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Back-To-School

A female elementary student gives high-fives to teachers on the first day of school

Welcome back! New start dates this year will set students up for success!

  • August 30-31 – Kindergarten Transition Days (half days)
  • September 1-2 – Elementary student assessment days/First Day of School
  • September 1-2 – Secondary "Student Success Days"/First Day of School
  • September 8 – Regular classes resume for grades 1-12
  • September 9 – Regular classes resume for kindergarten

This section includes helpful resources to ensure that you and your child are ready for the first day of school. Find all of your back-to-school information, including bus stop information, open house and registration events, immunization clinics and more. For school supply lists, visit your child’s school website.

What’s New in 2021-22?


Free Meals Continue

Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all students in 2021-22 at no charge through special funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Regardless if your student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, all families are encouraged to complete an Educational Benefits Program application. This program (formerly known as the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program) provides critical funding to schools and is not limited to just meals. Learn more about this program >
 

Emergency Broadband Benefits Program provides internet access

The Emergency Broadband Benefits Program is part of the most recent stimulus package passed by Congress to assist families in need to get access to Internet services. There are several qualifying factors to be eligible for this program including qualifying to participate in the Educational Benefits Program (formerly called the Free and Reduced-Price Meals program.) This program provides up to $50/month to cover the cost of Internet service to the home. Learn more about this program >

Family Apps

Choose one of the following access portals for instructions on how to setup or to access the portal.

School Start and End Times for 2021-22

Elementary Schools

  • Early Start Schools (Pinewood, Southview, Highland and Deerwood): 7:45 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.
  • Late Start Schools (all others): 9:30 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Middle Schools

  • 8:20 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
  • Valley Middle School of STEM: 7:55 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

High Schools

  • 7:40 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • School of Environmental Studies: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
  • Area Learning Center: TBD

Stay Connected with District 196

Find Us on Social Media

District 196 recognizes the value and increasing role of online social media in an education realm. To increase our communication efforts, we have accounts on five social media sites:

Receive Text Messages

District 196 uses texting as a communications method. The texts are delivered via SchoolMessenger, the mass notification service the district uses for phone calls and email messages. Parents/guardians must opt-in to receive text messages. Standard message and data rates may apply.

*Only SMS numbers listed as Guardians in the Infinite Campus student information system can receive texts.

  • Text Y to 67587, you will receive a confirmation message stating you are registered to receive SchoolMessenger notifications via text. (If you do not receive a confirmation message or what appears to be an error message, it most likely means that short code texting is not enabled on your wireless plan.)

  • For help information, text HELP to 67587.

  • To opt out at any time, text STOP to 67587

Supt's News Family E-Newsletter

Superintendent Mary Kreger shares updates via our MailChimp "Supt's News" e-newsletter. It is sent out via MailChimp the Friday before a regular School Board meeting, within a few days after the meeting with a recap and at various times throughout the month. Supt's News contains pertinent information pertaining to both staff and the District 196 community.

Subscribe to the SUPT'S NEWS E-NEWSLETTER

Transportation

Postcards will be mailed August 16, 2021, to families of students eligible to receive transportation to and from school during the 2021-22 school year.

The postcard includes information on bus stop locations and pick-up/drop-off times. Parents and guardians who do not receive a postcard and believe their child is eligible to receive transportation can call the Transportation Department at 651-423-7685. The district also offers optional transportation service for a fee for students who do not qualify based on the current service distances; for more information, visit the Transportation Department page.

Bus stop information is also available through the Infinite Campus Parent portal. Click on “More,” then “Transportation.” This information is updated nightly to reflect any changes to bus routes and stops.

Optional transportation service for a fee is available to families whose children are not eligible for free transportation based on current service distances.

Optional bus service is $300 for the entire school year

The annual cost is $300 per student, with a $600 family maximum. Families whose children qualify to receive free or reduced-price school meals receive the service for a discounted rate. State law requires districts to provide transportation for students living two miles or more from their school and for students who receive special education services and require transportation as part of their individual education program. Districts are allowed to charge a fee for transportation provided within the two-mile minimum radius, except transportation for individuals with special needs.

District 196 offers better service than required by state law. The starting point for elementary service is one mile from school and for middle school and high school service it is one and one-half miles. Students living within these distances from their school are not eligible for free transportation, except those who would, if they were to walk to school, need to cross a railway or roadway defined by district regulation as hazardous. Families whose children are not eligible for free transportation service based on distance or hazardous crossings have the option to purchase it.

For more information, visit the Transportation Department page or call 651-423-7685.