Skip to main content

Ellensburg School District

Empower Learners, Inspire Growth

Welcome Back

Back to School Central

Welcome parents and families! School starts for the 26-27 academic year on Tuesday, September 7th.

Please use these helpful links to navigate important tasks and reminders before school starts. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for Back to School!

Children focus on laptops at desks in a bright classroom.

Step 1: Be sure your student is enrolled

If your child is a returning student, please log into the online portal to update your contact information and confirm their enrollment. If your child is a new student (including incoming kindergarteners), please visit our registration page to create an account and submit your enrollment documents. Completing this process as soon as possible helps us finalize classrooms and schedules, so thank you for your prompt help in getting ready for day one!

Find all Enrollment and Information Update Steps Here
A collection of colorful art and school supplies arranged on a wooden surface.

Step 2: Gather school supplies

School supply lists are now available for preschool through 8th grade. High schoolers don't have a specific list but should start the year with basics like pencils, highlighters, notebooks, and folders. Teachers will share any specific high school course needs during the first week of school and at the start of each semester. If your family is unable to provide school supplies for your student(s), please contact your school counselor for assistance. If you would like to provide additional supplies to benefit the classroom or other students in need, please contact your child's teacher.

Find School Supply Lists and Online Shopping Options Here
Children in a school cafeteria line up to get their lunch trays.

Step 3: Complete the annual free/reduced meal application

We ask all families—regardless of income—to complete the annual Free/Reduced Meal Application in SchoolCafe. Even if you haven't qualified in the past, filling out this form is vital because it directly impacts our district's funding and budget. You can apply online by clicking the button below, or request a paper form from your school's secretary or cafeteria manager. If you need assistance, please contact Nutrition Services at 555-555-1234.

Find the Free/Reduced Meal Application
Students and yellow school buses gather outside a modern school building with an American flag flying.

Step 4 - Find your student's bus routes

Bus routes for the 26-27 school year will drop in early August, and eligible students are automatically enrolled. Keep in mind that routes may adjust as ridership changes. Note for K-1 families: A parent, guardian, or older sibling (4th grade+) must meet the student at the bus door and ask for them by name.

Bus Routes Available Here Soon
A hand holds a smartphone with the ParentSquare logo on the screen, with a desk in the background.

Step 5 - Download the ParentSquare app and register your account

Stay in touch with your school, class, teacher, clubs, athletics, and district updates by registering for ParentSquare! ParentSquare is the only district-approved communication app, and is the most important way we plan to share updates and information with parents and families, including (but not limited to): school cancellation for inclement weather; newsletters; Direct Messages from teachers; class, club, and athletics reminders; field trip dates; and forms.

Activate your ParentSquare account today!
A woman walks with two children, a boy and a girl, holding their hands as they approach a school building.

Step 6 - Get Ready for Open House

We can't wait to welcome you to our upcoming Open House! This is the perfect opportunity to tour the school, meet your child's teachers, and get a firsthand look at what they’ll be learning this year. Building a strong connection between home and school is vital to your student's success, and your presence shows them just how much their education matters. Whether you're checking out the classrooms, catching up with other families, or getting answers to your back-to-school questions, we would love to see you there—please join us and help us kick off a fantastic school year together!

View Open House Schedule

More Questions? More Links!