Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, USD 262 Valley Center Public Schools will implement changes related to student electronic communication devices and social media communication as required by Kansas law.

Student Electronic Communication Devices

The Kansas Legislature passed legislation during the 2026 legislative session requiring every public school district to prohibit student access to and use of personal electronic communication devices from bell to bell during the school day.

USD 262 policy now states that: "Personal electronic communication devices, including but not limited to mobile or cellular phones, tablets, computers, watches, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging devices or personal digital assistants, are prohibited during the school day."

Any such device must be turned off and securely stored away from the student's person in an inaccessible location during the school day.

District-issued devices, including Chromebooks, are not affected by this policy and will continue to be used for instruction."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the district's policy change?

Kansas law now requires every public school district to prohibit student access to and use of personal electronic communication devices throughout the school day.

What devices are included?

The law applies to personal:

• Cell phones
• Smartwatches
• Tablets
• Personal computers
• Wireless headphones and earbuds
• Text messaging devices
• Personal digital assistants
• Other wireless communication devices

District-issued instructional devices are not included.

When does the policy apply?

The policy is in effect from the beginning of the school day until dismissal, including class time, passing periods, lunch and all other times during the instructional day.

What if I need to contact my child?

Please contact your child's school office. Staff will ensure urgent messages are delivered and students are able to receive important information. A list of our schools and their phone numbers can be found here: School Contact Information

What if my child needs to contact me?

Students should notify their teacher or visit the school office if they need to contact a parent or guardian.

What happens during an emergency?

During emergencies or safety situations, USD 262 will communicate directly with parents and guardians through the district's communication platform. To ensure you receive important notifications, please verify that your contact information in Infinite Campus is current. You can review and update your information by logging in to Infinite Campus here: Infinite Campus

Are there exceptions?

Limited exemptions are available for documented medical needs and approved educational accommodations. Families should contact their child's school for more information.

Social Media Communication

Kansas House Bill 2299 includes new requirements regarding social media communication between school districts and students. To comply with this legislation, USD 262 district social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and X) will no longer engage in comment-based conversations or respond to direct messages.

USD 262 district social media accounts will continue to serve as one-way, public-facing communication tools to provide district updates and celebrate the stories and achievements of our students and staff.

Staff may continue to maintain classroom, athletic and activity social media accounts to provide updates and information to families. These accounts are intended for one way communication only. Comments and direct messages will not receive responses. Two way communication between staff and students is permitted only through the Board of Education approved platforms, Band and Bound Sports.

These two approved platforms are designed for communication and coordination within specific school, activity and athletic groups. Students and staff should use these approved platforms for appropriate two-way communication related to school activities, athletics and other district-related groups.

Band
For communication and coordination within school groups, activities and organizations.

Bound Sports
For communication and coordination related to athletics and activities, including schedules, scores and team information.

Elementary School Supply ListS

*High School students will receive school supply information from their teachers.

Kindergarten:

• One 5” Fiskars pointed scissors
• One Crayola 8-count watercolor paint pallet
• Two large boxes of tissues
• One 8”x5” plastic supply box
• One pair of wired over-the-ear headphones (Bluetooth headphones are not permitted)
• One pair of PE shoes (non-marking soles—do not have to be new/Velcro preferred) to be kept at school.

*Please only label pencil boxes.

First Grade:

• One composition book (wide-ruled)
• One 8”x5” plastic supply box
• One 5” Fiskars pointed scissors
• Two large boxes of tissues
• One pair of wired over-the-ear headphones (Bluetooth headphones are not permitted)
• One pair of PE shoes (non-marking soles—do not have to be new) to be kept at school.

Second Grade:

• One 5” Fiskars pointed scissors
• Two composition notebooks (wide-ruled, not spiral)
• Two large boxes of tissues
• One pair of wired over-the-ear headphones (Bluetooth headphones are not permitted)
• One small plastic supply box
• One pair of PE shoes (non-marking soles—do not have to be new) to be kept at school.

Third Grade:

• One spiral notebook (wide-ruled)
• One 5” Fiskars pointed scissors
• One 3-Ring Pencil Pouch (3-ring binder will be provided by the school)
• Two large boxes of tissues
• One pair of wired over-the-ear headphones (Bluetooth headphones are not permitted)
• One pair of PE shoes (non-marking soles—do not have to be new) to be kept at school.

Fourth Grade:

• One 3-Ring Pencil Pouch (3-ring binder will be provided by the school)
• One 5 Fiskars pointed scissors
• One pair of wired over-the-ear headphones (Bluetooth headphones are not permitted)
• One pair of P.E. shoes (non-marking soles - do not have to be new) to be kept at school
• Two boxes of tissues

*Please do not label supplies.

Intermediate School Supply Lists

Fifth Grade:

• One Case-It Binder
• Two pairs of wired over-the-ear headphones or earbuds(Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are not permitted)
• Two packages of Clorox Wipes
• One package of No.2 Pencils (24 pack)
• Two boxes of tissues
• BOYS: One package Gallon Zip Lock bags
• GIRLS: One package Sandwich Zip Lock bags
• One Pair of tennis shoes for P.E.

Sixth Grade:

• Bookbag or Trapper Keeper to carry supplies
• 24 Pencils
• One pair of wired over-the-ear earbuds (Bluetooth earbuds are not permitted)
• 1 pack college-ruled loose-leaf paper
• 4 black dry erase markers
• 1 box colored pencils (12 pack)
• 4 glue sticks
• 1 composition notebook 
• 3 boxes Kleenex
• 5 three-prong plastic folders 
• 1 spiral notebook- Science

Middle School Supply Lists

**ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES FOR ELECTIVE CLASSES ONLY NEED TO BE PURCHASED IF ENROLLED IN CLASS*

Seventh and Eighth Grades:

• Bookbag or Trapper Keeper to carry supplies
• 24 Pencils
• 1 pair of wired earbuds (Bluetooth earbuds are not permitted)
• 1 pack of college-ruled loose-leaf paper
• 4 black dry erase markers
• 1 box colored pencils (12 pack)
• 4 glue sticks
• 3 composition notebooks
• 2 boxes of Kleenex
• 7 three-prong plastic folders
• 1 spiral notebook
• Calculator – TI 30X IIS

Electives:

Art: large zipper pouch/box, 4 pencils (mechanical), sharpie fine point (2 pack), ultra fine point Sharpie (2 pack), large eraser (2), black ballpoint pen (2), 1 color markers (10 pack, 1 watercolor tray (8 pack)

STEM:- One Additional Plastic Folder, Optional: Tape- Scotch or masking

PE/Weights: athletic tennis shoes

FACS: Optional: Ziploc Bags (Gallon or Quart) and blue dish soap

*High School students will receive school supply information from their teachers.