Back to School Guide for Petersburg City Public Schools

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is your back-to-school headquarters for the 2025-26 school year! Here's what students and families need to know ahead of a new academic year at Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS).

A mandatory orientation for students in transitional grades -- pre-K, kindergarten, 1st grade, 6th grade, 7th grade and 9th grade -- will take place on Monday, Aug. 18. The official first day of school is on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

According to the school district, students must meet immunization requirements to start school on time. A full list of the required immunizations, as well as local vaccine resources and clinics, can be found on the school district's website.

Security: What can and cannot be brought to school?

All students are required to adhere to the clear backpack policy and may only carry an additional small bag no larger than 6 by 9 by 5 inches and a non-clear lunch box. Students and visitors are prohibited from bringing weapons on school property.

Students in high, middle and alternative schools are required to clear a weapons detection system when first entering the school building.

Students may also be required to be scanned with a handheld metal detector and may have their backpacks, purses, pocketbooks and other items searched, according to the school district.

This year, PCPS said it has made strategic capital investments throughout the school district, which included the installation of safety vestibules -- or areas that enhance safety and security at the front of school campus entry ways -- at Lakemont Elementary, Cool Spring Elementary and Pleasants Lane Elementary.

Safety vestibules are also in place at Petersburg High School and Vernon Johns Middle School, according to PCPS.

Cellphone and technology policies

Before entering school, students are required to turn off all portable communication devices. High school and middle school students must place their devices into a "Yondr" pouch at the beginning of the school day, where they must remain secured throughout the school day.

According to PCPS, the pouches are unlocked at the end of the school day for students to retrieve their devices. The pouches are not to be taken home.

The school district said parents and guardians can contact their child's school if they need to reach out to their child during the school day.

What supplies do students and classrooms need?

Back-to-school supply lists can be found on the school district's back-to-school website, which includes information about upcoming drives and giveaways.

School meals and nutrition

The school district said it will continue to partner with Taher Inc., a food service management company, this school year, which supports "the enhancement of the quality and appeal of school meals for PCPS students, specifically emphasizing nutritious high-quality, appealing, and tasty food for students" aligned with the standards and guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Virginia Department of Education.

According to PCPS, a core component of the partnership is Taher's nutrition awareness education program, which aims to teach children the importance of good eating habits that extend beyond school lunch.

PHOTOS: ‘It looks very good!’: Parents weigh in as Petersburg revamps its school lunches

Events for the beginning of the school year

A Community Day and Crimson Clinic will take place at Petersburg High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9, where families can get connected with resources for the new school year.

According to the school district, the event will offer free school supplies for students, free on-site vaccines for rising 7th and 12th grade students, bounce houses, games and more.

A parent/teacher meet and greet will take place on Aug. 14 at the following times for each school:

• Preschool: By appointment on Aug. 14 and 15
• Elementary: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• High School: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Middle School: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Job openings at PCPS

All open positions with the school district can be found here. As of July 30, job vacancies in the school district include several positions in administration, athletics coaching, teaching and more.