First Day of School Checklist

Kent School District August 22, 2019

It's almost time to go back to school! This first day of school checklist will help you and your student prepare to head back to school on August 29.

Plan for success in 2019-20 and mark these important things off your to-do list!

Add Important Dates to Your Calendar

First day of school for grades 1-12: Thursday, August 29
No school on Labor Day: Monday, September 2
First day of school for kindergarten: Wednesday, September 4
First two-hour early release Wednesday: September 4

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

TIP! If you download the free Kent School District mobile app , you can access the calendar and receive reminders directly on your smartphone or mobile device!

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 check the calendar to find out when any back-to-school events are scheduled.

Plan for School Supplies

School supply lists are available on school websites by clicking the Supply Lists link under the Families tab.

Communities in Schools of Kent is offering donated items from the Fill the Bus School Supply Drive directly to schools. Please let your school office or classroom teacher know if you need supplies by completing this form .

Update 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 are unable to login.

Prepare for School Meals

Breakfast and lunch are available at no cost or at a reduced price for qualifying students. Families must reapply each school year.

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 2019-20 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 .

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.

TIP! Check out our tips to ensure everyone is 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.

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.