Hickory Public Schools

	The Accountability Department provides service and support for all state-wide testing including the End-of-Grade tests, the End-of-Course exams, and computer skills tests. The department provides assistance to the system for the implementation and sustainment of NCWISE. Assistance is also provided in the areas of Crisis Plans, Safe and Drug Free Schools and the McKinney-Vento Act.
	"School Meals, The First Step to Learning" is a slogan that our state and its child nutrition staff take to heart by meeting the needs of our students. School child nutrition programs help build healthy eating habits for life. Students in the Hickory Public Schools are provided nutritious meals through the National School Lunch Program.
	The Curriculum and Instruction Department serves the Hickory Public Schools by coordinating system-wide curricular efforts, textbook adoptions and professional development> (which includes the SEA System). We act as a clearing house and point of contact for instructional resources.> In addition, the C and I department also facilitates instructional planning and improvement efforts including addressing issues of equity and drop-out prevention.
	The Department of Exceptional Children assures the provision of appropriate educational services for students with disabilities and those who are academically or intellectually gifted. We provide support for student health services, student study teams, the development of 504 plans and pre-kindergarten programming.
	The Finance Department serves as the catalyst for the school system's administrative, instructional and support services, ensuring requirements for financial information, materials, supplies and equipment are fulfilled through sound budget, accounting, financial reporting, and procurement practices.
	The mission of the Maintenance Department is to maintain the facilities so that they provide a safe, controlled environment for all students and employees.
	The Human Resource Department provides personnel support for current employees and information about employment opportunities in our district.
	The School Nurses of Hickory Public Schools are employed through Catawba County Public Health Department. Each school in the HPS system has access to a School Nurse. School Nurses believe that health status directly influences a student's ability to learn.
	The Student Services Department manages many of the federal grants which provide funding to Hickory Public Schools. These include Title I, Title III, Title V and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools program funded under the No Child Left Behind Act. Additionally, we support the English as a Second Language program, the Welcome Center, compulsory attendance, activity buses and Driver Education.
	The Superintendent’s Office serves as the liaison to the Board of Education and has the charge of the administration of school operations. It also encompasses the areas of Human Resources, Public Relations, Partners in Education, and Volunteers.
	The Technology Department provides service and support for all system-wide, computer-based hardware and software. Personnel maintain all local and wide area networks which provide access to necessary electronic resources, such as Internet, Email and site-based software applications.