News & Updates for Parents
The Office of Parental Engagement is committed to providing families across the Commonwealth with information about educational opportunities, the latest resources, and updates from the VDOE.
Department of Education Releases Spring Standards of Learning Parent Reports
Resources which are designed to help parents better understand their child’s progress this school year can be found on the Parent Resources page of the VDOE website under the Assessment tab.
Unlock the Magic of Reading with Your Child!
Visit your local public library to participate in summer reading programs and activities. To find a library near you and learn about summer reading opportunities, check out this interactive map provided by the Library of Virginia.
Also, be sure to check out DayByDayVA, a platform that provides daily literacy resources for children. Each day, the webpage suggests a book to read, provides song lyrics, video clips, and more to strengthen literacy skills for your child. English and Spanish versions are available.
Exciting News!
Families in Virginia now have access to three programs: SUN Meals, SUN-Meals-To-Go, and SUN Bucks, that provide children with the nutrition they need during the summer. Studies show that well-nourished students are better prepared to learn. A healthy environment, nutritious meals, healthy snacks, and opportunities for physical activity can keep your students healthy and learning all summer long.
Check out the three programs below:
SUN Meals: Free summer meals served at schools, parks, community centers, and other neighborhood locations. To find a summer meals location near you, text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304.
SUN Meals To-Go: Free summer meals served to-go or through home delivery in some rural areas. To find a summer meals location near you, text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304.
SUN Bucks: A new grocery benefit that offers families $120 per eligible child in the summer.
For additional information please visit the School and Community Nutrition page on the VDOE website.
VDOE is committed to keeping school divisions and families well informed about the disbursement of funds for SUN Bucks. We encourage families to visit www.virginiasunbucks.com for the latest updates and refrain from contacting local school divisions as they are not responsible for the distribution of SUN Bucks to families.
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey for the 2023-2024 School Year
All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) annual Parent Involvement Survey.
This survey will remain open through December 13, 2024, and is only for families of students who have IEPs. Please complete one survey for each of your children who is currently receiving special education services during the 2023-2024 school year.
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov, or via telephone at (804) 418-4672.
School Safety Resources
Executive Directive 6: Student Safety Resources Considerations for Schools and Families: VDOE published safety resources designed to promote the safety of Virginia’s religious and ethnic communities and help combat incidents of antisemitism, anti-religious bigotry, and ethnic-based violence.
Level Up Virginia: Postsecondary Readiness
Level Up Virginia is a statewide initiative led by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the VDOE to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment, and completion for all students in the Commonwealth. The Level Up Virginia website provides information on various educational options, including certificate programs, apprenticeships, the military, trade schools, two-year and four-year colleges, and universities. It also offers guidance on how to prepare, apply, finance, and decide on postsecondary pathways. The website now features Spanish and Arabic translations to assist students and families.
Special Populations
Parents and families of students with disabilities receiving services through an individualized education program may not be aware of available services and eligibility of students for various waiver programs in Virginia designed to provide resources to support students and their families.
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services administers the three available developmental disabilities waivers jointly with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. There is a waiting list for these waivers, and the slots are assigned based on urgency of need. Additional information regarding waivers is available on the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services website.
Families can apply for a waiver by contacting their local Community Services Board (CSB) or by visiting the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards website to locate the CSB in their community.