Virginia law requires that all children of compulsory school attendance age attend school each day that school is in session unless otherwise provided for by School Board policy or Virginia law. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children attend school regularly. Parents should be aware that attendance officers are authorized to enforce attendance requirements and to refer students and/or their parents to the courts for legal action, if necessary.

• Review attendance expectations, absences, tardies, and excused absences before the school year begins in the PWCS Attendance Guidelines.

• You will acknowledge the PWCS attendance policy when completing the Back to School Packet.
• Report your student's absence through ParentVUE or follow your school's attendance reporting procedures, as reporting processes may vary by school.

Learn more about Attendance in PWCS

Bus schedules, routes, and transportation updates are available through ParentVUE, StudentVUE, and the EZArrival app.

• Preliminary bus schedules will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE on August 14, 2026.
• Check ParentVUE/StudentVUE for the most up-to-date bus stop, route, and transportation information before the first day of school and check it regularly during the first few weeks of school, as routes and schedules may change.
• Download the EZArrival app to receive real-time bus location and delay updates.
• Have questions or concerns? Contact the Transportation Customer Service team using the online contact form.

Reminders for Preschool and Kindergarten Bus Riders

• Preschool and kindergarten students must be accompanied to and from bus stops by a parent, guardian, or other authorized individual.
• Before the First Day of School: Complete the required Preschool/Kindergarten Authorization Form in the Back to School Packet in ParentVUE before the first day of school.
• Each School Day
  • Morning: A person listed on the authorization form must meet the bus at the stop each morning.
  • Afternoon: A person listed on the authorization form must meet the bus at the stop and present a valid government/state ID to the driver each afternoon.

View PWCS Bus Transportation Information

The PWCS Code of Behavior outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and rules that help create safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments for all students.

• Review the Code of Behavior with your student before the school year begins.
• A parent or guardian for every student must acknowledge his/her awareness of the Code of Behavior content as required by law (Va. Code Section 22.1-279.3).
• You will be asked to acknowledge that you have read the PWCS Code of Behavior when completing the Back to School Packet in ParentVUE.

• Student schedules and teacher assignments will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE on August 17 and 18, 2026.
• Review your student's schedule before the first day of school so they know where to go and when classes begin.
• Contact your student's school or teachers for classroom-specific schedules and daily routines.

View the 2026-27 Bell Schedules

Set yourself up for success before the school year begins by ensuring you are connected with PWCS and your student's school. Staying informed helps ensure you receive important updates throughout the school year.

• Visit your student's school website for important resources, calendars, contact information, and back to school updates.
• Verify your contact information in ParentVUE, so you receive emails, text messages, and emergency notifications from PWCS and your student's school.
• Follow PWCS and your student's school through their communication channels to stay informed about news, events, and important announcements throughout the year – including content you won't see anywhere else.

Staying Connected in PWCS

Start the school year by exploring meal options, payment information, and nutrition resources available to your student.

• Review daily breakfast and lunch menus, nutrition information, and allergens online through MealViewer before the first day of school and throughout the school year.
• If your student has dietary restrictions or food allergies, review available accommodations and contact your school's cafeteria manager with questions.

Paying for School Meals

• View current breakfast, lunch, and à la carte meal prices. Breakfast and lunch prices have increased for the 2026-27 school year.
• Use MySchoolBucks to add funds, view balances and purchases, and set low-balance reminders to your student's meal account online, or pay with cash or a check through your school's Cafeteria Manager.
• View the 69 schools where all students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Program.
• Families may qualify for free or reduced-price meals, which can also help determine eligibility for other programs and services. Learn about eligibility and apply online.

View PWCS School Meals Information

Learn about the updated PWCS grading practices before the school year begins so you know what to expect and how your student's academic progress will be measured.

• Review the updated grading practices that take effect during the 2026–27 school year, including changes to grading scales, assessments, and grade reporting for students in grades 6–12.
• Monitor your student's academic progress throughout the school year in ParentVUE and contact your student's teacher with questions about classroom grades or assignments.

View PWCS Grading Information

Prepare for the school year by reviewing student health requirements and submitting any required health forms before the first day of school.

• Explore the Student Health Services website for medication guidance, required forms, school nurse services, and other resources to help keep your student healthy and ready to learn.
• Review immunization and school physical examination requirements on the Health Requirements webpage to ensure your student is ready for the new school year.
• If your student needs medication at school, submit the required authorization forms and provide medication in its original, sealed container before the first day of school.

Stay informed throughout the school year by keeping track of important PWCS and school-specific dates.

• Review the PWCS school calendar for holidays, teacher workdays, grading periods, and other key divisionwide dates.
• Check your student's school website for school-specific events, activities, and important deadlines.
• Download or print the Printable 2026-27 Month-at-a-Glance Calendar (PDF) for a quick reference throughout the school year.

View the 2026-27 School Calendar

Explore ways to get involved to build connections, support your student's success, and become an active member of the school community.

• Visit your student's school website to learn about volunteer opportunities, parent organizations, school events, and other opportunities for families.
• Explore PWCS resources that support families, strengthen school partnerships, and connect you with learning opportunities throughout the year.

Learn More

• Family & Community Engagement – Explore divisionwide partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to connect with PWCS and the community.
• Family Engagement Series – Access free workshops and resources to support your child's learning and development at every grade level.
• Parent Resource Center – Find resources, trainings, and support for families, including those supporting students receiving special education services.

Before the school year begins, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the standardized emergency response terms PWCS uses. Understanding these terms will help you better understand school communications if an emergency occurs.

• Learn what Hold, Secure the Building, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter in Place mean and how each response helps keep students and staff safe.
• Understand how PWCS communicates with families during emergencies, weather events, and other incidents.
• Talk with your student about school safety procedures so they know what to expect if an emergency response is ever needed.

View PWCS Crisis & Emergency Preparedness Information

Explore the academic programs, courses, and learning opportunities available to your student. Knowing where to find these resources can help you support your student's learning throughout the school year.

• Explore PWCS academic programs, subject areas, and learning opportunities available at every grade level.
• Middle and high school families can review the PWCS Course Catalog to learn about available courses and graduation pathways.
• Visit the Academic Programs & Subject Areas webpage throughout the school year to find curriculum information, instructional resources, and academic programs.

Support your student's well-being before the school year begins by learning about the mental health resources and services available through PWCS. Knowing where to turn can help you quickly access support if your student needs it during the school year.

• Parents and guardians can opt their student into Hazel Health through ParentVUE to access no-cost virtual telehealth mental health services for students in grades Pre-K–12.

Learn More

• Mental Health Resources – Find mental health information, crisis resources, and community supports for students and families.
• School Counseling Services – Learn how school counselors support students' academic, social-emotional, and career development.

Know where to find the latest information before the school year begins so you don't miss important updates, events, and announcements throughout the year.

• Visit the PWCS website for division news, important announcements, and information that may impact your student.
• Check your student's school website regularly for school-specific news, events, calendars, and reminders.
• Follow PWCS on social media for timely updates, celebrations, and stories from across the division.

Did you know PWCS students in grades 6-12 have free access to Varsity Tutors? Explore this resource before the school year begins so your student is ready to access academic support whenever they need it.

• Students can access Varsity Tutors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the PWCS Portal using their PWCS username and password.
• Varsity Tutors provides homework help, test preparation, writing support, live classes, and enrichment opportunities across a variety of subjects.
• Bookmark this resource so it's easy to find whenever your student needs extra academic support during the school year.

View Free Online Tutoring Information

PWCS provides several online tools to help families stay connected, access student information, and manage school-related tasks throughout the school year.

• Use ParentVUE to complete the Back to School Packet and access grades, attendance, transportation information, report cards, and other student information.
• Create a Canvas Observer account to monitor classroom assignments, course materials, and teacher communication.
• Download EZArrival to track your student's school bus and receive transportation updates.
• Manage your student's meal account with MySchoolBucks to add funds and make meal payments.
• View breakfast and lunch menus online through MealViewer.

PWCS Apps & Technology Information

Not sure where to start? Before the school year begins, explore the PWCS website for answers to common questions and resources for families. If you still need assistance, your student's school is the best place to start.

• Academic questions, assignments, or grades – Contact your student's teacher.
• Attendance, schedules, records, or general school questions – Contact your school's main office.
• Health, medications, or immunizations – Contact your school's clinic for student-specific questions or visit the Student Health Services webpage.
• Transportation questions or concerns – Contact the Transportation Customer Service team using the online contact form for questions about bus routes, stops, or other transportation services. Messages are tracked to help ensure a prompt response.
• Passwords or account support – Use the PWCS Password Self-Service tools to reset or manage your password. If you still need assistance, contact your student's school for help with ParentVUE, Canvas, or other PWCS account access.
• Can't find what you're looking for? Explore the PWCS Departments & Offices webpage to connect with the appropriate department or office for additional assistance and resources.

Each school year, PWCS provides families with important notifications, policies, and opt-out opportunities required by federal and state law. Take time to review these notices and complete any forms that apply to your student.

• Review annual notifications and determine whether any opt-out forms apply to your family.
• Some acknowledgments and required notifications are completed through the Back to School Packet in ParentVUE.
• Submit any required forms by the applicable deadlines to ensure your preferences are recorded for the school year.

Learn More

• View Required Notifications and Opt-Out Forms
• How to Opt-Out of Student Information/Photo Disclosure
• How to Opt-Out of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Snapshot

Help your student start the school year prepared by gathering the supplies they need before the first day of school.

• Visit your student's school website for the most current school supply list and any teacher-specific requests.
• Take advantage of Virginia's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, August 7–9, 2026, to save on eligible school supplies, clothing, and footwear.
• If your family needs assistance obtaining school supplies, contact your student's school to learn about available resources and support.

Did you know PWCS offers a Tip Line and anonymous reporting tools to help keep our schools safe? Before the school year begins, take a few minutes to learn how these resources work so you know where to turn if you ever have a safety concern.

• The PWCS Tip Line allows students, families, staff, and community members to report school safety concerns.
• Students in grades 6–12 and staff can also use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System to anonymously report serious safety concerns.
• Reports are reviewed promptly so the appropriate support and response can be provided. In an emergency, always call 911.

Learn more about the Tip Line

Before the school year begins, review your family's contact information to ensure your student's school can reach you with important updates and in the event of an emergency.

• Review and update your contact information, emergency contacts, and other family information through the Back to School Packet in ParentVUE.
• If your address, phone number, email address, or emergency contacts change during the school year, you must log in to ParentVUE and make updates in the Back to School packet.

View Back to School Packet Instructions

Before visiting your student's school, take a few minutes to review PWCS visitor procedures. These procedures help maintain safe and secure learning environments for students, staff, and visitors.

• All visitors must enter through the main office or designated entrance, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and state the purpose of their visit.
• PWCS uses a visitor identification system to monitor visitors and identify registered sex offenders.
• Visitors will receive a visitor badge that must be worn while in the building and returned before leaving.

View PWCS Visitor Information

Familiarize yourself with PWCS guidance on when your student should stay home due to illness and when it is appropriate for them to return to school. Knowing where to find this information can help you make informed decisions throughout the school year.

• Review the When to Keep Students Home: A Guide to Student Illness for guidance on common illnesses, symptoms, and return-to-school recommendations.
• Follow your school's attendance procedures if your student will be absent due to illness.
• Check the guidance throughout the school year whenever your student becomes sick.

Printable Resources

Student Illness Guide - English (PDF)

Student Illness Guide - Spanish (PDF)

Before the school year begins, take time to explore your student's school website and the PWCS website. It's the best place to find school-specific information and resources throughout the year.

• Learn about your school's programs, activities, athletics, performing arts, and other opportunities available to students.
• Find school-specific calendars, staff directories, supply lists, bell schedules, and important announcements.
• Bookmark your school's website so you can quickly access information and resources throughout the school year.

PWCS Schools Directory

Every student is unique, and PWCS offers a variety of resources and services to support students throughout their educational journey. Explore these resources before the school year begins so you know where to turn if your student ever needs additional support.

• Learn about academic, behavioral, mental health, college and career, and family support resources available to students.
• If you have questions or concerns about your student's academic progress, well-being, or future planning, start by contacting your student's teacher, school counselor, or school administrator.

View Resources for When Your Student Needs Assistance

You're almost ready for the first day of school! Use this final checklist to make sure you've completed the most important back to school tasks before classes begin.

1. Complete the Back to School Packet in ParentVUE.
2. Confirm your student's transportation information, class schedule, and school supply list.
3. Bookmark this Back to School webpage and your student's school website so important information is always within reach throughout the school year.