Back to School Guide for Caroline County Public Schools

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is your back-to-school headquarters this 2025-26 school year! Here's what students and families kicking off a new academic year at Caroline County Public Schools need to know.

Transition Day -- the first day for PreK, Kindergarten, sixth and ninth graders -- is Monday, Aug. 11, and the first day of school for all other students is Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Things to know and what to bring to school

The school district advised students to know their transportation plans and look over their class schedules before the first day of school to stay prepared.

School supply lists for all Caroline County schools can be found online. In general, students should bring age-appropriate writing materials, as well as composition books or notebook paper.

All students will have access to free breakfasts and lunches, as the division operates under the Community Eligibility Provision.

Policies, changes for students and families to know about

Officials said there will be an electronic entry system this year. Visitors who are signing in and guardians picking up students will be required to show a photo ID.

The district's middle and high schools will also have School Resource Officers (SROs), security cameras and School Security Officers. Officials detailed that the district prohibits weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping paraphernalia, mace and fireworks on school grounds.

Additionally, depending on the school your child attends, the cell phone policies vary. Within all schools, cell phones, headphones, smartwatches and similar devices need to be turned off and kept out of sight during the instructional day.

Caroline High School students may keep their devices in their backpacks, lockers or designated classroom areas, or within their vehicles. At Caroline Middle School, students must put their phones in lock boxes at the start of the day. They can retrieve them at dismissal.

Job openings with CCPS

The school district said it is "making strong progress" with staffing in several areas, with 87% of its bus driver roles filled and 97% of its teacher positions filled, among other job types.

CCPS is actively recruiting across the following roles:

• School counselors, including a counseling director at Caroline Middle
• Exceptional Education Specialists
• Elementary teachers
• Spanish teachers
• Part-time bus drivers
• Part-time food service cashiers
• Skilled nurses
• Paraprofessionals

"To address staffing needs, we have implemented a multi-faceted recruitment strategy, including partnerships with iTeach and a J-1 visa program, as well as broad outreach through hiring platforms," the school district told 8News. "We also host a weekly 'Pathways to Teaching in Caroline' session to support individuals pursuing teacher licensure through alternative certification routes. We remain committed to attracting and retaining high-quality staff to ensure every student in Caroline County is supported by exceptional educators and staff members."