Back to School Essentials for Henrico County Students

Key Dates and Information for the 2025-26 School Year

As the new academic year approaches, students and families in Henrico County are preparing for a fresh start. The 2025-26 school year will begin on Monday, August 18, marking an exciting time for students across the district. With this transition comes several important updates and requirements that all families should be aware of.

Essential Supplies and Smart Student ID Cards

Each school within the Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) has its own list of required supplies, which families should have received through ParentSquare. These lists may also be available on the specific school’s website. It is recommended that students bring basic necessities such as backpacks, pencils, pens, folders, binders, and dry-erase markers.

In addition to these supplies, all students will receive their new Smart Student ID cards on the first day of school. These cards come with protective lanyards and covers, and they must be worn visibly at all times while on campus, including during transit between classes and when boarding or exiting the bus. This initiative was introduced during the previous school year as part of a broader safety measure aimed at enhancing student identification and security.

ParentSquare and Communication Updates

To ensure effective communication between the school district and families, parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up for or verify access to ParentSquare, the primary platform used by HCPS for notifications and updates. A new feature this year allows families to add additional contacts to their ParentSquare accounts, ensuring that all relevant family members can receive messages from teachers, staff, and school leaders.

Changes to Policies and Procedures

This school year brings several policy updates that students and families should note. One significant change involves the use of cell phones. According to the 2025-26 Code of Student Conduct, all students are required to keep their cell phones stored away and not use them at any point during the school day. However, exceptions are made for students who need devices to monitor health conditions throughout the day.

Another update pertains to the cost of school meals. Starting this year, breakfasts will cost $1.75 and lunches will be priced at $3, reflecting increases of 25 cents and 50 cents respectively. Families interested in determining their eligibility for free or reduced-cost meals can find more information through the HCPS School Nutrition Services.

Events and Support Before the School Year Begins

Before the official start of the school year, there are several events and resources available to support students and families. The Back-to-School Kickoff event, hosted at the Henrico Sports and Events Center, will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. This event will feature a variety of fun activities and also provide essential support to students in need, including the distribution of donated school supplies in backpacks.

For rising 7th and 12th graders who may still require vaccinations, the Virginia Department of Health’s Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are offering multiple free clinics before the school year begins. Additional details about these clinics can be found through local health resources.

With these updates and events in place, the start of the 2025-26 school year promises to be both informative and engaging for students and families alike.