School starts soon! Use this checklist to make sure your student is ready for the first day.
9 Things to Do Before the First Day of School
1. REVIEW THE SCHOOL CALENDAR
- The first day of school is Thursday, September 3, for students in grades 1-12.
- Kindergarten students start on Wednesday, September 9.
- The first day for preschool students is Monday, September 14.
- See other important dates for the school year.
Please note: The 2026-27 school calendar will be final following the teacher's union ratification scheduled for September 1. If changes are made, families will be notified.
2. VIEW YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Review your school’s supply list before shopping. Find your school and its supply list on the school website. This ensures your child has everything they need from day one, setting them up for success throughout the school year.
The Highline Schools Foundation provides school supplies to students who need them. Contact your school office to ask about available support.
3. ACTIVATE PARENTSQUARE & PARENTVUE
ParentSquare = Communication
New to Highline? ParentSquare is our primary communication tool for messages from teachers, schools and Highline. Before the school year starts, activate your account and review your notification settings so you receive updates the way that works best for your family.
Choose to receive messages by text, email, app notification or phone call. Prefer text messages? Turn on text notifications and select Instant delivery so you don't miss important school information. You can also reply directly to messages from your phone.
ParentVUE = Information
Activate your ParentVUE account to track how your student is doing in school. You can view your child’s assignments, grades and attendance.
4. CONFIRM YOUR STUDENT’S CONTACT INFORMATION
Before school starts, verify your student’s emergency contacts, health information and other important details through Online Verification. Keeping this information current helps us reach you quickly and support your student’s safety throughout the school year.
5. CHECK OUT SCHOOL MENUS
All enrolled Highline students can receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost during the 2026-27 school year. Menus are planned by a registered dietitian and include scratch-made meals and Washington-grown foods. Explore your school's menu to see what's cooking!
Help your student learn their student ID number. Students use it during meal service and for other school activities. You can find it in ParentVUE under Student Information.
6. FIND YOUR BUS ROUTE
Find your bus stop and pick-up/drop-off times starting August 26 using our online tool. Check routes again the day before school starts in case adjustments have been made.
7. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES AND REVIEW OFFICIAL NOTICES
Review the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook and our Official Notices so you and your student know school expectations and what you can expect from your school. This includes:
- Attendance policy
- Photo and video release
- Protecting your student’s information
- Special education
- Health service information
- Discipline policy
- Statement of Student Rights
- Other important information
8. RESET YOUR SCHOOL-DAY ROUTINE
Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up routines before school begins. Regular attendance helps students stay connected and keep up with learning. Missing about two days a month adds up to about 10% of the school year.
If health, housing, trasportation, food or other challenges make attendance difficult, contact your school. Staff can help connect your family with support. Learn more about why attendance matters.
9. USE #BACKTOSCHOOLHIGHLINE ON SOCIALS
Share photos of your student getting ready for the school year and the first day of school using the hashtag #BackToSchoolHighline on social media. Stay in the loop with all the exciting school highlights and essential updates this school year by following Highline on Facebook and Instagram.
Let's make this year one to remember!