Back to School Family Guide
2025 - 2026
Don't miss news, events, activities & celebrations shared by the district & your school. Download the BCS app and select the schools you wish to receive notifications from. And, when you enable notifications, you won't miss a beat!
Student's primary & secondary contacts are automatically enrolled to receive NTouch messages. Community members may also sign up at the link below.
Learn more about how you can get connected and stay informed by clicking the link below.
Please click Bus Schedules below and type your address to check the most recent bus pick-up/drop-off times and locations. Don't see your stop listed or need to request a bus stop? Please contact the Transportation Department at (304) 267-3575.
Our school district partners with Edulog Parent Portal to give you access to a smartphone app to improve communication, school bus safety, and efficiency. The Edulog Parent Portal app provides you with information on the GPS location of your child’s school bus and sends you a push notification when the bus is nearing your bus stop or other locations that you define – such as the school or neighborhood entrance. To learn more, click the link below.
Good news, BCS families!
- Breakfast and lunch are FREE for all Berkeley County Schools students again this year!
- New this year: Students can now choose their lunch meal right in line — giving them the freedom to pick what they’re most excited to eat.
Completing your student’s Annual Forms & Information Updates is essential for their safety, well-being, and uninterrupted access to learning. This quick online process updates emergency contacts, medical details, IEP information, permissions (including photo/media consent), technology agreements, and Student Handbook acknowledgment.
Accurate information helps schools respond quickly in emergencies, communicate important updates, and provide the right support. Without a completed technology agreement, students cannot use school-issued devices.
Submit your forms today or contact your student’s principal for assistance. Paper forms will no longer be accepted.
REMINDER: Proof of Vaccinations Needed for Your Student to Start School
Please make sure your student is ready for a healthy school year by making sure all required vaccinations are up to date before the first day of school. This includes immunizations for pre-K, K–12 entry, and those specifically required for 7th and 12th grades. Staying current helps protect your child—and others—from preventable illnesses.
Berkeley County Schools is committed to operating within the boundaries of West Virginia law and following guidance from state agencies. While we recognize there are differing views regarding West Virginia Code §16-3-4, the Governor’s Executive Order, and directives from the West Virginia Board of Education, we are obligated to follow what we understand to be the controlling and enforceable law until further clarification is provided by the courts or legislature.
At Berkeley County Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Our emergency protocols and terminology ensure we are fully prepared for potential hazards, enhancing the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors.
We are committed to providing a safe learning environment and will continue to review and improve our protocols as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our schools safe.
What should I expect as a parent or guardian?
- A continuation of practice drills for students throughout the school year.
- Communication will be shared electronically if there is a significant incident that requires the school to take protective actions, such as locking down, securing the building, or evacuating.
How can I contribute to School Safety as a Parent or Guardian?
- Complete your child's online Annual Emergency Information Update every year.
- Sign up to receive NTouch messages so that you will get information if there is an emergency situation.
- Complete any paperwork sent home by your child's teacher promptly.
- Immediately update any changing phone number with your child's school.
- Always bring a photo ID when visiting the school.
- Understand that you will be held in our secure entryways when engaging in a quick visit with the school.
- Model safe and respectful behavior in front of your children.
At Berkeley County Schools, we know that showing up to school every day is one of the most important factors in student success. That’s why we encourage all students to Strive for Less Than 5—fewer than five absences per semester!
Why it matters:
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Missing just a few days can make it harder to keep up with lessons.
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Good attendance builds strong habits for the future.
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Being present helps students stay connected with teachers and classmates.
How families can help:
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Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible.
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Encourage daily routines and on-time arrivals.
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Communicate with the school if your child must be absent.
Let’s work together to keep students in class, engaged, and learning—because every day counts!
The first day of school is almost here! Make sure your school-issued device is ready to go so you can start the year without any tech delays.
Before the First Day:
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Fully charge your device.
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Power it on to ensure it works properly.
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Connect to the internet.
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Test access to frequently used school websites.
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Accept and install all available updates.
If You Experience Issues:
Students should work with their teacher to submit a support ticket as soon as school begins.
Start the year strong by being tech-ready—no dead batteries, no login problems, just a smooth start to a great year!
To help everyone stay focused and avoid distractions, students are not permitted to use smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, AirPods, or Bluetooth headphones during class time.
Limiting cell phone use helps keep our classrooms focused, respectful, and fair for everyone. Studies show that cell phones can distract students, make it harder to concentrate, and even affect mental health.
Grades PK–5
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Students may bring personal electronic devices to school.
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Devices must be silent or turned off.
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Devices must stay in a locker, backpack, or a spot chosen by the teacher during the school day.
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Students may use devices again after dismissal.
Grades 6–12
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Students may bring personal electronic devices to school.
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Devices must be silent or turned off and put away during all instructional periods (based on the school bell schedule) and during class changes.
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Principals may allow devices before the first class, during lunch, and after school.
Need to Reach Your Student?
Please call the school’s main office during the day. In an emergency, parents will be contacted using the numbers on the Annual Forms & Information Updates, which are completed online.
We want everyone focused on learning and feeling comfortable at school! Here’s the quick version of our dress code:
✅ Cover up: Shirts, pants, skirts, and dresses must fully cover your back, midriff, and undergarments.
✅ Length check: Shorts/skirts should reach mid-thigh or longer.
✅ Shoes on: Wear secure shoes—no slippers.
✅ Hats off: No hats, hoods, or sunglasses in class (unless approved).
✅ Keep it kind: No clothing with profanity, weapons, drugs, or hateful messages.
✅ Safe accessories: No spikes, heavy chains, or anything that could cause harm.
Let’s keep our classrooms safe, respectful, and distraction-free!
Anyone wishing to become a volunteer with Berkeley County Schools must first complete the Meghan’s Law Training Video provided by the West Virginia Department of Education and successfully pass the accompanying quiz.
Once the training and quiz are completed, you will receive an email from Berkeley County Schools with a link to complete a background screening through Secure Volunteer.
Please follow the link below for training resources and more information. If you have any questions, please call 304-267-3500.