Families are required to complete the Back-to-School Packet in ParentVUE
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Completing the packet ensures families can access ParentVUE and stay up to date with important student information.
Why it’s required to complete each year:
- Update contact information, including emergency contacts
- Opt-in or out of student information releases, health and wellness services, and more
- Families are required to review the APS Student Rights & Responsibilities , including attendance rules, student rights, and other key policies
How to complete your packet:
- Log in to ParentVUE (desktop portal recommended)
- Click “Begin Online Back-to-School Packet”, then select the back-to-school packet icon (2nd one)
- Follow the BTSPacket Guide
For questions or assistance, contact your School Registrar or your Bilingual Family Specialist.
Understanding Opt-Outs
Student Directory Information
- Schools can share basic student information, such as name, grade, and yearbook, unless you opt out.
- If you do nothing, your student’s info can be shared.
- If you check the box, your student’s information will not be shared in items such as yearbooks, honor rolls, or school programs.
Media Participation
- Schools may share student photos, work, or news on their websites, social media platforms, newsletters, or with the media.
- If you do nothing, your student can be included.
- If you check the box, your student will not be included in any media for the 2025–26 school year.
APS Consent for Billing Public Insurance (Medicaid/FAMIS)
- APS can request that Medicaid help cover the cost of certain school services for students. To do this, APS must share limited information about your student with Medicaid.
- Saying yes does not affect your student’s outside Medicaid/FAMIS benefits, and services at school are still free whether you consent or not.
- You may change your mind at any time.
- If you do nothing, APS can share your student’s information with Medicaid.
- If you check the box, APS will NOT share your student’s information with Medicaid.
School Counseling
- Counselors help students with academics, social-emotional skills, and college/career planning.
- Parents may opt out of these services for their students for the school year.
- If you do nothing or select yes, your student will receive services.
- If you select no, your student will not receive classroom lessons or individual counseling in these areas.
- Counselors may still see students for safety or discipline concerns (bullying, suicide risk, threats).
For Secondary Students Only Hazel Health – Free Virtual Mental Health Services (Grades 6–12 only)
- Students can access free teletherapy services through Hazel Health.
- To set this up, APS shares basic information with Hazel Health (student name, DOB, parent/guardian contact).
- If you do nothing or say yes, your student’s information will be shared.
- If you select no, your student will not be able to use Hazel Health services unless APS staff are directly involved.
PTA Directory
- Many school PTAs make a directory each year for families.
- It may include student and family contact info, grade level, and PTA information.
- Families use it to connect with each other about school activities, playdates, or carpools.
- PTAs only share the directory with families within the school and do not disclose the information to businesses or other parties.
You must opt in for your family to be included.
Student Authorization to Carry Naloxone GRADES 9 and ABOVE ONLY
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. Key points:
- Students must be trained to recognize an overdose and use Naloxone.
- Students are not prescribed Naloxone for themselves but may carry it to help others in need.
- It must be kept in its original container and carried with care.
- If used, the student must notify APS staff and call 911 right away.
- Permission is for one school year only and may be revoked if not carried safely.
- The School Board’s insurance does not cover students if they are sued for improper use.
Consent: If you give permission, you must provide the date your student completed the Naloxone training. The packet will not be approved if the date is incomplete.
Project Extra Step Screening for Students Experiencing Homelessness
- This section is meant to identify and support students who might be experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.
- The school asks a few simple questions to determine if a student qualifies for Project Extra Step. This program provides additional support and resources to ensure every student can attend school and succeed, even if they don’t have a stable home.
- Answer 2 questions, yes or no; all is confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I complete my back-to-school packet?
The packet must be completed online through ParentVUE, either on a computer or a mobile device.
Do I need to update it again if I already updated it last year?
Yes. The packet must be completed every year to ensure contact information is up to date. Student opt-out preferences must also be renewed annually, and new information may be included that wasn’t available the previous year.
What if I forgot my ParentVUE user ID and or password?
You can reset your passwords using the steps below:
- Select Forgot Password.
- Enter your email address associated with the account.
- An email message will be sent to that email address with a link to reset the password.
- Clicking on the link in the email takes you to the Change Password screen, where you must enter your First Name, Last Name and the new password. You must enter your First Name and Last Name EXACTLY as they appear in your ParentVUE account to reset your password.
If you are unable to access the email account, please contact your school’s registrar.
Do both parents/guardians need to complete the packet?
No. Only one parent/guardian per family will need to complete the process for all students.
Can I start the process, log out, and finish it later?
Yes, you can start the process, log out, and return later to finish. Your progress will be saved. When you log back into ParentVUE, select “Resume Back to School Packet.” This will let you continue right where you left off.
What information will I have to update?
Families can review and update important information each year for all students, including:
- Parent/guardian contact details
- Preferred language for communication (oral and written)
- Emergency contacts
- Student’s chosen name
- Student’s military connection and home internet access
- Permissions for media, student work, yearbook, counseling,
- Sharing of directory information (with colleges, military recruiters, or third-party requests)
- Medicaid parental consent and emergency authorization
- Transportation options and emergency dismissal information
What information will I not be able to update for my student?
You will not be able to edit your student’s home address or certain demographic details, which will appear as greyed-out fields. To make changes to that information, please contact your student’s school directly for assistance.
For additional information or questions about this process, please contact your school’s registrar.