The first day of school is this Wednesday, Aug. 13. Are you ready?
It’s going to be a fun, exciting day, but we know there are some issues that can come up early in the year as everyone gets familiar with everything. Here are some reminders about what to expect on the first day and how to get the new year off to a good start.
BUT FIRST, REGISTRATION
If you haven’t registered your child for school yet, now is the time. You can do it online here or visit the school. Whether you register online or in person, you’ll need to provide several documents. They are listed on the registration page.
THERE WILL BE MORE TRAFFIC
All the lights in school zones will be on when school starts on Aug. 13. There will be crossing guards at campuses, and parents will be driving children to school. Please plan accordingly at drop-off and pick-up, and please pack your patience. Pick-up and drop-off always take longer at the beginning of the year. Remember, what you see this week won’t be what we see in a couple of weeks when things become routine.
BUSES
If your student takes the bus to school, patience will be needed with buses early on as they deal with traffic, new riders, and new routes, too. To find out if your student is eligible to ride a bus, please go here. If you have questions about buses, please visit our transportation page. We have a new chat feature to help answer many of your questions. And be sure to read our bus safety tips to make sure every bus ride is a safe ride this year.
SAFETY FIRST
All Arlington ISD campuses are staffed with armed security, and all visitors must check in at the front office and use the Raptor software for visitor screening. Be prepared to wait a little longer at check-in, too, as school offices are busy the first week still registering students.
FOOD TIME
Learning can’t happen without breakfast and lunch. Here are some of the links and things you need to know when it comes to food.
- Apply for free and reduced-price meals here. Meal benefits must be renewed each year.
- Check your PAYPAMS account to make sure you have money in it for your students or create a new account if you have new students.
- See the district’s meal charge policy here.
- What’s on the menu? Find school menus here.
- Follow us @arlingtonisd_foodandnutrition.
CALENDARS
If you’re already wondering when the first holiday is, check the school calendars here. (Hint: The first day off is Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.)
AWAY FOR THE DAY – NEW CELL PHONE POLICY
You’ve probably heard by now, but a new state law prohibits students from using cell phones or any telecommunications device in schools during school hours. Phones must be powered off and out of sight during all parts of the school day, bell-to-bell. This includes class time, transitions, lunch on campus, and restroom breaks. Read all the details and FAQs about Away for the Day here.
Download the Arlington ISD App
Show us your first day smiles #firstdaysmiles and follow the Arlington ISD on Facebook, X and Instagram. We also have an Arlington ISD app, your one-stop shop for everything about the district, including security notifications. Visit your app store to download.
We’ll see you on Wednesday!