Printable checklist if you prefer (coming soon for 2020-21):
Check your school's website (use the "Select a School" menu on the left side of the black tool bar at the very top of every webpage). You will find important information, including, but not limited to:
School supply lists and required forms
School calendars and bell schedules
Attendance policies
Emergency and security procedures
Drop-off and pick-up procedures
Student parking information (high school)
Bus schedules (bus stop times, fees, and routes can be found here)
Athletics and activities information
Back to School events or orientations
Many of these items will be located on your school's website. You can also consult the district's Student and Family Handbook.
Log in to Jeffco Connect to update your information. (If you have forgotten your username, contact your child's school. If you have forgotten your password, click on the forgot password link on the Jeffco Connect login page. All parents/guardians must complete this step to be considered "registered" each year.
- Be sure to check all information and preferences for EACH student; they are considered separate records. Additionally, parents/guardians cannot access each others' information, so be sure all parents/guardians update their own information.
Pay fees. While you are logged in to Jeffco Connect, click on "Jeffco Student Fee Payment" in the bottom of the "User Information" section. Schools can provide you with specific information about what your fees cover. You can learn more about fees here.
Add lunch money to your child's account or set up a new account through SchoolCafe.
Review and update immunizations. If your child had any required immunization updates over the summer, be sure to provide the school with an updated copy of the immunization record on the first day of school. View a list of required immunizations or exemption forms and procedures.
Provide information about medical needs. If your child has medical requirements during the school day, check the school's website or speak to office staff about getting all forms and plans in place before the first day of school.
Complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program application, if applicable. Participants MUST REAPPLY every school year after July 1. If your child is already in the program, the status will carry over 30 days into the new school year. This application can also be used to apply for waivers for school fees, transportation fees, and Outdoor Lab fees if the appropriate selections are made on the form.
Get Informed Before YOU START School
Familiarize yourself with the Campus Parent Portal. This is where you will be able to view your student's academic information. You can get to Portal through JeffcoConnect, by logging in and selecting "Campus Portal" from the list of items in the User Information box. For elementary school students, you can view attendance and access immunization records. For middle and high school students, you also can view class schedules, assignments, and grades.
Familiarize yourself with school attendance policies. Learn about any forms used by your school for pre-arranged absences. Some schools require forms
be submitted days ahead of planned absences. District attendance policies can be found in the
Student and Family Handbook (Code of Conduct).
Familiarize yourself with emergency and safety procedures, as well as how to respond when running a drill. Be sure you know what to do if you are in a school when an emergency occurs, and what will be required/expected of your student if there is an emergency at school. Discuss these procedures with your child and review the
district's emergency procedures and protocols, as well as any at your school.
Familiarize yourself with the district's school closure policies and procedures, as well as those of your specific school.
Learn more about the district's school closure policies.
Review the Student and Family Handbook (Code of Conduct) so that you and your student are familiar with all district policies including student conduct, accountability, discipline, safety, health, etc.
Follow the district on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow your child's school on their social media; check their website for links and handles.
Get Involved AT YOUR SCHOOL
Volunteer at your school. Our schools LOVE to have parent volunteers! Check with your child's school for where they may need some help. Additionally, be sure to check if they require any volunteer training first, so you are prepared and ready the first time you volunteer.
Join the PTA/PTO. Your school's website may have a PTA page, or the PTA might have its own social media presence. Review opportunities to get involved or volunteer for school events.
Join Watch D.O.G.S. (for dads). See if your school offers the Watch DOG program for dads who want to volunteer to be at school and sign up. It's a fun and eye-opening experience!