Before School Starts

Registration/Enrollment Deadline

• Make sure your child is enrolled in their correct school and grade level.

School Supply Lists

• Released Usually available in July or early August. Many schools post them online or send them via email.

Back-to-School Night/Meet the Teacher

• Great opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and understand expectations.

Immunization and Health Forms Due

• Required for school entry in many districts, especially for Kindergarten and 7th grade.

Transportation/Bus Info

• Release Date Check for routes, pickup/drop-off times, and changes to procedures.

At the Start of School

First Day of School

• Mark this clearly — and take that first day photo!

Free/Reduced Lunch Application Deadline

• Usually due within the first few weeks of school.

Fall Assessments/Diagnostic Testing Dates

• Helps teachers identify your child’s learning level early.

Parent Portal Setup / Login Info

• Make sure you're able to track grades, attendance, and communication.

Fall Semester

Open House or Curriculum Night

• Usually within the first 4–6 weeks of school.

Interim Progress Reports

• Often issued mid-quarter to keep you updated on grades.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

• Usually occur after the first quarter ends (October–November).

End of 1st Grading Period/Report Cards

• Dates vary but often mid-October.
• Fall Break/Thanksgiving Break (Typically mid-October or late November.)

Winter Semester

Winter Holiday Break

• Usually 1–2 weeks around Christmas and New Year’s.

Mid-Year Assessments or Benchmarks

• Occur in December or January.

2nd Semester Begins

• Often after winter break, early January.

MLK Jr. Day (School Holiday)

• Third Monday in January.

End of 2nd Grading Period/Report Cards

• Often late January.

Spring Semester

Spring Break

• Typically March or April.

Standardized Testing Dates (State or District)

• Usually from March to May. These vary by state (e.g., STAAR, FSA, MCAS).

Final Parent-Teacher Conference (if applicable)

• Often late March or April.

Field Day/School Celebrations

• Keep an eye out for special days and sign-up opportunities.

End of School Year

Final Exams or Projects Due

• Often in May or early June.

End of 4th Grading Period/Final Report Cards

• Varies by district, often late May or June.

Graduation/Promotion Ceremonies

• For Pre-K, 5th, 8th, and 12th graders.

Last Day of School

• Important for summer planning and childcare arrangements.

Summer School Registration (if needed)

• Usually opens before the school year ends.

What Should You Track

• First/last days of school, semester/five/nine-week periods, and early dismissal days.
• Major holidays & breaks: Labor Day, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, MLK Day, Mardi Gras, Spring Break, Memorial Day, Juneteenth.
• Parent teacher conference windows—often no school days.
• Key state testing windows and grade-level assessments.

Tips for Staying Organized

• Download your specific district’s PDF calendar (substitute for your local school board).
• Sync to digital calendars (Google/Apple) if available.
• Prepare ahead: Note when lunch forms and immunization records are due, and when fall and spring conferences are.
• Stay organized. It helps.

Have a wonderful new school year!