Ready for a Successful School Year!

As we get ready to welcome students back, we’ve created this Family Back-to-School Guide to help you and your family start the school year informed, prepared, and connected. Inside, you’ll find important information about the school calendar, staying connected with your school and Berkeley County Schools, transportation, meals, annual forms, immunization requirements, safety protocols, attendance expectations, dress code, device reminders, and more.

Take a few minutes to review the guide and keep it handy throughout the school year. We’re excited to partner with you and your family for a successful year of learning and growth!

2026-2027 School Year Calendar Snapshot

Mark your calendars! Save these important dates for the upcoming school year!

First Day: August 20, 2026
Last Day: May 28, 2027 (Tentative)

No School for Students – Professional Learning (PL) & Curriculum Development (CD) Days

October 14, 2026 (PL)
March 17, 2027 (CD)

Breaks

Thanksgiving Break: November 23 – November 27, 2026
Winter Break: December 21 – January 4, 2027
Spring Break: March 29 – April 2, 2027

Holidays – Schools & Offices Closed

September 7, 2026: Labor Day
November 3, 2026: Election Day
November 11, 2026: Veterans Day
November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving Day
December 25, 2026: Christmas Day
January 1, 2027: New Year's Day
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2.5 Hour Early Dismissals – Faculty Senate Meetings (FS) & Teacher Prep Time (TP)

September 16, 2026: Teacher Prep Time
October 7, 2026: Faculty Senate Meetings
December 18, 2026: Faculty Senate Meetings
January 19, 2027: Teacher Prep Time
February 3, 2027: Faculty Senate Meetings
February 24, 2027: Teacher Prep Time
April 14, 2027: Faculty Senate Meetings

Graduation 2027

Spring Mills – May 24, 2027
Martinsburg – May 25, 2027
Hedgesville – May 26, 2027
Musselman – May 27, 2027

Other Notes

Subject to change pending inclement weather.
First 5 inclement weather days do not have to be made up.
Inclement weather days 6–10 can be made up via remote learning days.
Accurate as of July 7, 2026.

Calendar Snapshot

District Calendar

Get Connected, Stay Informed!

Don’t miss news, events, activities and celebrations, weather-related updates, and more from the district and your school.

Students’ primary and secondary contacts are automatically enrolled to receive messages by text and email. Community members may also sign up using the link below.

The BCS App is another great way to stay connected with your child’s school. Be sure to enable push notifications and select the schools you’d like to follow.

Learn more about how you can get connected and stay informed by clicking the link below.

Learn More About How to Get Connected

Transportation

Beep beep! The bus is here! 🚌 Our bus drivers are hard at work making sure every bus is bright, clean, and ready to welcome students! ✨

Please click Bus Schedules below and enter your address to check the most recent bus pick-up and 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.

Please talk with your student about the importance of following bus rules and practicing safe bus behavior. Water bottles and cups must be securely stored while students are on the bus. Cups or bottles with press-in lids must be empty before boarding and may be filled at school. If a container must be filled before boarding, it must have a screw-top lid that securely seals to help prevent spills.

These guidelines, in accordance with WV state policy, help prevent choking hazards, damage to personal belongings, and slippery floors that could cause falls or injuries.

Our school district partners with Edulog Parent Portal to give you access to a smartphone app that improves communication, school bus safety, and efficiency. The Edulog Parent Portal app provides information about the GPS location of your child’s school bus and sends a push notification when the bus is nearing your bus stop or other locations you define, such as the school or neighborhood entrance. To learn more, click the link below.

Bus Schedules

Parent Bus Portal

Learn More About Transportation

Free Meals for All BCS Students!

Breakfast and lunch are FREE for all Berkeley County Schools students again this year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program!
Students in grades K-12 can also choose their meals right in line — giving them the freedom to pick what they’re most excited to eat.

Plan Your Plate! Browse Upcoming Menus

Annual Forms & Information Updates

Completing your student’s Annual Forms & Information Updates is essential for their safety, well-being, and uninterrupted access to learning. This quick online process allows you to review and update important information, including emergency contacts, medical information, dietary needs, special education services, home language, parent permissions, photo opt-out, technology agreement, and student handbook acknowledgment.

Accurate, up-to-date information helps schools respond quickly in emergencies, communicate important updates, and provide the right support for your student. Please note that students must have a completed technology agreement on file to use school-issued devices.

Submit your forms today, or contact your student’s school if you need assistance.

Complete Annual Forms

Ensure a Healthy Start to the School Year

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 on immunizations helps protect your child, their classmates, and our school communities from preventable illnesses.

Student Immunizations Requirements Can Be Found Here

Safety/Emergency Protocols

image of chalkboard that says emergency plan

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 Forms & Information Updates every year.
Sign up to receive 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 change of 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.

BCS Emergency Protocols Explained

Attendance Expectations

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:

Missing just a few days can make it harder to keep up with lessons.
Good attendance builds strong habits for the future.
Being present helps students stay connected with teachers and classmates.

How families can help:

Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible.
Encourage daily routines and on-time arrivals.
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!

Is Your Device Ready for the First Day?

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:

Fully charge your device.
Power it on to ensure it works properly.
Connect to the internet.
Test access to frequently used school websites.
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!

Smartphone Free for Student Success!

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

Students may bring personal electronic devices to school.
Devices must be silent or turned off.
Devices must remain in a locker, backpack, or location designated by the teacher during the school day.
Students in Pre-K through Grade 5 may not use electronic devices, including cell phones, while riding the bus.

Grades 6–12

Students may bring personal electronic devices to school.
Devices must be silent or turned off and put away during all instructional periods (based on the school bell schedule) and during class changes.
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.

Read the Electronic Device Policy

Dress for Student Success

image of chalkboard that says dress code

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!

READ: Student Dress Code Procedures

Want to Become a Volunteer or Chaperone?

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.

Volunteers & Chaperones Information

Student Handbook

The Berkeley County Schools Student Handbook is designed to provide families, students, and staff with a common understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, procedures, and supports that guide our schools. It is an important resource for promoting fairness, consistency, respect, and a positive learning environment across the district.

2026 - 2027 Student Handbook

New to Berkeley County Schools?

Welcome! We’re excited to partner with you in your child’s educational journey. Our Welcome Toolkit is your one-stop resource for essential information, tools, and procedures to help your family get connected and prepared for a successful school year.

Find quick access to school supply lists, annual forms, communication and learning platforms, transportation resources, bell schedules, attendance procedures, health guidelines, and more.

Explore the Welcome Toolkit and bookmark it for easy access throughout the school year!

Welcome Toolkit

Ready for a Successful School Year!

2026-2027 School Year Calendar Snapshot 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Snapshot

Get Connected, Stay Informed! Get Connected, Stay Informed!

Transportation Transportation

Free Meals for All BCS Students! Free Meals for All BCS Students!

Annual Forms & Information Updates Annual Forms & Information Updates

Ensure a Healthy Start to the School Year Ensure a Healthy Start to the School Year

REMINDER: Proof of Vaccinations Needed for Your Student to Start School

Safety/Emergency Protocols Safety/Emergency Protocols

Attendance Expectations Attendance Expectations

Is Your Device Ready for the First Day? Is Your Device Ready for the First Day?

Smartphone Free for Student Success! Smartphone Free for Student Success!

Dress for Student Success Dress for Student Success

Want to Become a Volunteer or Chaperone? Want to Become a Volunteer or Chaperone?

Student Handbook Student Handbook

New to Berkeley County Schools? New to Berkeley County Schools?