Year-round students return to class in Wake Co.; Tools4School kicks off for teacher supplies

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) welcomed year-round students back on Tuesday for the 2026-27 school year. About 40,000 students are back in class for the new school year.

As students return to the classroom, the WakeEd Partnership has launched its Tools4Schools supply drive. They're asking the community to help provide teachers with the supplies they need to save on out-of-pocket costs.

Parents and students should be aware of several changes taking effect this year. WCPSS is transitioning to the Standard Response Protocol, replacing the district's previous lockdown codes with five emergency actions:

• Hold

• Secure

• Lockdown

• Evacuate

• Shelter

Superintendent Robert Taylor said the change aligns the district with national standards for school emergency response.

"Well, we always want to remind parents that, safety is paramount. And our new, safety response system is going to put us in line with what the national standards are in terms of how we identify emergencies that take place and make them aware of that," Taylor said.

School meal prices are also increasing. Breakfast now costs $2.00 at elementary schools and $2.25 at middle and high schools. Lunch prices have increased to $3.75 for elementary students and $4.00 for middle and high school students. Taylor said the increase reflects higher operating costs.

"We certainly want parents to understand that, increased lunch prices is not something, that we other board seek to do, but it is really a reflection of what the market is and rising prices. And so because it is an enterprise program, we have to do those things necessary to make sure is fluid and it can operate," Taylor said.

At Lake Myra Elementary School, students and staff are returning to a multiyear track schedule after several years on a single-track calendar. Principal Nancy Ballard said the transition brings new opportunities for the school community.

"I think it's exciting for our families. New starts are always, change is always hard. But, new starts are always an opportunity, to embrace the changes ahead. And so, we have great opportunity here at Lake Meyer to provide, a wonderful learning opportunities for our students. And, that's what we're looking forward to," Ballard said.

For year-round students, the district said there are 161 yellow bus routes, as well as 76 contract routes to serve our special needs students. WCPSS have assigned drivers for each one of these routes.

Tools4Schools kicks off

The WakeEd Partnership is asking the community to help provide teachers with the supplies they need through its annual Tools4Schools supply drive.

The drive is now underway across Wake County and collects new school supplies that will be distributed directly to Wake County teachers before the traditional school year begins.

According to organizers, teachers spend an average of about $1,000 of their own money on classroom supplies each school year.

The organization is seeking donations of classroom essentials, including notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, dry erase markers, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

Keith Poston of WakeEd Partnership said the effort is designed to support both teachers and students.

"Tools for Schools isn't just about school supplies. It's really about making sure that our teachers and our students have everything they need to be successful. And Tools for Schools makes sure that the teachers don't have to spend their own money to do it," Poston said.

Donations can be dropped off through Aug. 21 at all Staples and YMCA locations in Wake County, as well as the WakeEd Partnership Tools4Schools store on Capital Boulevard.

Wake County's traditional-calendar schools will begin classes Aug. 24, while modified-calendar schools started July 27.