Back to School: for parents too

Back-to-school season is a time of excitement, anticipation and fresh starts. Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or entering their final year of high school, Charleston County School District is here to support your family every step of the way.

As we prepare to kick off the 2025–2026 school year, I want to ensure our families have the tools and information they need to make a smooth transition back into the classroom. Here are a few things to keep in mind before the first day of school.

Do You Know?

Before the first bell rings, it’s essential to know a few key details:

• Review the 2025–2026 Academic Calendar to mark early release days, breaks and holidays.
• Check your child’s school start and dismissal times, as these can vary across the district.
• Visit the Transportation page to access bus routes, track buses via the FirstView app and find your school’s bus code.
• Read the Student Code of Conduct, which outlines expectations for a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Follow CCSD and your child’s school on social media and bookmark the school websites to stay updated on news and events.
• Consider Kaleidoscope before- and after-school care, available at many of our schools.

Have You Done It?

There are a few important tasks to check off your list before day one:

• Complete online registration, which is required every school year.
• Look for announcements about your school’s orientation or Meet the Teacher events.
• Set up your child’s LinQ meal account for digital payments and menu access.
• Log in to the Parent Portal (Power- School) to view schedules (check with your school for release dates).
• Download the CCSD mobile app for alerts and school information.
• Ensure your child’s immunizations are current and connect with your school nurse if your child requires medications during the day.

What Else?

• Reach out to your child’s school for a school supply list or information about uniforms.
• Ask about clubs, sports or extracurriculars that might spark your child’s interest.

If you need support, call our Back-to- School Hotline at 843-444-5417, open Aug. 7 from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

At CCSD, we believe every child deserves a strong start and a successful school year. Thank you for partnering with us. Let’s make 2025– 2026 our best year yet!

By Anita Huggins – Superintendent, Charleston County School District