Back-to-School Basics: What You Need to Know

We are excited to welcome our students for the new school year soon! The 2025-26 school year begins for students in grades 1-12 on Thursday, August 28; and for new kindergarten students on Wednesday, September 3. 

While our teachers and staff members are busy preparing to welcome students for the 2025-26 school year, we know that families are getting ready, too. Here are our "Top Things to Know" as the first day approaches. If you have additional questions, please call your student's school or the district office. 

1. When do school offices open for the year?

School offices opened on Tuesday, August 5. 

2. What is the Enrollment Verification Process (EVP)?

This year's EVP is open from August 7-13, and it needs to be completed for each returning student every year. (This process is only needed for families of students who attended in the 2024-25 school year and are coming back to school this year; new families do not need to complete EVP).

The process is important because it allows you to confirm your student's enrollment, submit required forms and verify that your student and family information is up to date. Families that completed a new student enrollment application for fall of 2025 do not need to complete EVP. To complete EVP, visit the Family Access page between August 7-13. This year's process will be slightly shorter than prior years because we removed the survey in response to feedback from families. We are working to refine and optimize the survey and will ask families for feedback this fall, separate from the EVP process. 

3. Why does EVP matter?

The EVP process helps us accurately finalize planning for the school year, from staffing at buildings to supplies, bus routes and more. Thank you for providing information so that we can serve our students and families well!

4. How can I fill out health forms for my student?

Health forms are included as part of the EVP process. More information is available on the Health Services page of our website. 

5. When and how can I find out which bus my student will ride?

Bus routes for the 2025-26 school year will be finalized after the EVP process is complete. Information will be available in mid- to late August on our Transportation webpage. We will let families know that route information is available in the district bulletin. Please note that during inclement weather, some routes have “emergency” or “snow” stops that are different from the regular routes. Before the weather changes, check your student’s emergency route information. 

6. How can I keep up to date with information about my student's school and the district?

The district news bulletin is sent via email to all families and staff members each Monday at about 4 p.m. School building news bulletins are sent via email to all families and staff members each Thursday between 4-6 p.m. Some students and community members also sign up to receive the bulletins. We don't typically send bulletins during school breaks or on holidays. Principal messages and emergency bulletins are sent via the same system on an as-needed basis. The bulletin is also how we share information about school closures due to inclement weather or other reasons.

Other ways to find information and stay in touch with the district and our schools include:

• The district website and your student's school website. Each website is translatable and accessible. One way to search for information is to visit the website, then use the magnifying glass symbol in the top right corner (on mobile devices, click the three lines at the top right first) to conduct a search.
• Social media: Official district accounts include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. In timely or emergent situations and a few other instances, we also share information via X/Twitter.
• Sign up for text messages from the district and your student's school. Send the word "Yes" or the letter "Y" to the number 67587 from the cell phone number that is listed in your Family Access account. If you have previously opted in for text messages and your phone number is the same, you do not need to opt in again.

7. How can I receive information from the school district and my student's school in a language other than English?

Inside of your Family Access (Skyward) account, you can select a preferred language to receive information in. This setting can be changed at any time by calling, emailing or visiting your student's school. We also provide free language services to individuals with limited English proficiency; information about those services, including translation and interpretation, is available on our website.

• To change language settings on the district or school websites, open the website. Click the Earth icon or "English" at the top right corner. A drop-down menu will appear with the languages that are available. Select a language.
• To change the language of captions on a district or school YouTube video, play a video. Click "CC" to enable captions. Click the "gear" or wheel icon. Click "Subtitles/CC. Select "auto-translate." Choose the language.

8. How can I get help with school meals?* And, what's on the menu?

Fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals. If you prefer a paper copy of the application, you can print one from our website or your student's school can provide one for you. Applications are available in many languages via our website and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website. *Please note that students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for help with other fees and costs associated with school programs such as sports, activities and more.

Printable and digital menus for August and September are available on our website. The digital menu offers the option to see nutritional information, ingredients and allergens, as well as translation into more than 75 languages.

9. If my student or family needs additional support this year, how can I find resources to help? 

• We are hosting a Back-to-School Resource Fair. Learn more and register online to help us plan.

• Issaquah School District has partnered with Care Solace to complement districtwide efforts to provide our learning community with access to mental health care and support student well-being. Care Solace is a central hub that connects students, staff and their families to care. At no cost to you, Care Solace will quickly and confidentially find available providers for mental health and substance abuse, matched to your needs. Care Solace helps school districts provide care coordination for every student, staff member, and family member in need. The Care Solace team is always available — including nights, weekends, and holidays — in more than 200 languages. Further resources are available on our website. 

• Our Family Partnerships team offers excellent events, workshops, resources and support for families. Learn more on their website. 

10. Where can I find school supply lists? 

At the elementary and middle school level, lists are located on your school’s website under “Academics,” then “Supply List.” Supplies at the high school level vary by class. Unless you hear otherwise from your high school student’s teachers before school begins, send them with a notebook, folder, pens and pencils on the first day. Teachers will share specific supplies with students and families in their classes. 

Any families who need help with back-to-school supplies can register with the Issaquah Schools Foundation for its “Tools4School” program, which will provide a backpack and necessary supplies during our annual Back-to-School Resource Fair. 

11. How can I get involved in my student's school?*

• Every school has a PTSA/PTA group. Information about how to join the parent-teacher association is available on your school's website under "Families & Community." Your PTA provides critical support and programs for students, staff and community members at your school.
• Our district has an active and vital partner in the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Learn more about their programs and services on their website.
• The Issaquah School District features an amazing mentor program called the VOICE Mentor Program, which pairs caring adult or high school volunteers with students for one-on-one supportive relationships. Mentors are available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade at all Issaquah school buildings. We need mentors who are interested in volunteering regularly; volunteers who speak another language are needed!

*Volunteers in school buildings must be cleared through the district's Volunteer Application. This process is available beginning August 7.

12. How can my student participate in sports or activities at school?

• At the elementary level, students can participate in a variety of optional activities such as math club, Safety Patrol and other student-interest clubs that meet outside of the regular school day. These options vary by school, and sometimes by year. Information will be shared via your school's bulletin, website and other communication methods such as Peachjar flyers.
• At the middle school level, students can participate in a variety of sports, intramural options and activities. Find information on your school's website, under "Student Life," then "Activities" or "Athletics." Then, register in FinalForms.
• Our high schools offer many sports and activities for students to consider. Find details on your school website. Then, register in FinalForms. Many sports teams and clubs also have student-run (or booster club) social media accounts that offer a glimpse into that particular group's activities.