FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL CHECKLIST

by Ben Antrobus

It’s almost time to go back to school! Here is important information for students and families before the new school year begins.

Add Important Dates to Your Calendar

  • First Day of School for Grades 1-12: Thursday, August 29
  • First Day of School for Kindergarten: Wednesday, September 4
  • First 2-hour Early Release Wednesday: September 4

View the 2019-2020 student calendar for school closures, early releases, and more.

Attend Back-to-School Events

Many back-to-school ice cream socials, open houses, and events are taking place before school begins. Visit your school’s website and click on the Calendar tab in the menu to find out when your school’s event is scheduled. 

Collect School Supplies

Find your supply list on your school’s website by hovering over the Families tab in the menu and then selecting Supply Lists.

Update Your Emergency Contact Information

Update your emergency contact information, including telephone numbers and email addresses, in Skyward Family Access. Please call your school office if you need help logging in.

Plan Ahead for School Meals

Apply for free or reduced school meals online using Meal App Now. If you have been in the program previously, you still need to apply again for the 2019-2020 school year.

Pay for school meals ahead of time using Lunch Money Now. All you need to get started is a student identification (ID) number.

Find out what’s for lunch each day online or by downloading the free My School Menus mobile app.

Contact Nutrition Services at (253) 373-7275 or visit the nutrition section of our website for more information.

Take Care of Immunizations & Return Health Forms

Provide proof of your student’s immunization status on the Certificate of Immunization Status form. Washington State law requires all students to be fully immunized against chicken pox, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, pertussis, mumps and rubella before attending school.

If your child has a life-threatening condition or needs medication at school, please visit the health services area of our website or contact your school nurse for more information.

Have a Plan to Get Students to School Safely

We encourage all students, families, and drivers to be aware of their surroundings and obey traffic signals and crossing guards as they travel to and from school. Check out our tips to ensure everyone makes it to the first day of school safe and ready to start school.  

Bus passes will be mailed the week of August 19 to the resident address listed in Skyward for eligible students. Families expecting bus passes who have not received them by August 27 should contact their school or our Transportation team at (253) 373-7442. Our transportation office can also answer questions about eligibility as well as bus stop location and times.

Become a Volunteer

Whether you have volunteered in our schools before or plan to do so for the first time, all returning and new volunteers must renew their status or apply through Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) before helping in 2019-2020.

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