Parents/Students » Back to School Basics

Back to School Basics

SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS:  2026-2027
 
IWCS now uses digital school supply lists.  The lists are automatically shared with major retailers and available online and via mobile devices, where you can easily purchase your entire list in just one click.
 
Supply lists for all schools can be found at https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/apps/pages/supplylists
 
If you have questions about a particular list, please contact the school directly. Some items, such as pencils, may be listed multiple times, but the same pencils can be used across subjects unless otherwise specified. 
 
Supply lists for high schools are specific to each course and will be distributed by teachers at the beginning of the school year.
 
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE: 2026

School

Date

Times

Smithfield High

September 1, 2026
12:00-2:00--Freshman Orientation
3:30-4:30 p.m.; Students new to IWCS can meet the SMS & SHS administrators and other new students before the first day. Popcorn, cotton candy, etc. available.
4:30-7:30 p.m.--Open House: General information, student schedules, visit with teachers/staff, bus routes, technology fees, clubs & athletics

Windsor High

September 1, 2026
4:30--New Duke Presentation;
5:00-7:30 p.m.--Open House: General information, student schedules, visit with teachers/staff, bus routes, technology fees, clubs & athletics

Georgie Tyler Middle

September 1, 2026 4:30-7:30 p.m.; General information, student schedules, visit with teachers/staff, bus routes, technology fees, clubs & athletics, and more

Smithfield Middle

September 1, 2026
3:30-4:30 p.m.; Students new to IWCS can meet the SMS & SHS administrators and other new students before the first day. Popcorn, cotton candy, etc. available.
4:30-7:30 p.m.; Information session, food trucks, visit with teachers/staff, information tables, front office information (PowerSchool, etc.), student schedules (including bus routes), and more!

Carrollton Elementary

September 2, 2026 4:00-7:00 PM (teachers schedule appointments with caregivers to visit; virtual option provided)

Carrsville Elementary

September 2, 2026 4:00-7:00 PM with a special session at 4:00 PM for Kindergarten

Hardy Elementary

September 2, 2026 ONLY Kindergarten 3:00-4:00 PM & All other grades 4:00-7:00 PM

Westside Elementary

September 2, 2026 2:30-4:00 & 6:30-8:00 PM

Windsor Elementary

September 2, 2026 4:00-7:00 PM (parents schedule a time during the 3-hour window to visit)
 
 
 
Our Transportation technicians are working diligently to develop efficient and effective bus routes for the upcoming school year.  We hope to have our preliminary route development complete no later than August 31, 2026.  However, it is important to note that bus routes can be modified to accommodate for necessary changes and revisions.  When route adjustments are needed, we remain committed to communicate those revisions as soon as possible.
 
For route distribution, IWCS has implemented a new process for sharing this information with our families.  For security reasons, routes will no longer be posted online.  Parents/guardians will be able to access bus route information several ways:
  • By receiving SchoolMessenger (previously Connect 5) messages from IWCS
  • By receiving communication directly from the school (Principal's Newsletters, Remind Messages, etc.)
  • By visiting your child's school during Open House events (routes are generally posted for families)
  • By contacting the Main Office of your child's school
  • By contacting the Transportation Office
Additional questions about bus routes should be directed towards your child's school or to the Transportation Office.
 
In addition, IWCS does not share drop off times due to the variation based on when the buses leave school. As everyone becomes familiar with the route and the afternoon routine, drop off times generally become earlier after the first few days of school.  We are pleased to announce that IWCS will continue utilizing the MyView bus tracker app for 2026-2027.  The program will be live and accessible for all schools on the first day of school.
 
Please note that runs are continually updated through the first month of school.  Parents are reminded to ensure that students arrive at the stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.  For questions, please contact the Transportation Office at 757-357-9920.
 
SCHOOL HOURS

SCHOOL

NORMAL OFFICE HOURS

INSTRUCTIONAL DAY

Elementary Schools:  

Carrollton, Carrsville, Hardy, Windsor

 8:00 am - 5:00 pm          

 8:55 am - 3:50 pm

Westside Elementary Schools

 

 8:00 am - 5:00 pm          

 

 8:45 am - 3:40 pm

 

 

Georgie D. Tyler Middle School

 7:00 am - 4:00 pm          

 7:25 am - 2:40 pm

Smithfield Middle

 7:00 am - 4:00 pm          

 7:25 am - 2:45 pm

Smithfield High

 7:00 am - 4:00 pm          

 7:25 am - 2:45 pm

Windsor High

 7:00 am - 4:00 pm          

 7:35 am - 2:50 pm

 
CHILD NUTRITION
For meal prices and information on setting up an online account, visit https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/apps/pages/mealprices
 
DEVICE DISTRIBUTION:
Schools will be notifying parents of their plan for distributing laptops to students.  If you have any questions about device distribution, please contact your child's school directly.
 
 
OPTIONAL DEVICE INSURANCE
IWCS offers two optional forms of insurance for school-issued devices.  Worth Avenue insurance provides full coverage for damage and loss.  AGiREPAIR provides limited coverage due to accidental damage.  Information for both options are provided below.