Here's what families in Wake, Durham, Cumberland and Orange counties should know before the first day of school.
New Statewide Cell Phone Rules
Last year, a statewide law was passed requiring North Carolina school districts to adopt policies, restricting student cellphone use during instructional time.
Exceptions are allowed for emergencies, health plans, educational accommodations and other approved circumstances.
Districts are implementing the law in different ways, and families should check with their local school and district for specific expectations.
Parents and students are encouraged to contact their schools directly for any additional back-to-school requirements before classes begin Monday.
Wake County Public School System
School Safety
Middle and high schools are required by state law to show safety awareness videos designed to educate students about inappropriate behavior and adult misconduct and help them identify trusted adults they can turn to for help.
The district is also implementing The Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a new emergency response system that uses five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter.
In addition, WCPSS is transitioning to plain-language emergency alerts, replacing the previous Code Red, Code Yellow and Code Green system. Officials say the change will provide clearer instructions during emergencies.
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Chromebooks and Technology
Students in third, sixth and ninth grades will receive new Chromebooks and chargers this school year. Students in grades 4-5, 7-8 and 10-12 will continue using their existing school-issued devices, even if they transferred schools within the district.
Kindergarten through second-grade students will continue using classroom Chromebooks that remain on campus.
The WakeID portal has also been updated with a simplified layout and grade-level-specific applications.
Transportation
As WCPSS continues to address a bus driver shortage, the district is using outside vendors to provide transportation for some students with disabilities.
The district is also expanding its nontransportation zones, where students living within a certain distance of school are not eligible for bus service. New additions include Stough Elementary School and Moore Square Magnet Middle School.
Families can view bus information through Infinite Campus.
Meal Prices and Free Meals
Meal prices are increasing by 25 cents this school year. Elementary school breakfast will cost $2.25 and lunch $4. Middle and high school breakfast will cost $2.50 and lunch $4.25.
Several schools will continue offering free breakfast and lunch for all students. Families seeking free or reduced-price meals should submit a meal benefits application.
School Bond Proposal
Wake County voters will consider a $680 million school bond referendum in November. District leaders say the funding would support infrastructure projects, including new school construction, building repairs, HVAC upgrades and technology improvements.
If approved, the proposal would help fund at least three new schools, including one on Poole Road in Knightdale. It would also result in a tax increase of a half-cent for most county residents.
Durham Public Schools
New Family Tools
Durham Public Schools is launching a new online payment platform called Givebacks, replacing Online School Payments (OSP). Families can use the system to pay fees, purchase yearbooks and buy school merchandise.
The district is also adopting TalkingPoints as its official family-teacher communication platform. The service includes two-way messaging and translation in more than 150 languages.
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Meals and Transportation
DPS will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2026-27 school year.
Families can track buses using the Edulog Parent Portal App. Officials note that transportation is not provided within Family Responsibility Zones at 21 elementary schools.
The district is also launching express bus-stop service for students attending Durham School of the Arts and the Brogden Middle School Dual Language Immersion Program.
Cumberland County Schools
School Safety
Cumberland County Schools will continue using multiple safety measures this school year, including OPENGATE weapons detection systems, Raptor VisitorSafe technology for visitor screening and the Sandy Hook Promise anonymous reporting platform.
Mental Health Resources
The district continues to offer the Alongside app, a mental health support tool for students in grades 6-12. Students may also access Kiwi the Llama, an AI mental health chatbot, with parental permission.
Student Code of Conduct
CCS is reintroducing its student code of conduct, known as "A Blueprint for Student Character, Wellness and Support."
Parent Resources
Families can use the district's Infinite Campus Parent Portal to monitor grades, attendance, assignments and schedules throughout the school year.
Orange County Schools
New Strategic Plan
Orange County Schools is beginning the year with a new five-year strategic plan called Engage Orange.
District leaders say the plan will guide decision-making and student success efforts through 2031.
The plan focuses on four priorities:
- Preparing students for life after graduation
- Supporting the whole student through safe and supportive learning environments
- Recruiting, supporting and retaining excellent staff
- Improving operations to support student success
School leaders say the initiative is designed to strengthen academic outcomes while supporting students and educators.
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