2026-2027 Back-to-School Guide

Jackson Public Schools is excited about the upcoming 2026-2027 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.

Superintendent's Hotline

Each year, Jackson Public Schools is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful start to the school year for our scholars and their families. As part of that effort, we are once again offering the Superintendent’s Hotline to assist with questions or concerns on the first two days of school.

The Hotline will be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, 2026, by calling (601) 960-2781. Spanish speaking translators will also be available.

This vital service is designed to provide immediate support to parents, guardians, and scholars during a time that can often be filled with uncertainty and last-minute needs. Whether you need help with registration, bus routes, or other back-to-school matters, trained hotline operators are standing by to provide accurate and timely assistance.

The Hotline helps ensure that every scholar is prepared and that parents feel supported and informed. We encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable resource to start the school year strong.

District Calendar At-A-Glance

The first day of school for JPS scholars is Wednesday, July 29. Use our District Calendar At-A-Glance to save important dates, such as scheduled closures, early dismissals, and conference days throughout the year.

School Registration

Dates to Remember
✅ July 8–28: Registration available at all schools and the Poindexter Complex, 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.
🚌 July 15: Deadline to register for first-day bus transportation
🏫 July 28: Last day to register for the 2026–27 school year
🎒 July 29: First day of school

All scholars, 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 scholars without having to repeat the entire process for each child. Returning scholars must have a SNAPCODE to complete registration. 

Registration for new scholars 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

Open House Schedule

Jackson Public Schools invites all parents, guardians, and scholars to attend our upcoming Open House events. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to meet school leaders and teachers, learn about academic programs and expectations, and prepare for a successful school year. Open House is an important step in building strong school-home partnerships. When families are engaged and informed, scholars are better positioned to succeed both academically and socially. Open house for each academic network will take place on the following days and times:

• Elementary Schools - July 27, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• Middle Schools – July 27, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• High Schools - July 26, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

We encourage all families to attend their scholar’s Open House to receive important information, ask questions, and connect with the school community. Please contact your child's school to confirm the dates and times for individual schools. 

Download the Open House Schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

Transportation

If your child needs bus transportation on the first day of school, you must complete school registration by July 15. Families who register after July 15 may experience a delay in transportation services at the start of the school year. 

There is no separate transportation application. When you register your scholar for the 2026-2027 school year, simply select the transportation option on the registration form.
You will receive your child's bus number and route information by mail beginning the week of July 20 -24.

Reminder: There will be no registration on July 29–August 4. Registration will resume August 5 at all schools and the Poindexter Complex (1017 Robinson Road) from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Questions about registration? Email our enrollment team at psparentportal@jackson.k12.ms.us. 

Transportation Safety Measures & Procedures

• Arrive Early to the Bus Stop: Scholars 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.

Visit our School Bell Schedules page for regular, early release, and 60% day bell schedules. 

Code of Conduct & Student Handbook

Each school year, we update the Code of Conduct & Student Handbook with updated policies, procedures, and practices. The 2026-2027 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.

Important Changes to School Attendance

Mississippi's attendance law has changed for the 2026-27 school year, and it's important for families to know what's new.

Key updates include limits on parent-excused absences, earlier intervention for unexcused absences, and attendance requirements tied to extracurricular eligibility.

Review the updated guidelines and help your scholar start the year strong by showing up every day, ready to learn.

District Directory

The District Directory 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.

Location	Phone Number
Child Nutrition	(601) 960-8911
Elementary School Network I	(601) 960-8921
Elementary School Network II	(601) 960-8874
Enrollment	(601) 960-8852
Exceptional Education	(601) 960-8868
High School Network	(601) 960-8730
Middle School Network	(601) 960-8869
Parent & Family Engagement	(601) 960-8945
Transportation	(601) 960-8919

Free School Meals

JPS scholars will receive free school meals for the 2026-2027 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision that allows us to serve nutritious meals to scholars at no cost. Visit the JPS Child Nutrition Meal Pattern Requirements page for more information.

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

Visit our School Supplies page for a detailed list of supplies. 

School-to-Home Communication

To maintain a strong connection between home and school, our District uses a variety of notification systems to keep JPS scholars, 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	JPS is excited to introduce ParentSquare as its official communication platform to help you stay connected to your child’s school. Parents/guardians will 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. ParentSquare is 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 the official District website for news and more.
Key Communicator	Our stakeholder newsletter, the JPS Key Communicator, is sent to subscriber emails twice a month in ordinary circumstances.
Facebook	Like us on Facebook!
Twitter	Follow us on X!
YouTube	Subscribe to our YouTube page!
Mobile App	Download the JPS Mobile App today! 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. Scholars 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

Scholars 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.

Summer Reading Program

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 on our Summer Reading Program page.