2026 Back-to-School Planning: Communications #2

Back-to-School Basics

Be sure to visit and bookmark stmschool.net/community/summerback-to-school as your comprehensive home for supply lists, summer assignments, dress code information, campus maps, carpool maps, Back-to-School information, and more.

Back to School Basics Web Page

Technology & Acceptable Use Policy

A friendly reminder that St. Michael’s Lower School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and Extended Day Programs (K-8) are phone-free and wearable-free for students. This means that personal phones, smartwatches, and other wearable digital devices for students are not permitted on campus.

We are deeply aware of the growing evidence linking early smartphone use and constant connectivity to increased anxiety and decreased attention in children and teens. St. Michael's believes this policy supports student well-being, encourages healthy interpersonal interactions, and minimizes classroom distractions.

Students may use the front office phones if they need to contact a parent or guardian
Parents can reach their children at any time during the school day through the front offices by calling 804-272-3514
After 3 p.m., families may call the Extended Day cell phone at: 804-584-9667
Coach contacts will be provided to families for students participating in Middle School activities (sports, musical, robotics, etc.)

Special Circumstances: We understand there may be specific medical or personal needs requiring an exception. In such cases:

Families must submit a written request to Michael Jones, Director of Technology
Decisions will be made in consultation with Division Directors and/or the Head of School
All requests should include a brief description of the circumstances that may necessitate the student's need to bring a personal digital device on campus
Unapproved devices brought to campus will be held in the front office and may be picked up by a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.

Authorization to Walk To/From School

Because the safety and well-being of every child in our care is always our highest priority, St. Michael’s has established policies for students who walk to and from school.

Families who would like their child(ren) to walk to or from campus must complete and submit a Walking Authorization Form (see below) each school year to the front office.

2026-27 Authorization Form to Walk To/From School

Carpool Loop Map

Families will receive designated carpool loop assignments, along with the carpool loop placards, at the August 31 Lower School Meet Your Teacher Day and Middle School Orientation event.

For families with multiple children (who are not utilizing Extended Day), older students always walk to the carpool loop of the youngest child for afternoon pickup.

Carpool Loop Map

Lower School Meet Your Teacher Day (MYT) and Middle School Orientation Schedule: Monday, August 31

Below please find the detailed schedule for Lower School "Meet Your Teacher" and Middle School Orientation on August 31. Extended Day will hold an Open House. The St. Michael's Parents' Association will host a Spiritwear Pop-Up Shop at select times as well. See schedule for details!

Dress Code: It's time to debut our new St. Michael's UNIFORMS! Students should come dressed in their St. Michael's uniforms, and we can't wait to see everyone together for the first time.

NOTE: ALL NEW STUDENTS must bring birth certificates to Meet Your Teacher Day/Middle School Orientation so that information may be recorded.

Printable LS Meet Your Teacher/ MS Orientation Schedule

School Hours (Starting Tuesday, September 1)

Tuesday, September 1 is the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for ALL students and this is a HALF DAY (8 a.m- Noon). Morning Gym Is OPEN. NO Afternoon Extended Day.

The first FULL day of school and first day of afternoon Extended Day are Wednesday, September 2.

St. Michael’s school day hours for the 2026-27 school year are: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free Morning Gym beginning at 7:20 a.m. (Drop-off in the Gym parking lot)
If not attending Morning Gym, the morning drop-off window is 7:45-7:55 a.m. (Students should be in their seats and ready to start the school day by 8 a.m.)
Afternoon pickup is between 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. (Any students not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be sent to Extended Day and applicable drop-in fees will apply.)

Academic Calendar for the 2026-2027 School Year: IMPORTANT UPDATE

Over the summer, St M made updates/additions to the 2026-27 Academic Calendar. Please see below.

2026-27 Updated Academic Calendar - as of July 29

Uniforms

NOW IS THE TIME TO ORDER to have items in time for the start of school. Embroidered items also take an extra 14 business days.

Please note that ALL St. Michael’s students are required to have one cobalt blue long-sleeved polo with the St. Michael’s logo for special dress days.

Click HERE for more information on our Dress Code and uniform apparel guide.

St M Lands' End Uniform Shop

Volunteer Today!

St. Michael's is a vibrant learning community because of strong volunteer support from our families. We count on you! There are ample opportunities to get involved at St M. It is also a perfect way to meet members of our school community.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities HERE. Sign up to volunteer below. (Additional classroom volunteer opportunities will be shared through class calendars.)

**Can't wait to help? The SMPA needs volunteers to help distribute school supply kits at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 20 (corrected date), and with the Spiritwear Pop-Up Shop on Monday, August 31. Let us know if you can help by signing up below!

Volunteer Interest Form

After-School Enrichment Classes (K-8), Middle School Sports, and Lower School/Middle School Extended Day Registration Is OPEN! Don't Miss Out!

Fall Enrichment and Sports Registration CLOSES on August 22.
Extended Day Open Enrollment CLOSES on August 31.
After School Activities and Sports will START on September 2.

Registration Info HERE

School Directory Updates Needed by September 1

Have you moved, changed email addresses, or phone numbers? Has your household status changed? Help us keep our School records updated! We are going to print shortly with the School Directory and want to ensure all contact info is correct.

For Returning families, please check your entry in last year's Directory and alert us if there are any recent changes/updates/or anything was incorrect.
New families, let us know if you have any recent changes.
All updates needed by SEPTEMBER 1! Thanks so much!

Directory/Contact Info Updates

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St. Michael's Episcopal School 10510 Hobby Hill Road
Richmond, VA | 23235 United States

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