Break out the bookbags and pencils, the 2018-19 school year is just around the corner. The first day of school will be Tuesday, Sept. 4. To make sure parents and students have all the information needed for a great start to school, here is a list of answers to some frequently-asked questions (FAQs).<\/p>\n
Back-to-school FAQ:<\/strong><\/p>\n When are schedules being mailed?<\/strong><\/p>\n Schedules were mailed out no later than Thursday, Aug. 23.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are the school hours? <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cA\u201d elementary schools hours are from 8:10 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.<\/p>\n \u201cB\u201d elementary schools hours are from 8:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.<\/p>\n Middle schools hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n High schools are 7:20 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.<\/p>\n For specific information for specialty centers and programs as well as the adjusted dismissal schedule for all schools, visit vbschools.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Where can I find my child\u2019s bus assignment? <\/strong><\/p>\n Bus schedules for the 2018-19 will be posted on the school division\u2019s WebQuery page<\/a> Thursday, Aug. 29. By entering your home address and child\u2019s grade level on this page, you will be provided the appropriate bus schedule information.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Where can I find the list of school supplies my child needs?<\/strong><\/p>\n Most, if not all schools, post school supply lists on their school websites. If you do not see it, the main office of your child\u2019s school is the best point of contact for school supply lists as they vary from school to school and teacher to teacher.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Can I pay for my child\u2019s meals online?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes. The school division\u2019s third-party online service, SchoolCafe.com, allows parents\/guardians of students to prepay money directly into their child\u2019s account; monitor their child\u2019s food purchases; set up low-balance email reminders; and schedule recurring payments.<\/p>\n The SchoolCafe app can be downloaded on the App store or Google Play.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n When is the Open House and\/or Orientation Event for my child\u2019s school?<\/strong><\/p>\n Visit the Open House page on vbschools.com<\/a> and select your child\u2019s school from the drop down menu for Open House dates and times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Can my child bring his\/her own computer\/tablet to school?<\/strong><\/p>\n Students are not only allowed, but encouraged to bring their own device<\/a> to school to take part in instructional opportunities. In fact, this year, the school division is officially 1:1 with Chromebooks and laptops available for every student. Additionally, the school division has a Digital Anchor School initiative, where students at participating schools are provided their own laptops or tablets in order to prepare them for employment or post-secondary educational opportunities in a globally-competitive environment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When are the holiday breaks for the school year?<\/strong><\/p>\n The full 2018-19 school calendar is available on vbschools.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Where can I find the athletic schedules for the year?<\/strong><\/p>\n For middle school sports, visit the Middle School Sports Central page<\/a> for athletic schedules. At the high school level, athletic schedules are only available through the Beach District online scheduling program<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How do I know what my child will be studying this year?<\/strong><\/p>\n Each year, the school division produces curriculum and course guides for both secondary<\/a> and elementary<\/a> schools. You can access these documents on vbschools.com<\/a> and review the content that will be covered in each specific course\/grade level.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can I contact my child’s principal?<\/strong><\/p>\n Each school website has a \u201cContact Us\u201d page providing names and contact information for all staff in a school.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can I stay informed about school events?<\/strong><\/p>\n VBCPS and all individual schools in the division use AlertNow, a rapid notification system. AlertNow sends important information quickly via phone call, email or text message about emergency situations, school delays or other school events\/happenings. Make sure your contact information is up to date at your child\u2019s school to ensure you receive these messages throughout the year.<\/p>\n In addition, VBCPS has a new VBSchools app, which is free to download in either the Google Play or Apple store. This app gives you direct access to school and school division calendars, your child’s School Cafe account and Parent Portal.<\/p>\n Additionally, the school websites are also a good resource to find information about upcoming events or student activities at your child\u2019s school.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How can I stay informed of divisionwide news and events?<\/strong><\/p>\n Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The school division maintains active social media accounts where we relay news announcements, school posts, timely information during emergencies and best of all\u2014good news! You can also sign up for the school division\u2019s digital newsletter \u201cA Slice of VBCPS,\u201d which is emailed every Monday to all staff and families.<\/p>\n