Back-to-school registration now open online

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Believe it or not, summer vacation is almost over.

With the first day of school for students scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23, this week the Charles City School District opened up online registration for the upcoming school year.

“The start of a new school year is an important beginning for many families, and we know students and families are eagerly preparing,” said Justin DeVore, communications and community engagement director for the Charles City School District.

DeVore said there are two methods of registering your family — either online or in person.

Back-to-school information and access to all the necessary links are available by clicking “District News” at the school district’s website at www.charlescityschools.org. The webpage contains all the information parents and students need.

Charles City utilizes an online school registration process where students can be registered and pay online. Families will not pay additional fees for online payments. The two-step process requires you to log in to PowerSchool, update the registration information on file for each student, then pay school fees by clicking a link to online payment software, SchoolPay.

For anyone who needs in-person assistance, the district will provide technical support and computer access. Anyone with questions is asked to email cccsd@charlescityschools.org for help.

Building registration for new families or for families that need assistance with the online registration process is Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Charles City Middle School commons for all buildings PK-12. Even if someone registers in person, all forms will be completed online.

“We have a team of people ready to help your family be ready for school,” DeVore said. “Our doors are open to everyone, and we strive to offer convenient options while also rolling out the orange carpet.”

Charles City High School fall athletic practices start on Aug. 12, and the district requests parents of student-athletes to register for school by Aug. 5 to complete required participation documents.

Elementary back-to-school parent-student-teacher conferences are Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Elementary parents and students are asked to attend an individual 15-minute conference with their child’s teacher. School pictures will also be taken at this time.

All middle school students and parents are invited to attend a back-to-school event, also on Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to meet their teachers, get their class schedules, find their lockers, and have their school pictures taken.

High school teachers will be available at an open house on that same day to meet with parents. High school photos will be taken on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

The school days will start at 8:20 a.m. this year at the elementary schools and finish at 3:30 p.m. The middle school and high school will begin classes at 8:05 a.m. this year and end the day at 3:15 p.m.

DeVore said Charles City is also welcoming new families into the district.

“If your family is considering a move we would gladly take you on a tour of our schools and introduce you to our amazing teachers and friendly staff,” DeVore said. “Regardless of who you are or what your story is, you can learn and be loved in the Charles City Community Schools.”