PGCPS Family Guide 2025: Everything Parents Need to Know for a Successful School Year
The Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Family Guide is a vital resource for families navigating the academic year. Designed to enhance communication between schools and parents, the guide outlines policies, procedures, expectations, and support services to ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment. For 2025, the guide has been updated with new health protocols, attendance rules, academic benchmarks, and mental health resources—all in one place for easy reference.
What Is the PGCPS Family Guide?
The PGCPS Family Guide is an official publication released by the school district at the start of each academic year. It serves as a handbook that explains student rights and responsibilities, school policies, academic standards, transportation services, and parental involvement opportunities. It is available online as a downloadable PDF and is often distributed during orientation or back-to-school nights.
Whether your child is entering pre-K, transitioning to middle school, or preparing for graduation, the Family Guide offers age-appropriate information to support their journey.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Family Guide
1. Updated Attendance Policy
One major update this year is the stricter attendance policy, which requires parents to notify schools within three days of an absence. Chronic absenteeism may now trigger automatic academic intervention meetings.
2. Enhanced Safety Protocols
The 2025 Family Guide includes expanded school safety measures, such as:
- Visitor check-in procedures using digital ID scanning
- Emergency response drills and family reunification plans
- Mental health response protocols in case of student crises
3. Academic Expectations and Grading
The guide breaks down grade-level expectations and how students are assessed. It also clarifies the grading system, from formative assessments to final report cards, helping parents understand how student performance is measured across the school year.
4. Digital Learning and Technology Use
With hybrid learning still in use for certain grades, the Family Guide provides detailed rules for:
- Chromebook distribution
- Acceptable use policies (AUP)
- Online learning platform support (Canvas, Google Classroom)
5. Student Support Services
Families can find information about available student support services, including:
- Special education plans (IEPs, 504s)
- Language assistance for English Learners (EL)
- Free and reduced lunch programs
- Counseling and mental wellness referrals
Why It Matters for Parents
The PGCPS Family Guide is more than just a rulebook—it’s a partnership tool. Parents who are familiar with school policies can better support their child’s behavior, academics, and health. It also promotes transparency by setting clear expectations on everything from school dress codes to grading criteria.
Moreover, it keeps parents informed of their rights, such as:
- The right to request academic records
- The right to opt out of surveys or sensitive instructional content
- The right to file grievances through official PGCPS channels
Accessing the Guide
Parents can access the latest version of the PGCPS Family Guide by visiting the official district website:
Website: https://www.pgcps.org
Once on the homepage, navigate to the “Families” section and look for the “Family Guide” link. It’s available in multiple languages including Spanish, French, and Amharic to reflect the county’s diverse community.
Printed versions are also provided at school front offices and parent engagement events.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time PGCPS parent or have multiple children in the system, the 2025 PGCPS Family Guide equips you with the knowledge you need to navigate the school year successfully. From academic planning to mental health support, it brings clarity and consistency to the home-school connection.
For any questions related to the guide, parents are encouraged to contact their local school office or the PGCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement.
Stay informed, stay connected—and make this school year the best one yet.
