2025-2026 JPS Back-to-School Guide

Jul 17 2025

Jackson Public Schools is excited about the upcoming school year. As we prepare for a fresh new start, here's what you need to know for a successful first few days of school and beyond.

Each year, we offer the Superintendent’s Hotline to answer students' and parents' questions or concerns on the first two days of school. Hotline operators will be answering calls from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, July 28 & Tuesday, July 29. The number to call for assistance is (601) 960-2781. Get help with everything from registration to transportation.

District Calendar At-A-Glance

The first day of school for JPS students is Monday, July 28. Use our District Calendar At-A-Glance to save important dates, such as scheduled closures, early dismissals, and conference days throughout the year: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/DistrictCalendar.

Safety Measures & Procedures

Arrive Early to the Bus Stop: Students should arrive at the bus stop at least 5–10 minutes early to avoid rushing. Standing calmly and safely away from the curb prevents accidents.

Practice Safe Boarding and Exiting: Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the driver's signal before getting on or off. Always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you — never behind it.

Know the Route and Routine: Parents should review their child’s bus number, pickup/drop-off location, and schedule. Practice the walk to the stop, especially with younger children, to build confidence.

Be Visible and Alert: Wear bright clothing or use reflective gear, especially during early mornings. Avoid distractions like phones or earbuds while walking to or waiting at the stop.

Review Bus Behavior Expectations: Talk with your child about staying seated, keeping the aisle clear, listening to the driver, and treating others respectfully while on the bus. Good behavior keeps everyone safe.

Regular Bell Schedule

School Event	Elementary	Middle	High
School Opens	7–7:24 a.m.	7:20 a.m.	7:45 a.m.
Instruction Ends/Dismissal Time	2:30 p.m.	3:30 p.m.	4:05 p.m.

Get complete bell schedules for regular school days as well as early dismissal days at: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/BellSchedules.

Code of Conduct & Student Handbook

Each school year, we update the Code of Conduct & Student Handbook with updated policies, procedures, and practices. The 2025-2026 handbook includes all necessary forms to be completed at home and returned to your child's school. We ask that families go over the expectations set forth in this book to help us maintain joyful and respectful learning communities in every school and classroom across the District: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/StudentHandbook.

District Directory

The District Directory, available online, is a comprehensive list of contacts at JPS schools and administrative offices. Locations, programs, and services are listed alphabetically for convenience. Below is the list of the most frequently called numbers. Additional quick contacts are available as a convenient document that can be downloaded or saved: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/DistrictDirectory.

Location	Phone Number
Child Nutrition	(601) 960-8911
Counseling	(601) 960-8353
Deputy Superintendent	(601) 960-8738
Elementary Schools	(601) 960-8874
Enrollment	(601) 960-8852
Exceptional Education	(601) 960-8868
High Schools	(601) 960-8730
Middle Schools	(601) 960-8869
Parent & Family Engagement	(601) 960-8945
Transportation	(601) 960-8919

Free School Meals

JPS students will receive free school meals for the 2025-2026 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision that allows us to serve nutritious meals to scholars at no cost: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/ChildNutrition.

School Registration

All students, NEW and RETURNING, must enroll through the PowerSchool Enrollment Portal. Enrollment can be completed at any time, day or night, at your convenience. PowerSchool allows parents to easily enroll multiple students without having to repeat the entire process for each child. Returning students must have a SNAPCODE to complete registration.

Registration for new students can be completed at your child’s school. You will need to have the following documentation:

Parent’s Government-Issued Photo ID or Driver’s License
Student’s Original, Long-Form, Certified Birth Certificate
Student’s Mississippi Immunization Form 121/122
Two Proofs of Residency

Get details at www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Registration.

School Supplies

Basic school supplies for elementary scholars are listed below. Contact your child’s school and/or teacher for specific items needed. Middle and high school teachers will provide scholars with a list of the school supplies they need to be successful in their classes.

Crayons
#2 Pencils
Washable Markers
Manuscript Tablets
School Glue
Erasers
Glue Sticks
Pocket Folders
Manila Paper (12” X 18”)
12” Plastic Ruler
Scissors

www.jackson.k12.ms.us/SchoolSupplies

School-to-Home Communication

To maintain a strong connection between home and school, our District uses a variety of notification systems to keep JPS students, families, and communities informed. Our Jackson Public Schools MS mobile app offers a feature-rich experience providing access to news, coming events, lunch menus, app-specific notifications, and content from most of our other communications channels. You can customize it to include messages from your school. Here are all the ways you can connect with us to receive emergency and time-sensitive notifications.

System	How to Connect
ParentSquare	We’re excited to introduce ParentSquare as our official communication platform to help you stay connected to your child’s school. This upcoming school year, you’ll receive important updates from the district, your school, and your child’s teacher, all in one place. Messages will come by email, text, or phone. JPS will no longer use SchoolStatus. ParentSquare is now our official communication platform, and only messages from this platform should be trusted. Watch this quick video to learn more about the platform!
Websites	Visit www.jackson.k12.ms.us.
Key Communicator	Visit www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Subscribe.
Facebook	Like facebook.com/JacksonPublicSchools.
Twitter	Follow x.com/JPSDistrict.
YouTube	Subscribe at youtube.com/JPSITV.
Mobile App	Search for Jackson Public Schools MS in the Apple Store on iPhones or the Google Play Store on Android phones.

Student Devices

Schools will issue an internet-ready device for all JPS scholars as well as provide technical support to parents and scholars. Check with your child’s school for their device distribution schedule. Students will be required to bring their devices to school every day. They will be trained on how to access and navigate their online class environment as well as how to disinfect and maintain their devices.

New Electronic Device Policy for Scholars

The Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees has approved an updated policy governing scholar use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices. The move comes after months of review and a community meeting to gather input from parents, scholars, and staff.

Under the new policy, scholars are allowed to bring personal electronic devices to school; however, scholars should not have cell phones on their person, including but not limited to pockets, socks, jackets, or any other accessible location after the intake process. Bus usage is permitted as long as the device is silent and does not disrupt others and the use does not otherwise violate the JPS Code of Scholar Conduct (i.e., recording or taking pictures of others, bullying, viewing, or sharing inappropriate content).

Read the full policy here.

Student Dress Code

Students in every JPS elementary school and middle school will be required to wear uniforms. In general, this is navy blue or white tops with navy blue or khaki bottoms. Details are posted on our website and included in the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. Ask your school about the Uniform Assistance program if you have a need. Learn more at: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/DressCode.

Summer Reading

All JPS scholars are responsible for reading three books and completing reading logs for each of the books before school starts. One of these books must come from the required reading list for their grade and/or special program. The grade level required books and reading lists can be found online at: www.jackson.k12.ms.us/SummerReading.