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Back-to-School Checklist

Get ready for the 2026-27 school year!

Need a quick list of back-to-school resources? We have you covered! We will update this page frequently. Please check back.

Last updated July 27, 2026.

When is the first day of school?

Mark your calendar! The first days of school depend on your student's grade:

  • Grades 6–12: Thursday, September 3, 2026
  • Grades K–5: Tuesday, September 8 (Family Connection meetings, Sept 3–4)
  • Preschool: Monday, September 14

Riding the bus?

All bus riders must register to ride the bus! The deadline for guaranteed bus transportation on the first day of school is August 12, 2026, but register as soon as possible! When will route information be posted for those who have registered? August 21, the information will appear in the SMART tag app.

Register to ride the bus

Note: If a registered bus rider doesn't ride the bus for 20 days, their bus-riding privileges will be suspended until the Transportation Department is contacted. See the Transportation FAQ.

New phone number or email address?

Review your family info in Skyward Family Access and contact your school office with updates.

Register Your ParentSquare Account and Download the App

ParentSquare is our district's home-to-school communication tool. If you haven't already, register your account at www.parentsquare.com/signin using the email address listed for you in Skyward. You will be asked to verify your student(s) and confirm that we have the correct contact information. If you need to update any contact information, please contact your child's school to update that information.

You can use the ParentSquare website or download the ParentSquare App for iPhone or Android to stay connected with your child's teacher and school.

Learn more about ParentSquare

Need school supplies?

  • Elementary Schools: Shop for your own or purchase a pre-assembled supply kit (sales open August 1 in the payment portal)! See the list or purchase a supply kit online.
  • Secondary Schools: Supplies for secondary schools depend on the school. Some schools have comprehensive lists (check their website), while others only request basic supplies (such as loose-leaf paper, pens & pencils). Individual class teachers will communicate specific supply needs directly to their students and families.
  • Need assistance? Every school has been given free supply donations from Little Red School House and the North Thurston Education Foundation. Please contact your school for free supplies.

Complete back-to-school forms in Skyward 

Log into your Skyward Family Access to review and update the following:

  • Preferred home language
  • Military parent status
  • Verify emergency contacts
  • Acknowledge that the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook has been made available to you on the NTPS website
  • Health and wellness information
  • Native student program form (optional)
  • Guaranteed Admissions Program consent form (grades 9–12)

Need access? Have questions? Contact your school office!

Update student health history

Please complete an updated Student Health History form for each student. Download a copy in your preferred language and return to your school health room. Paper copies are also available at your school.

Need medication authorization or other health forms?

All health forms are available on your school health room page or by contacting your school office. District health forms.

Elementary student Family Connections Meetings

Families of students in grades K-5 will be invited to Family Connections Meetings September 4–5, 8 to get to know their teacher and prepare for the new year! Watch for signup instructions from your school at the end of August.

What about lunch money? 

Thanks to funding from state and national school nutrition programs, 17 NTPS schools qualify to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students in the 2026-27 school year! Be sure to fill out the Child Nutrition Application (beginning August 20) even if your school is already providing free meals – if you qualify, you can waive athletics and other school fees!

Six NTPS schools will have paid meal service in the 2026-27 school year. Families at these schools can still qualify for free meals by filling out the Child Nutrition Application (beginning August 24), or top up your lunch account balance in the online payment portal. Low balance notifications are sent to families on Sundays. View meal prices and learn how to monitor your meal account balances.

Pay fees

Annual fees include a Chromebook assurance fee ($10) for grades 6–12 and other fees depending on extracurricular activities (like athletics). Please check your account in the payment portal.

Need immunizations?

Now is the time to make sure your students are up to date on all vaccines required for school.

Interested in the Guaranteed Admissions Program?

Qualifying NTPS seniors will receive guaranteed admission to several Washington colleges and universities. Consent to share your contact information with these universities and be guaranteed acceptance if your student meets the minimum requirements. See the list of institutions, their requirements, and the consent form.

Get to know your school!

Check their website calendar for an open house, orientation, or other back-to-school events.

Need something different?

Our choice schools are still enrolling for this fall!  

Want to volunteer?

Need student accident & sickness insurance?

Review the handbook & district notices

Need help with more?