Aug. 2, 2024

Back-to-School Checklist

Aug. 2, 2024 - The first day of school will be here before you know it. In this special Back-to-School issue of Inside the WSD, we’ve included a checklist of tasks that need to be completed before students return on Aug. 19.

2024-2025 Back-to-School Checklist ✅

⬜ If you haven’t already done so, please complete these four things to gain access to your new Focus School Software Portal account.

⬜ Complete the registration and required forms in Focus by the start of school to view teacher assignments/schedules and to ensure your student has access to District technology resources including Chromebooks and/or iPad (based on grade level) on their first day. Only the parent listed as Priority Parent 1 (located under "Addresses & Contacts") in Focus can complete the forms.

⬜ View your child's teacher/schedule. The teacher assignment are now available in Focus upon completion of all the required eforms.

⬜ Look for a Welcome Back email from your child’s school and teacher to learn their school-specific schedule pickup procedures, dates, and times.

⬜ Review school supply lists and purchase needed items. Each elementary school and grade has a unique list based on their needs. High Schools and Middle Schools do not have supply lists because course requirements vary. We suggest bringing a notebook and pen or pencil on the first day to record specific teacher requests.

⬜ Transportation information will be emailed to families at a later date. New this year, you can also view this information in Focus when it becomes available.

⬜ Make arrangements for before- and after-school care for your elementary aged child(ren). If you plan to use Chautauqua, don’t wait to sign up. Spots are filling fast, and waitlists are growing.

⬜ Take note of this year’s Late Start days. The District provides $10 supervision (separate from Chautauqua) for K-5 students who need to be dropped off at their regular time on late start days. Learn more.

⬜ Plan to participate in extracurricular sports, band/color guard this fall? Make an appointment for your child’s sports physical. Families should make an appointment with their primary care physician. Team tryouts start Aug. 12. Find more information on your school’s athletics website: Holt, Liberty, North Point, and Timberland.

⬜ Schedule immunization appointments with your healthcare provider, as needed. Children may receive their immunizations from their health care provider, or at the St. Charles County Health Department. Learn more about required immunizations.

⬜ Does your student take over-the-counter or prescription medication? If so, get updated medication orders from their physician that include the name of the student, name of drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, and the prescriber's name. Drop both the physician orders and medication off at your child’s school for the nurse prior to the start of school.

⬜ Applications for free & reduced-price meals are available here or at any school office. In an effort to assist families as we transition back to paid meals, the USDA has increased the income guidelines used to determine eligibility. Click here to see the income guidelines. If you believe your family would qualify for this program, please fill out an application. Applications can be returned by the following methods:

Returned to your child's school
Scan & email - marysanzottera@wsdr4.org
Fax - 636-327-3961
Mail - Child Nutrition Services, 101 Support Service Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385

Questions or need assistance filling out the application? Call 636-327-3858 x 21330.

⬜ Be on the lookout for updated information on how to check updated meal prices, fee balances, and adding funds to your child(ren)’s meal account in the Focus Portal.

⬜ Bookmark the 2024-2025 Student Academic Calendar. Note that the school year may extend past May 31 if the District experiences more than six snow days.

⬜ Note other important back-to-school dates like LINK Crew for high school students, WEB Orientation, Walk-About Day, Kindergarten Orientation, and open houses.

⬜ Check school websites for important information for high school students. This includes parking permits, locker requests, yearbooks, senior photos, and more.

⬜ Consider joining the PTO/PTA or Parent Club organization for your child’s school.

⬜ If you would like to volunteer in your child’s school or attend a field trip this year, complete the required volunteer registration forms A and B and turn them into your child’s school office (new forms are required each school year). Turn in forms A and B at the beginning of the school year to avoid delays in the approval process. See the District website for complete information.

⬜ The District offers an optional $20/year Chromebook insurance program for students in grades 6-12. Purchase Chromebook insurance online by selecting your student’s school!

⬜ Review your child’s MAP scores. The District has received 2023-2024 MAP and EOC scores. Students who took MAP or EOC last year will receive their Individual Score Reports this fall in Focus. More information regarding MAP reports can be found in the MAP Parent Information.

⬜ Familiarize yourself with the common language the District would use in the event of an emergency.

⬜ Get excited. We sure are! We can't wait to have our students back with us for the school year.