2026-27 Back-to-School Checklist, What's New This Year

The first day of school will be here before you know it. In this special Back-to-School issue of Inside the WSD, we’ve included a checklist of tasks that need to be completed before students return on Aug. 24.

2026-27 Back-to-School Checklist

⬜ Complete the required annual registration forms in Focus School Software Portal by the start of school to ensure your student has access to District technology resources, including Chromebooks and/or iPads (based on grade level), on their first day. These forms include acceptable use policy and many more. The first parent listed in Focus (i.e. Parent Priority #1) can complete the eforms. To change which person is Parent Priority #1 in Focus, contact your child’s school. Read about Focus improvements below in the "What's New This Year" section.

⬜Students entering KG, 6th, and 9th grade must complete Proof of Residency forms in Focus. These are the enrollment documents required to be uploaded to the Focus School Software Portal.

Teacher assignments & schedules will be available Aug. 7.

⬜ Teacher assignments and schedules will be available in Focus upon completion of all the required annual registration forms after 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7.

⬜ New Families! Please note that Stopfinder will be the sole source of late bus notifications. In August, you will receive an email invitation with a link to activate the account and create a Stopfinder password. After you receive the email, you should download the Stopfinder App for late bus notifications to receive real-time geo-alerts with ETA. Transportation route information will be emailed to families on Aug. 14 or at a later date. Transportation information can be viewed when you log into your Focus account.

Returning Families! If you have a new email address in Focus, please complete the Transportation Assistance Form to request an updated Stopfinder invitation. Transportation information can be viewed when you log into your Focus account.

⬜ Look for a Welcome Back email from your child’s school and teacher to learn their school-specific schedule pickup procedures, dates, and times.

⬜ Review school supply lists and purchase needed items. Each elementary and middle school grade level has its own supply list based on its needs. High Schools do not have supply lists because course requirements vary, but more information can be found on each school’s website. We suggest bringing a notebook and pen or pencil on the first day to record specific teacher requests.

⬜ Make arrangements for before- and after-school care. If you plan to use Chautauqua, don’t wait to sign up. Spots are filling fast, and waitlists are growing.

⬜ New! Take note of this year’s Early Release days. The District provides supervision (separate from Chautauqua) for K-5 students who need to be picked up at their regular time on early release days. The cost is $10.59 per child per Early Release Day.

⬜ Plan to participate in extracurricular sports, band/guard this fall? Make an appointment for your child’s sports physical. Families should make an appointment with their primary care physician. Team tryouts start Aug. 10. Find more information on your school’s athletics website: Holt, Liberty, North Point, and Timberland.

⬜ Schedule immunization appointments with your healthcare provider, as needed. Children may receive their immunizations from their health care provider or at the St. Charles County Health Department. Learn more about required immunizations.

⬜ Does your student take over-the-counter or prescription medication? If so, get updated medication orders from their physician that include the name of the student, name of drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, and the prescriber's name. Drop both the physician orders and medication off at your child’s school for the nurse prior to the start of school

⬜ Check updated meal prices and fee balances and add funds to your child(ren)’s meal account in the Focus Portal.

⬜ Need assistance? Applications for free & reduced-price meals are available on the website or at any school office. In an effort to assist families as we transition back to paid meals, the USDA has increased the income guidelines used to determine eligibility. View the income guidelines. If you believe your family would qualify for this program, please fill out an application.

Applications can be returned by the following methods:

• Returned to your child's school
• Scan & email - marysanzottera@wsdr4.org
• Fax - 636-327-3961
• Mail - Child Nutrition Services, 101 Support Service Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385

Questions or need assistance filling out the application? Call 636-327-3858 x 21330.

⬜ Bookmark the 2026-27 Student Academic Calendar. Note that the school year may extend past June 2 (PK-5) and June 3 (6-12) if the District experiences more than a combined five AMI days and six snow days.

⬜ Note other important back-to-school dates such as LINK Crew for high school students, WEB Orientation, Walk-About Day, Kindergarten Orientation, and open houses.

⬜ Check school websites for important information for high school students. This includes parking permits, locker requests, yearbooks, senior photos, and more.

⬜ Consider joining the PTO or the Parent Club organization for your child’s school.

⬜ If you would like to volunteer in your child’s school or attend a field trip this year, complete the required volunteer registration forms A and B and turn them into your child’s school office (new forms are required each school year). Turn in forms A and B at the beginning of the school year to avoid delays in the approval process. See the District website for volunteer information.

⬜ The District offers an optional $20/year insurance program for student devices (ie - iPad or Chromebook) in grades 6-12. Purchase device insurance online by selecting your student’s name.

⬜ Review your child’s MAP scores. The District has received 2025-26 MAP and EOC scores. Students who took MAP or EOC last year will receive their Individual Score Reports this fall in Focus. More information regarding MAP reports can be found in the link for parent information regarding MAP test results.

⬜ Familiarize yourself with what’s new in the WSD this year by reading the updates listed below.

⬜ Review public notices, including FERPA information and options for opting out of directory information and limited directory information disclosures.

What's New This Year 

Early Release Wednesdays Replace Late Start Mondays

This year, monthly Late Start Mondays will be replaced with monthly All-District Early Release Wednesdays.

In addition to the monthly 120-minute All-District Early Release Wednesdays, the District will introduce weekly 68-minute Secondary Early Release Wednesdays on full school weeks.

Read the “why” behind this change.

Clear Bag Guidelines for Sporting Events

In coordination with neighboring St. Charles County districts, WSD is implementing new bag guidelines to help enhance safety and security at ticketed high school athletic events.

Beginning in August 2026, guests will be asked to follow the District’s new clear-bag guidelines.

Library Vendor - Insignia

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, WSD libraries are using Insignia as our library management system. This change from Destiny allows the district to conserve funds and utilize an updated system. Librarians are working hard to learn the nuances of the new system, and families should expect additional resources to support the transition in the fall.

iPads Replace K-6 Chromebooks

All students in Grades K-6 will transition to a unified iPad experience, replacing aging Chromebooks and older iPad models with new iPads. This shift is designed to streamline the educational experience for students while improving technical efficiency for teachers and staff.

The transition introduces enhanced classroom capabilities through tools like Apple Classroom and Mosyle Class Manager. These resources allow educators to launch specific apps, pause iPad use, and lock iPads into a single app for a focused mode.

While the on-screen keyboard is the preferred input method for students, external keyboards will remain available for specific instructional needs or accessibility requirements.

6th Grade students are expected to bring their iPads charged to school daily and keep the iPad in its protective case at all times.

Throughout this transition, the district remains committed to a balanced instructional model where technology serves as a purposeful tool to enhance, rather than replace, the vital role of the educator in the classroom.

Learn more about using and maintaining District devices.

No Electric Scooters & Bikes

For the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, electric bikes, motorbikes, scooters, and similar non-licensed motorized vehicles may no longer be ridden on school property.

Students who arrive on campus using one of these vehicles should dismount when they reach school grounds and walk it to the designated parking area. Riding any non-licensed motorized vehicle on campus is not permitted.

This change is being implemented to help ensure a safe environment for everyone during arrival, dismissal, and throughout the school day. Please take a moment to review this expectation with your child. Thank you for your partnership and support. As a reminder, all students are expected to follow school policies while on school property.

Focus School Software Improvements

Logging into Focus is now easier for parents. If the email address associated with your Focus account is a Google or Apple account, you can simply use the corresponding “Sign in with” button to access your account.

Also, the "Wentzville Schools" Focus app has recently been refreshed to provide a cleaner, more streamlined user experience for both parents and students.