from the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce showed up at their schools to announce that they are the recipients of the 2020 Teacher Grant.

HCSD Shows Appreciation to Education Partners

HCSD leaders recognized several business partners for their major contributions to schools across the district. One company donated supplies to all kindergartners, while three others donated prizes to support a district-wide attendance campaign.

Benefits of Filling Out Free/Reduced Lunch Forms

Even though HCSD students are receiving free meals this semester, all families need to fill out the Free/Reduced Lunch Form. The meal application helps ensure continued funding and services to support students, your child's school, and the district.

USDA Awards Fruit & Veggie Grant to Nine HCSD Schools

The Harrison County School District is excited to announce the expansion of a federal program that provides free, healthy, and delicious fruits and veggies to our students at nine elementary schools.

HCSD Student Named National Merit Semifinalist

HCSD congratulates Jonas Cooper of D'Iberville High. He has been selected as a 2021 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

HCSD Issuing Lunch Money Refunds

HCSD students who paid for meals from August 6 through September 9, 2020, will be eligible for a refund. This is possible through a newly-approved USDA program.

D'Iberville Elementary Named 2020 National Blue Ribbon School

The Harrison County School District is excited to announce that D’Iberville Elementary has earned the distinction of being named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School! This coveted award is given by the U.S. Department of Education to schools that are producing outstanding results for all students. This is D’Iberville Elementary’s second National Blue Ribbon recognition.

HCSD Offering Free School Meals to All Children

Harrison County School District is excited to announce that starting September 9, 2020, every HCSD school will be offering universal free meals to all children ages 18 and under, whether they are learning at school or virtually. HCSD is one of the first school districts in Mississippi to offer this USDA program so no child in the community goes hungry during this pandemic.

Five HCSD Teachers Named to MDE Advisory Council

Five teachers in the Harrison County School District have been appointed to serve on the MDE 2020-21 Mississippi Teacher Advisory Council.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Creekbend School

Twin hurricanes brewing in the Gulf did not dampen plans for an exciting ceremony in the Harrison County School District. On August 26, 2020, HCSD leaders, directors, and special guests gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School.

HCSD Welcomes New School Administrators, ILCs

Harrison County School District is excited to welcome our new principals, assistant principals, and instructional literacy coaches. Congratulations to our new school leaders on their new roles and best wishes for a wonderful 2020-21 school year!

HCSD Cafeteria Team Makes Huge Impact

HCSD Child Nutrition Team reached a major milestone by logging 88 days of service and nearly 233,000 meals served.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information for HCSD Families

This page is dedicated to providing information to Harrison County School District families and the public regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and the District's response to this global health emergency.

2020-21 Registration Now Open for Returning HCSD Students

Registration is now open for students who are returning to the Harrison County School District for the 2020-21 school year. Check out the list of frequently asked questions regarding the registration process.

2020-21 Registration Opens for New HCSD Students

Online registration is now open for students who are beginning kindergarten or students who are new to HCSD for the 2020-21 school year. Here is a list of answers to frequently asked questions to help guide you through the registration process.

For the first time, HCSD staff joined the HealthyWage school weight loss challenge and lost over 700 pounds total. The team from Three Rivers Elementary took home a $1,500 prize for losing the most weight in the school district.

HCSD Team Loses Weight, Wins Money in National Challenge

HCSD High Schools Hold Traditional Graduations

It was a moment many people did not think would be possible, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But at the end of May, around 900 seniors in the Harrison County School District were able to experience a traditional graduation, instead of a virtual ceremony.

D'Iberville High Class of 2020

Congratulations to the D'Iberville High Class of 2020!

West Harrison High Class of 2020

Congratulations to the West Harrison High Class of 2020!

Harrison Central High Class of 2020

Congratulations to the Harrison Central High Class of 2020

West Harrison High Senior Achieves Perfect Attendance

A West Harrison High senior wore quite an impressive medal on her graduation day. Desirae Dorr has never missed a day of school, and she is the only student in her class to achieve perfect attendance for all 13 years of school.

HCSD High School Principals, Staff Surprise Vals & Sals

Graduating seniors missed out on Senior Awards Night and hearing the big announcement of who will be their Class of 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of many senior activities and traditions this year. Administrators and staff at all three high schools in the Harrison County School District decided to make the announcement special by surprising their top two ranking students.

D'Iberville Hosts Community Parade to Celebrate Seniors

The city of D'Iberville turned into a sea of black and gold as hundreds of decorated vehicles rolled through town on May 16, 2020. The community came out in force to honor the D’Iberville High Class of 2020 with a special Senior Parade.

HCSD High Schools Honor Seniors with Parades

The Class of 2020 missed so many senior traditions due to COVID-19. Teachers and staff at all three high schools in Harrison County School District hosted Senior Parades to celebrate the students and their accomplishments.

Return to School Survey for HCSD Families

The Harrison County School District is conducting a survey to seek input from HCSD families on their wishes for reopening schools in August.

Four HCSD Seniors Named National Merit Finalists

Four seniors in the Harrison County School District have been named 2020 National Merit Finalists. Three of the finalists are from Harrison Central High, and the fourth student is from D'Iberville High.

HCSD Hearts for Healthcare Heroes Campaign

Harrison County School District wants to show our support and gratitude to the amazing nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers who are caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are kicking off our HCSD Hearts for Healthcare Heroes campaign.

HCSD Schools Honored with 20 PREPS Awards

Harrison County School District received 20 PREPS value-added awards during a ceremony in Hattiesburg. The awards program recognized schools across Mississippi, based on the latest state assessments, along with school district ACT average test scores.

HCSD Wins Governor’s Partnership Award

Harrison County School District won a major award at the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education (MAPE) Conference in Hattiesburg. On March 4, 2020, MAPE presented HCSD with the Governor’s Partnership Award for the district’s “Count Me In” Attendance Matters Campaign for 2018-19. The award celebrates the District’s successful partnership with over 25 community partners who joined forces to combat chronic absenteeism.

HCSD Receives Beacon Award for Excellence

Harrison County School District was recently honored with the Beacon Award for being an “A” rated district.

Expansion & Renovation of North Gulfport Underway

You may have seen a lot of construction going on lately at North Gulfport Middle School. That’s because the expansion and renovation of the North Gulfport campus is officially underway.

HCSD Honors Teacher, Administrator of Year

It was an exciting night as the Harrison County School Board honored the 2019-20 Teachers of the Year from each campus in the Harrison County School District! HCSD also announced the District Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year.

HCSD Canceling 2020 Teacher Job Fair

In response to guidance from local, state, and federal health agencies regarding attending large events and mass gatherings during this time, the Harrison County School District has canceled its Teacher Job Fair on March 24, 2020.

Three HCSD Teachers Win Ingalls Grants

Three teachers in the Harrison County School District received grants from Ingalls, totaling close to $10,500. The funds will be used to support classroom projects that will spark more interest in STEM.

West Harrison High Band Performs in First Rose Parade

West Harrison High band members just returned from a trip that they will never forget. The band performed in the 131st Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA on New Year's Day. They brought home many wonderful memories from this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

HCSD High Schools Sweep State Cheer Titles

It was a historic sweep! For the first time, all three high school cheerleading squads in the Harrison County School District won state championship titles in their divisions. D’Iberville High also brought home a state championship award in dance.

HCSD Roof Hardening Project Nearing Completion

A huge roof hardening project in the Harrison County School District is in its final stages. Work is currently underway on eight buildings that are in need of stronger roofs to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 180 miles per hour. FEMA approved a nearly $7 million grant in August of 2018 for the roof renovation project.

Harrison Central Senior Receives Full Ride to Stanford

Seth Nguyen is overwhelmed with excitement after learning he will be attending his dream college, without having to pay tuition! Seth is a senior at Harrison Central High School. The 18-year-old found out this week that he will receive a full ride to Stanford University in California, one of the top-ranked universities in the world.

American Heart Association Honors HCSD Heart Heroes

The American Heart Association thanked the Harrison County School District for running a successful campaign to raise money for the organization and for participating in the Gulf Coast Heart Walk. More than ten schools and team captains were also recognized for being "Heart Heroes".

Groundbreaking for New West Harrison Middle School

Exactly one year after voters approved a bond issue to address growth and safety in the Harrison County School District, the district broke ground on the new West Harrison Middle School.

MS Education Superintendent Celebrates HCSD A Rating

It was quite a treat on Halloween, as Dr. Carey Wright brought her “Celebration of Excellence” tour to the Harrison County School District. On October 31, 2019, the State Superintendent of Education and Mississippi Representative Richard Bennett personally congratulated HCSD for earning an A rating.

Pineville Elementary Hosts National Blue Ribbon Celebration

Pineville Elementary was decked out in blue on October 25, 2019, as the school hosted a community National Blue Ribbon School celebration. Harrison County School District leaders and other invited guests gathered in the school gym to recognize Pineville Elementary’s remarkable achievement.

HCSD Awards First Darrell Saucier Innovative Classroom Grants

A Harrison County man’s generosity will help teachers turn their innovative classroom ideas into reality. On Monday, the Harrison County School District announced the first recipients of the Darrell Saucier Innovative Classroom Grant.

HCSD Schools Recognized for State Academic Excellence

Harrison County School District leaders celebrated the amazing achievements of our schools Monday night! Harrison County School Board members joined HCSD Superintendent Roy Gill in presenting banners to ten A-rated schools and five B-rated schools. HCSD will also proudly display a banner for earning the District’s first “A” rating.

Pineville Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon School

A third school in the Harrison County School District has earned one of the most prestigious academic distinctions in the nation. On September 26, the U.S. Department of Education named Pineville Elementary as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. The big news sent waves of excitement throughout the school and across the small community.

Harrison County School District Achieves First A Rating in History

Harrison County School District achieved an A-rating. It is the first A rating in the district’s history. HCSD now ranks among the top 25 school districts in Mississippi. Plus, West Harrison High is ranked third in the state, while Pineville Elementary is ranked sixth in Mississippi.

Four HCSD Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

Four high school seniors in the Harrison County School District have been named Semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. Three students are from Harrison Central High, and one student is from D’Iberville High School.

HCSD-MAAP State Assessment 2018-19 School Summary

Harrison County School District made great strides on the latest Mississippi Academic Assessment Program. On Monday night, HCSD's curriculum director presented some impressive results to the Harrison County School Board.

HCSD 2018 Bond Issue Project Updates

HCSD is making progress on plans to build two new schools, renovate a middle school, and upgrade security entrances at ten campuses as part of the 2018 Bond Issue. All projects are expected to be completed by August of 2021.

HCSD Announces Plans for Large Monetary Donation

A group of new teachers in the Harrison County School District received quite a surprise on orientation day. They were among the first to hear exciting plans for a large monetary donation from a Harrison County man.

Tournament of Roses President Visits West Harrison High

The president of the Tournament of Roses Parade paid a special visit to West Harrison High on August 3rd to personally invite the Hurricane Band to participate in the Rose Parade.

HCSD Implementing Hall Pass System for School Visitors

The Harrison County School District is taking extra measures this year to enhance the safety and security of our students and staff. Starting in the 2019-20 school year, HCSD is implementing a new screening system for every person who visits our schools, including central office.

UPDATE: FREE BOOK BAGS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL KINDERGARTNERS IN HCSD!

Keesler Federal Credit Union will be donating assorted school supplies and backpacks to kindergartners in our school district for the incoming 2019-2020 school year.

HCSD Welcomes New Assistant Principals

Some are familiar faces. Others are new to the Harrison County School District. Meet six new assistant principals for the 2019-20 school year.

HCSD School Registration Underway for Returning Students

ATTENTION HCSD PARENTS & GUARDIANS - PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING SCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR THE 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR!

Former HCHS Baseball Star Makes Big League Debut

Former Harrison Central High baseball standout Bobby Bradley’s dream of playing in the Big Leagues finally came true. The slugger received his long-awaited call-up to the Cleveland Indians on June 22.

PreK4Ward Program Expands in HCSD

The PreK4Ward program is now being offered on two additional campuses in the Harrison County School District. The expansion means there will be a total of six PreK4Ward classes in HCSD for the 2019-20 school year.

D'Iberville High Seniors Receive College Degree Before Diploma

Five D’Iberville High seniors made history this year by becoming the first students in the Harrison County School District to earn their college degree, before receiving their high school diploma! The students were enrolled in the district's new Collegiate Academy program.

Former WHHS Baseball Star Drafted by Atlanta Braves

A former West Harrison High baseball star is heading to the big leagues. Brandon Parker found out Tuesday that he has been selected in the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves.

Coast Man Donates His Life Savings to HCSD

A Mississippi Coast man has donated over $600,000 of his savings to the Harrison County School District. Mr. Darrell Saucier recently passed away, and he named HCSD as the beneficiary of his savings account.

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HCSD Hosting Parent Math Nights

Harrison County School District is hosting two Parent Math Nights to provide training and tips for parents to help their child improve their math skills. Registration is required and space is limited.

Fourth HCSD Junior Achieves Perfect ACT Score

Harrison County School District made history this year when a fourth junior made the highest score possible on the ACT. Congratulations to Chase Yano of Harrison Central High for achieving a perfect 36! This is also a historic ACT school year for Harrison Central.

West Harrison High - Class of 2019

Congratulations to the West Harrison High Class of 2019!

Harrison Central High - Class of 2019

Congratulations to the Harrison Central High School Class of 2019!

D'Iberville High School - Class of 2019

Congratulations to the D'Iberville High Class of 2019!

12 HCSD Schools Honored for Attendance Achievements

A huge congratulations to all of our schools and administrators in the Harrison County School District who were honored for their attendance achievements! District leaders announced the winners of the 2018-19 HCSD “Count Me In” attendance campaign and surprised them with plaques, certificates, and gifts.

Two HCSD Teachers Honored with Leo Seal Awards

Two teachers in the Harrison County School District were honored with the Hancock-Whitney Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Award. The award comes with a grant to fund their creative classroom projects.

HCSD Receives Lighthouse Leader Lantern Award

Harrison County School District received the prestigious Lighthouse School Leader Lantern Award. HCSD was one of only 18 school districts in Mississippi to qualify for this special recognition.

Two Harrison Central High Juniors Achieve Perfect 36 ACT Score

Two more students in the Harrison County School District have achieved the highest composite score on the ACT! Alyssa Stoner and Jeremy Wright have both made a perfect 36 score on the American College Test.

Meet 2018-19 HCSD Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Kathryn Farmer has been named Harrison County School District’s 2018-19 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Farmer is a proud graduate of Harrison County and always knew HCSD was where she wanted to teach.

Meet 2018-19 HCSD Administrator of the Year

Mrs. Melanie Upton has been named Harrison County School District’s 2018-19 Administrator of the Year. Mrs. Upton started her teaching career in HCSD in 1995. Now, she has achieved one of the district’s highest honors.

HCSD Teachers Awarded $9,000 in Ingalls STEM Grants

Three teachers in the Harrison County School District were recognized by Ingalls Shipbuilding for their dedication to promoting STEM skills in their classrooms. They were among 31 teachers and organizations from across Mississippi and Alabama who received grants during a special ceremony at the Pascagoula shipyard on Friday.

Harrison Central Seniors Accepted into Ivy League Schools

Three Harrison Central High School seniors are overjoyed after learning they have been accepted into elite schools, including two Ivy League universities. Now, they want other students to know a college dream this big can become a reality.

Voters Show Strong Support for $55 Million Bond Issue

Harrison County School District maintenance teams are measuring school entrances to start safety improvements and preliminary site preparations are underway on several properties. The work began soon after HCSD voters overwhelmingly approved a $55 million bond issue to expand and upgrade campuses throughout the district.

HCSD Launches "Count Me In" Attendance Campaign

The Harrison County School District is proud to launch the "Count Me In" campaign to help boost student attendance and academic achievement. This new campaign supports MDE's efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism in schools across the state. HCSD is challenging every school in the district to increase their attendance rates by at least two-percent this year. The top three schools will be honored during a district wide celebration in April of 2019.

HCSD Celebrates School Achievements with Banners

It was a night to celebrate school achievements in the Harrison County School District! On Monday, the Harrison County School Board honored 17 schools in HCSD for earning an A or B on the latest Performance Level Grades from the Mississippi Department of Education. Each school received a banner to proudly display on their campus.

HCSD Gains 22 Points, Doubles A-Rated Schools

The Harrison County School District made another large leap on the latest MDE accountability report. HCSD gained a total of 22 points and doubled the number of A-rated schools.

D'Iberville High junior honored by MDE for making 36 ACT score

A D'Iberville High junior was honored by MDE this month for achieving one of his biggest academic goals. Michael Steil made a perfect 36 score on his ACT.

HCSD state test scores continue to rise

The latest MDE report shows state test scores in the Harrison County School District keep rising. The Mississippi Department of Education released statewide results from the 2017-18 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) Thursday, and the numbers look quite impressive for HCSD.

Two HCSD Students Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists

The Harrison County School District is proud to announce that Luke Sauls and Tuong Tran have been selected as Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The exciting news comes just months after they made the Semifinalist list in this prestigious competition.