Back-To-School

No-Cost Meals for Students
District 196 supports learning by providing healthy meals (breakfast and lunch) to all students at no cost for all students.  

View menus and add funds for extra food items.
 

☀️Summer No-Cost Food Options for Families 

Summer’s here—and so are no-cost meals for all kids 18 and under! Join us June 9–August 8. Qualifying families can also get $120 per child with SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) to buy groceries. Apply by August 31!

Finding Your Student's Bus Stop

• Log into Campus Parent Portal on or after Aug. 17. Go to: Parent > More > Transportation.
• Check back often! Bus routes and times may change during the first few weeks of school.
• Day Variant Schedules: Families with these schedules will receive an email by Aug. 20.

Track the Bus

• Download the Here Comes the Bus app to track your student's bus in real time.
• Note: This is the final year District 196 will use this app. Look for more information later this school year.

Missing a Bus Route?

If your student does not have a bus route, it typically means the Plan My Ride form was not complete or your student is not eligible for free busing.

• To request a ride, complete the Transportation Change Request form, if eligible for busing.
  • Bus assignments may take up to ten (10) business days before service begins.

Pay to Ride Service

If your student does not qualify for free busing, you can pay for service. The cost is $300 per year, with a maximum of $600 per family. Discounts are available for families who qualify.

High School Parking Permits

• High school students who need a parking permit must purchase it through EduTrak. 
• Permits will go on sale between mid-July and Early August. Check your school's website for details.

Bus Stops: Find your child’s bus stop and schedule in Campus after August 17, 2026. Parents should continue to check back as information could change as routes are adjusted through the first days/weeks of school. In Campus: Look for Parent > More > Transportation

If your student does not have a bus route yet, we can help! This usually happens if the required Plan My Ride form was not filled out, or if your student is not eligible for bus transportation.

To request a bus ride, please fill out the Change Request form. If your student is eligible, please note that it can take up to 10 business days to set up their new route.

Day variant scheduled students will receive email by August 20, 2026.

Pay-to-Ride Service: Students not eligible for free busing can sign up for Pay to Ride service. Forms completed after July 17 will not receive a bus route until the second week of school. The cost is $300/year ($600 family max). Discounted rates are available for those who qualify.

Visit the Transportation webpage or call 651-423-7685 for more information. 

Completing an Educational Benefits Application helps our schools receive funding for staff and academic programs. Approved families also get discounts on activities. Complete your application today! 

As part of District 196’s 1:1 iPad program, students receive a district-owned device for school and home use. Families should review and follow all usage guidelines. Learn more!

Families may elect to purchase iPad protection in the EduTrak Connect Payment Center.

District 196 uses ParentSquare to make it easier for families to stay connected. All weekly and emergency communication from your child’s school will be sent using ParentSquare. Sign-in and claim your account to get started. Learn more about ParentSquare and download the app in the App Store or Google Play.
 

Download the Infinite Campus App or Log-in online. You will use Infinite Campus to update contact information, report student absences, and view final grades and report cards. Learn more about Infinite Campus ParentPortal.