Back to School Guide for Greensville County Public Schools

GREENSVILLE 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 Greensville County Public Schools (GCPS) need to know.

All Greensville students will return to school on Aug. 11, and new teachers will be welcomed on July 23, with returning staff to arrive on July 30.

Things to know and what to bring to school

GCPS told 8News that families can access official school supply lists on the school's website. Classrooms will also need additional hand sanitizers and facial tissues to help maintain a healthy environment, as per the school district.

The school will be holding a few upcoming school supply drives or giveaways that you should be aware of:

• Back to School Haircuts from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, in the City of Emporia Lot at the corner of Halifax and E. Atlantic Street
• Backpack Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, at each location

GCPS told 8News that the instructional time will begin at 8:10 a.m. this year, with doors opening at 8:45 a.m. According to the school division, the first period begins at 9:05 a.m., and students are dismissed at 3:50 p.m.

The Commonwealth reportedly requires students entering 7th grade through 12th grade to receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) to help protect against meningitis, per the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Documentation should be submitted to the school nurse prior to the start of the school year, according to the school division.

Due to metal detection screening as an added layer of protection, School Security Officers (SSOs) and School Resource Officers (SROs) are stationed at each school during the regular instructional day and after-school events.

"GCPS continues to engage in ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to review and enhance safety protocols and training," a spokesperson for the school division said.

Policies, changes for students and families to know about

Students at the middle school and high school levels are to store their cell phones away in Yondr pouches and are prohibited from using them until the end of the day.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost to all students for the 2025-26 school year. According to GCPS, the school will be introducing new menu choices and the menus are posted monthly on the website and may change based on availability.

Meanwhile, the Greensville Elementary School Market will continue this year. However, the dates and details have not yet been released.

Families can add money to student accounts through MySchoolBucks for the purchase of à la carte items during lunch.

While no schools are under construction as of July 30, GCPS said a small HVAC project at the high school is scheduled to begin soon and is expected to be completed by Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The covered walkway at Greensville Elementary School is also set to be completed soon. The school district is also working to draft a request for proposals (RFP) for a covered walkway project at Greensville County High School.

This year, there are changes to the school district's trade program, as they switch from carpentry to building management, where students will obtain knowledge and skills to maintain commercial and public buildings and grounds through hands-on training in cleaning operations, building repairs, electrical work, plumbing and grounds maintenance.

Electrical and HVAC have been added to the trade program offerings within the past five years to increase the access students have to high-paying occupations.

Anything on the calendar before school starts?

GCPS will hold two open house dates for all schools -- one from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, and another one from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 8.

Freshman orientation spans two days -- 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, and 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8.

Kindergarten orientation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 7.