Back-to-School
Dear RPS Families,
Welcome back! We are so thrilled to have you here. As we dive into the 2026-27 school year, I am excited about the fantastic journey our students, staff, and families are about to embark on. RPS buildings are joyful places, filled with teaching, learning, and growing, and each and every one of our school communities is unique — and, we hope, a great home for you and your child. We strive for every student to feel a sense of belonging in the classroom, and for every parent to feel engaged and secure in their child’s education. Each school year is a fresh start, and we’re truly excited to kick things off strong!
Family Checklist
Our 2026-27 Family Checklist — also available in Spanish — includes everything you need to know and do for the upcoming school year. Please complete each item that applies to your family as soon as possible.
School-to-Home Communication
As always, communication between our schools and families remains the key to our success. Towards that end, I want to highlight some of the best ways to stay connected with RPS:
- RPS Direct: Visit the RPS Direct webpage to subscribe to our newsletter! Every Monday, you’ll receive a message from me, calendar updates, and events/opportunities available for students and families; Wednesday features our student and staff profiles, and School Board recaps; and Friday celebrates the extraordinary work of our students and staff across Richmond.
- ParentSquare: This year, our goal is that ALL school communications — from your teacher, principal, band director, after-school coordinator, and volleyball coach — will come via ParentSquare. We’ve heard from plenty of families about “app fatigue” when they’re asked to download different, specific apps. Many of these apps also put the cost burden on families, which goes against our divisionwide commitment to equity and accessibility. ParentSquare is completely free for families, and your one-stop shop for any and all RPS communications this year. Visit the ParentSquare website to be prompted to register your account.
- Social Media: Follow us on Instagram @rvaschools or like us on Facebook @richmondpublicschools to learn what’s happening across the Division, find out about events in your schools and community, and be inspired by the work of our students, teachers, parents, and partners. All schools (and many clubs and PTAs) also have an Instagram or Facebook presence — talk to your teacher or principal to find out more.
Please note that over the summer, we transitioned our student information system (SIS) from Aspen to PowerSchool. This gives our teachers and staff many more tools to serve families quickly, transparently, and efficiently, though we are still getting up to speed on its many features. The most important thing for families is to make sure their email, phone number, address, and family contacts are up to date. Stop by your main office or talk to your teacher if you think this information needs updating.
Our staff is excited to welcome you back and get off to a year full of excitement, discovery, and love! We love you here and are honored to serve you and your family.
With great appreciation,
Jason Kamras
RPS Superintendent
Need to Know
Make Sure You’re on Time
We love you here at RPS and look forward to welcoming every student. To ease student transitions, we will again implement a staggered start to the 2026-27 school year. The first day of school for students in grades Preschool through 5, 6, and 9 is Monday, August 24. The first day for all other students — grades 7-8 and 10-12 is Tuesday, August 25. Your 2026-27 start times are as follows:
- Preschool: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
- Elementary School: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
- Middle School: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
- High School: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Please note a few transportation-related exceptions:
- River City Middle School uses the high school schedule.
- Cardinal Elementary, Chimborazo Elementary, Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary, Frances McClenney Elementary, George W. Carver Elementary, and Westover Hills Elementary use the middle school schedule.
Know Where to Go
School bus routes can be found on our website. Check this page frequently, as routes may change based on enrollment. Your principal will also let you know if your journey is impacted.
Acceptable Technology and Cell Phone Use Policy
In accordance with Virginia Executive Order 33, RPS has implemented a cell phone-free learning environment. From the first bell to dismissal—including lunch and transitions—cell phones, wearable technology (smartwatches, smart glasses, etc.), tablets, and any other non-RPS-issued technology must be turned off and stored out of sight unless otherwise noted via documented special accommodations. This applies to all classrooms, hallways, restrooms, outdoor areas, and the cafeteria.
Clear Backpack Policy
As part of RPS’ ongoing efforts to enhance safety for students and staff members, clear backpack requirements will remain in effect for the 2026-27 school year. This preventive safety and security measure helps ensure our schools are safe and productive learning environments.
A clear backpack must be:
- Completely clear on all sides except the bottom
- Backpack-sized or similar. Smaller bags are permitted, but larger ones are not
- Still subject to inspection by the Care and Safety Team
Permitted exceptions:
- A small, non-transparent pouch for personal hygiene items
- School-approved sport-specific carrying case for athletic equipment
- School-approved instrument-specific carrying case for band equipment
- School-approved cases for medical equipment
For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit our clear backpack policy page.
Divisionwide Calendar
The approved calendar for the 2026-27 school year is available on our the division calendar page in English and Spanish. Use this to stay on top of federal holidays, school breaks, and teacher-planning days.
PowerSchool, Canvas, and ParentSquare
Over the summer, RPS changed student information systems (SIS) — going from Aspen to PowerSchool. Please contact your school’s front office to ensure that all your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool, as it is used to feed into other RPS systems.
All school- and Division-based communications will come through ParentSquare this year. Make sure to download the app to stay in touch with your children’s teachers, coaches, administrators, and aftercare providers.
Beginning of Year Paperwork
We know that back-to-school is a busy time, and we appreciate you taking a few minutes to help us out by filling out the forms below. RPS will once again offer parents and caregivers the option to complete Beginning-of-Year paperwork digitally through ParentSquare. We recommend doing so from a desktop browser, not the app. If you would like, you may pick up paper copies at your front desk or print and download a packet below. Please note that the allergy form can only be filled out in person, as it requires a health provider's signature. Please complete each item that applies to your family as soon as possible, and return by October 1.
Forms to Be Returned
- Acknowledgment of PDF Documents | Acuse de recibo de documentos PDF
- Health History Information Form | Formulario de información de salud de la escuela
- Media Release Opt Out | Política de medios de comunicación y autorización de publicación
- Parental Consent for Billing Public Insurance (FAMIS) | Consentimiento de los padres para facturar al seguro médico público
- SCORE Acknowledgement | Reconocimiento de SCORE
- Technology Usage Agreement (Grades 6-12) | Acuerdo sobre los Dispositivos Tecnológicos (Grados 6 a 12) [Chromebooks]
Mandatory Notifications
- Richmond Public Schools is committed to keeping students, families, and staff informed. The Required Notifications page provides important information and notices that RPS must share in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Topics include student and family rights, school policies, health and safety, special education, testing, graduation requirements, and more.
- Effective July 1, 2026, amendments to § 22.1-79.3 enacted through Senate Bill 109 and House Bill 201 require school boards to notify parents within 30 calendar days of the first day of each school year about the safe storage of prescription medications and firearms, firearm-related accidents, and current youth firearm fatality statistics. Such resources are available on the Virginia Department of Education’s Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention web page.
Start Strong
To keep us all safe, healthy, and in school, please make sure your student remains up to date on all childhood immunizations. These immunizations are mandated by Virginia law, so please don’t delay! For a complete list of vaccination and physical clinics in our area, please visit the Virginia Department of Health website or call (804) 205-3501.