Back-to-School FAQ's

When is the first day of school?  

August 21, 2023

What are the school hours? 

7:30 am - 2:15 pm

What is my bus number and what time will it arrive?

Bus routes will be available in “ParentVUE” on August 9th.

How do I use the "Here Comes the Bus" App?

For directions please visit the FCPS HCTB page.

If I am driving my child to/from school, where do I drop off and pickup?  

Kiss & Ride is located in the loop in front right side of the school.  It is highly encouraged for students to ride the bus as the traffic at Kiss & Ride can be heavy. 

When will my child receive their FCPSOn laptop? 

During their PE class on the third or fourth day of school. 

What is the cell phone policy? 

Per the FCPS Regulation 2601.36P(p.17): Cell phones may be used on campus only before the first bell and after the last bell.

How do I reach my child if they cannot use their phones? 

Call the Main Office at (703) 925-3600 and a staff member will be able to relay a message to have them return your call.  Your child may also use any school/classroom phone with the permission of a staff member. 

What is the process for medication drop off for my child? 

For students who will need to take medications during school hours, parents may bring medication and forms to the Carson Clinic during our Panther Palooza Open House from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. or  2:00pm – 3:30pm. 

The physician’s form must be completed, and the medication must be in the original container.  Over the counter medications (e.g., Tylenol) must be in the original package.  A form must be completed for students to carry an Epi-pen or an inhaler.  Students are otherwise never permitted to carry medications with them.   Forms are available at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. Parents/guardians may also bring medication and forms to the clinic once school starts.  Contact the Public Health Nurse ([email protected]) with any questions about FCPS medication policy.

Do we have to pay for school lunches this year?  

You may add funds to your child's lunch account for the 2023-2024 SY through MySchoolBucks.com or apply and be approved for free and reduced meals. 

  • Families must apply and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2023-2024 school year. 
  • Students approved for Free and Reduced-Price Meals may qualify for additional benefits such as waived or reduced fees for instruments, uniforms, field trips, and FCPS class fees.

What is the Locker Policy? 

Students will be issued a locker during the first week of school where they can store their backpacks, coats, phones, etc. Lockers are a student's secure space and locker combinations should not be shared with any other students.  Teachers are available to support students if they experience locker trouble. 

PE lockers will be assigned to all students.  Students will need to supply their own combination lock (no key lock) for PE lockers.  

When is Picture Day?

TBD

At Home - Technology Readiness Steps for Students and Parents

  1. Log onto your laptop with your student ID and password.
  2. Connect your laptop to your internet connection.
  3. Login to your Google account.  In the Chrome browser, go to www.fcpsschools.net and sign in with your fcpsschools.net account.
  4. Log into Schoology. Make sure you can access your courses.
  5. If you have any issues with these steps from home, go to the Tech Support for Families page, to submit a ticket for support or call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).