Back to School Guide for Goochland County Public Schools

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is your back-to-school headquarters for the 2025-26 school year! Here's all you need to know ahead of the new academic year at Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS).

According to GCPS, the first day of school for preschool, kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade students is on Aug. 18. The first day of school for all other students starts Aug. 19.

What parents and students should know

The school district said families should make sure emergency contact and transportation information is up to date to help the first day of school go smoothly.

Parents and guardians are advised to talk with their children ahead of time about how they will get home -- whether by bus, car or going to after-school care.

For more information about transportation, meal accounts, calendars and more, families can visit GCPS's website or download the app.

Security and what should not be brought to school

The school district said it continues to partner with the county's Sheriff's Office and Fire-Rescue as well as Emergency Services, and will provide information to students and families about safety protocols in the first weeks of school.

"Expect to see our School Resource Officers (SROs) at all facilities, and remember to be aware of our buses that will be back on the roads. All drivers should stop when they see flashing red lights and/or the extended stop arm," the school district said.

Students should avoid bringing items that are "not essential for learning," according to the school district. A list of prohibited items at school can be found in GCPS's student code of conduct.

Cell phone policy

GCPS's policy requires that cell phones remain off and away during the instructional day. According to the school district, the policy was implemented at the beginning of the last school year and has been positively received as it helps reduce distractions and ensures students remain engaged in their learning.

School supplies

School supply lists can be found on the school district's website.

Each year, the school district partners with the YMCA for the Bright Beginnings program, which helps provide school supplies and clothing to students in need. Families interested in participating are advised to reach out to their school principal for more information.

School meals

Menus and pricing information for school meals can be found on GCPS's website.

Families are encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced Meals application if they believe they may qualify, even if they've applied in previous years, according to GCPS.

Breakfast and lunch can be prepaid through MyPaymentsPlus, as the school district said its cafeterias do not accept cash.

Events families should know before school begins

The school district will hold a back-to-school event for each grade level to allow students the opportunity to meet their teachers, see their classrooms and get comfortable before the first day.

The following are the times each back-to-school event will take place for students and families on Thursday, Aug. 14:

• Preschool/Kindergarten Orientation:
  • Byrd Elementary -- 2 p.m.
  • Randolph Elementary -- 4 p.m.
  • Goochland Elementary -- 1 p.m.
• Elementary Back-to-School Night: 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Goochland Middle and High School Back-to-School Night: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Job openings with GCPS

The school district said that 100% of its full-time teaching positions are projected to be filled for the start of the school year. However, GCPS is continuing to recruit for a few key roles, such as a school psychologist, a speech-language pathologist, a bus driver and a few part-time teaching positions.

Anyone interested in a position with GCPS is encouraged to apply through the school district's website.