Charlotte, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is set to welcome over 141,000 students and 19,000 staff members for the upcoming academic year. To help families prepare, CMS will host Back-to-School Bashes on August 9 for essential supplies, and online registration is currently open. New safety protocols include age-appropriate videos for older students, while House Bill 959 requires devices to be off during classes. Communication with families will be facilitated through the ParentSquare platform, ensuring vital updates are easily accessible.
Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is gearing up to welcome over 141,000 students and more than 19,000 staff members for the 2025-26 academic year. The back-to-school briefing will take place on Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m., and a live stream of this meeting will be made available to the public.
To assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year, CMS is organizing several Back-to-School Bashes on Saturday, August 9. These events aim to help families gather essential school supplies. In addition, the district has launched an online guide titled “Top 10 Things To Know,” making crucial information accessible to parents and guardians.
Currently, online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open via the CMS registration portal. This platform allows families to change addresses, transfer schools, and submit medical packet information seamlessly. The ParentSquare platform will be utilized by CMS for ongoing communication with families, providing notifications through email, text, and the app.
In a significant move towards creating a safe and protected learning environment, students in grades 6 through 12 will view age-appropriate safety videos from the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools within the first five days of school. These videos are designed to educate students on recognizing the warning signs of adult misconduct.
A new legislative measure, House Bill 959, mandates that personal technology devices must be turned off during instructional time. Any violation of this rule will lead to consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
The Infinite Campus Portal will provide families with easy access to important student forms, district announcements, class assignments, attendance, and grades. Further, the transportation section of the back-to-school guide gives details on how to register for student transport, with a registration deadline of August 12 at 6 p.m.
To promote student health and safety, the Student Wellness section of the guide highlights resources for bullying prevention, school counseling, and related programs. Additionally, the School Nutrition section provides information on applying for free and reduced-price lunches.
CMS has also adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), which outlines procedures for various emergency situations, including Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. In line with district policy, CMS affirms that all children can attend public school, regardless of their citizenship status, and there will be no inquiries regarding immigration status.
However, there remains some concern among community members regarding CMS policies about ICE presence on school campuses, which was a point of contention during a recent board meeting. The first day of school for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is scheduled for August 28, with a countdown clock on the district’s website indicating the time remaining until classes commence.
Key Features of the 2025-26 School Year Initiatives
- Back-to-School Bashes: Scheduled for August 9 to assist with school supplies.
- Online Registration: Ongoing through CMS portal for address changes, transfers, and medical packet submissions.
- Safety Videos: Required for grades 6-12 focusing on recognizing misconduct.
- Technology Policy: New law mandates devices off during class; violations are subject to consequences.
- Standard Response Protocol: Emergency procedures established for student safety.
Important Dates
- Back-to-School Bashes: August 9
- Registration Deadline for Transportation: August 12 at 6 p.m.
- First Day of School: August 28
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year?
The first day of school for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is set for August 28, 2025.
How can families register for the school year?
Families can register online through the CMS registration portal, which allows for address changes, transfers, and medical packet submissions.
What are Back-to-School Bashes?
Back-to-School Bashes are events organized by CMS on August 9 to help families gather necessary school supplies for the year.
Are there new safety protocols in place?
Yes, students will watch safety videos focused on recognizing signs of adult misconduct during the first five days of school, and CMS has adopted a Standard Response Protocol for emergencies.
How will CMS handle communication with families?
CMS will use the ParentSquare platform to communicate with families via email, text, and app notifications.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Live Stream Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Officials Hold 2025-26 Back to School Briefing
- WCCB Charlotte: Target Partners With Families Forward Charlotte to Help With Back-to-School Shopping
- QC News: Charlotte Area Back to School Events Focus on Meeting Needs
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
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