Back-To-School

Welcome to a new school year in District 196! We’re so glad you’re here. To help your student start strong, here are a few key things to know before the first day.

view the 2025-26 School Calendar

✓ Back-to-School Checklist

Help your student start strong

Learn about student meals

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!

Find your bus stop

Bus Stops: Find your child’s bus stop and schedule in Campus after August 20, 2025. 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

Day variant scheduled students will receive email by August 22, 2025.

Optional Transportation Service: Students not eligible for free busing can purchase service for $300/year ($600 family max). Discounted rates are available.

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

Submit Educational Benefits Application

Select iPad Protection

Get Ready to Connect

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.

Complete Health and Safety Prep

Verify Immunizations are Up-to-Date

Immunizations: Minnesota law mandates that students have proof of required vaccinations or a valid exemption. Ensure your student has the required immunizations.

Notify nurse regarding Health Needs

Please contact your child’s school nurse directly if:

Your child has any new health conditions or changes to existing health conditions AND/OR
Your child will need medication or procedures administered at school

A list of school health office phone numbers can be found at www.district196.org/services/health-services

Review Student Safety Protocols

Confirm Contact Information

Review Student Rights & Responsibilities

Get School Supplies

Middle Schools

Donate School Supplies

Get ready for Fall Athletics & Activities

Register for Fall Athletics/Activities
Complete Sports Physical Requirements

Register for Fall Athletics/Activities

Complete Sports Physical Requirements

Students in grades 7–12 who participate in athletics must have a current sports physical on file. Physical Exams must be completed within the past three years by a Physician, Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant. The Minnesota State High School League Sports Qualifying Physical Examination Clearance Form (Spanish | Somali) must also be completed every three years.

For more information on MSHSL physical examination requirements, visit our website or contact the nurse at your child’s school.

Be in the know

New Student Enrollment

District 196 Residents: Start your District 196 journey today by locating your child's school and completing our pre-registration form. Your child’s school will contact you to finish K-12 registration.

Magnet Schools: Your student can attend one of our nationally recognized magnet schools, each with a theme-based learning approach. Learn more about our Magnet programs!

Open Enrollment: We are proud to offer open enrollment to out-of-district families. Learn more about Open Enrollment!

For more information, visit our enrollment webpage.

School-Aged-Care (SAC)

School Hours

Elementary Schools
- 7:45 a.m.-2:05 p.m.: Pinewood, Southview, Highland, Deerwood (early start)
- 9:30 a.m.-3:50 p.m.: All Others (late start)

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

High Schools
- 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m:School of Environmental Studies
- 7:35 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Area Learning Center
- 7:40 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: All Others

Navigation