Welcome back to the 2023-2024 school year! We look forward to seeing our returning students again as well as meeting new families. Please join us for Open House events! Read below for dates and times as well as information on school supplies, meals, technology, and transportation.
Registration
Need to register a new student? Start on our registration page.
Physicals and Vaccinations
Students entering kindergarten, students new to WPS, and student athletes must receive a comprehensive physical examination prior to the start of school.
There are required school vaccinations for students in kindergarten, 7th, and 12th grade. Please be advised that if your child’s school does not receive documentation of your child’s required vaccinations and/or physical examination prior to the first day of school, they will be excluded from school attendance until this information has been received. Read this letter from Student Services for more information.
Medicaid
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will soon start to review Medicaid members' health coverage. Starting April 1, 2023, Medicaid sent out important letters in the mail to current Medicaid members. These letters contain information regarding their current health plan and depending on their status, they may need to take further action.
Medicaid members will need to update their mailing address and contact information. Failure to have up to date information can result in a lapse of Medicaid coverage. In the coming months you may have patients lose coverage temporarily as we return to normal enrollment.
To update their information, they can:
-Go online at commonhelp.virginia.gov,
-Call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282,
-Or call their local Department of Social Services.
School Supplies
In Winchester Public Schools, we do not want school supplies to be a barrier to learning for our students and families. School supplies are not required and are instead provided by our schools. Some schools provide a list of recommended items (see below). Donations are always welcomed.
We recommend waiting until after Open House events to purchase recommended supplies so you have the most up-to-date information.
Recommended Items:
John Handley High School: Look at your student's class syllabus they will receive at Open House or on the first day of school for recommended items.
Daniel Morgan Middle School: Supplies provided by DMMS.
Daniel Morgan Intermediate School:
Recommended Items
-Black or blue pens (one box)
-#2 pencils (one box)
-3 spiral notebooks
-One 2-inch binder
-One box of colored pencils
-3 glue sticks
Frederick Douglass Elementary School: Each teacher will have a more specific list of needs at Open House.
Garland R. Quarles Elementary School: Each child needs a bookbag and water bottle. GQES will furnish supplies. Donations are welcomed: 1 inch binder, pencil box, highlighters, crayons, glue sticks, index cards, loose leaf paper, pencils, pocket folders, spiral notebooks, tissues, ziplock baggies
John Kerr Elementary School: View the JKES list here
Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School: Supplies provided by VACDES.
Please Note: Students do not use lockers in WPS schools.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch are provided for all WPS students at no charge. Students may purchase additional a la carte items with cash or through myschoolbucks.com. Students will need to provide their PIN numbers as they go through the cafeteria line. If you want to provide packed lunches for your student(s), they will need a lunch box. For questions regarding school meals, contact the Food Services Department at (540)-667-4258 ext. 16147 or curry.laurie@wps.k12.va.us
Chromebooks
Students in Intermediate, Middle, and High School should bring their charged Chromebook each day. Chromebook distribution dates are listed below. Elementary students will receive Chromebooks from their teachers once school starts. PLEASE NOTE: Anyone who did NOT return a Chromebook after the 22-23 school year must return their old device or pay the reimbursement cost before receiving a new device.
Transportation
Bus route information will be provided at Open House events. If you cannot attend Open House, please contact your student’s school directly.
Starting this year, some households will be included in expanded Walk Zones where students will walk, bike, or ride with a family member to school. WPS will be providing fewer school buses due to a nationwide bus driver shortage. Walk Zones have been expanded to include households with safe walking paths:
-Within 0.75 miles of an elementary school (no more than a 20 minute walk)
-Within 1 mile of a secondary school (no more than a 30 minute walk)
Please check the Walk Zone website for more information.
Interested in helping get our students to school safely? We need volunteers to put up yard signs, greet students during the first week of school, and apply to be crossing guards. Sign up here!
After School Care
Need care for your student(s) after school? WPS offers an after school program located right in our elementary schools! Visit the Right at School website to learn more. To make it financially possible for families to get quality care, WPS is offering free and reduced tuition for families who apply using the Application for Financial Assistance. Apply today!
Open House & Meet the Teacher
John Handley High School
-Find Your Pride Scavenger Hunt - Freshmen and New Students
Monday, July 31, 1-3 p.m.
-Find Your Pride Scavenger Hunt - 10, 11, and 12 grades *Includes Chromebook Distribution*
Tuesday, August 1, 1-3 p.m. *Includes Chromebook Distribution*
-Meet the Teacher - Tuesday, August 8, 5-7 p.m. *Includes Chromebook Distribution*
Daniel Morgan Middle School
-Open House: Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 5-7 p.m.
*Includes Chromebook Distribution*
Daniel Morgan Intermediate School
-5th Grade Fun Night: Monday, July 31, 5-6:30 p.m.
-Open House: Tuesday, August 8, 3-6 p.m.
*Includes Chromebook Distribution*
Frederick Douglass Elementary School
-Open House: Tuesday, August 8, 3-6 p.m.
Garland Quarles Elementary School
-Open House: Tuesday, August 8, 3-6 p.m.
John Kerr Elementary School
-Open House: Tuesday, August 8, 3-6 p.m.
Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School
-Open House: Tuesday, August 8, 3-6 p.m.
