Return to Headlines

Back to School Helpful Tips

The leaves are beginning to fall, the summer heat being blown away, and the sounds of backpacks unzipping and the smell of crayons fills the air. As we gear up for another year at OSD, we want to ensure both our families and students are well-prepared. 

To help your transition, see our Back to School Checklist with nine things to do before school starts. These steps will ensure you're prepared, excited, and confident for the year ahead.

1. REVIEW THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

The first day of school is:
  • Tuesday, Sept. 3 for grades 1-12
  • Friday, Sept. 6 for kindergarten
  • Monday, Sept. 9 for preschool

 

2. CHECK ELEMENTARY SUPPLY LIST

You can find the elementary supply list for Orting Elementary School and Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary School on their websites.
 
Orting Middle School and Orting High School do not have supply lists, but a teacher might require students to have certain classroom items. Teachers will provide that information on the first day of school.

 

3. ACTIVATE YOUR PARENTSQUARE ACCOUNT

Download the ParentSquare app to receive communication from your student’s teacher, school and district office. Activate your account to begin communicating. You will be able to send and receive direct messages in your preferred language. You can activate here.
 
The app has many features that let you customize your communication with school. If you do not download the app, you will still receive messages from your school and teacher. Log into your account on the ParentSquare website. Visit our website for a step by step guide and more information about ParentSquare.

 

4. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IN SKYWARD

Make sure we can contact you in an emergency and share other important information. Please verify your home address, phone number and emergency contact. You can login into Skyward here.

 

5. PRACTICE GETTING UP ON TIME

Prepare for school by setting the alarm and waking up the family on time. Being at school on time every day is important for staying on track academically. See M-Th school start and dismissal times below:
 
Orting Elementary School (OES): 8:50 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary School (PTR): 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Orting Middle School (OMS): 7:55 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.
Orting High School Cardinals (OHS): 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
 

 

6. VISIT OUR NUTRITION SERVICES PAGE

The Nutrition Services Department follows all USDA guidelines to ensure students have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch.
 
We want to make sure that every Orting student can receive healthy and delicious meals at school. To help with this, families are encouraged to apply to complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Application (CNEEB), formerly known as Free and Reduced. For the 2024-25 school year, Orting Elementary School will provide breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of free and reduced eligibility status.  
 
CNEEB Applications are available throughout the school year and can be obtained from secretaries or online on our website.

 

7. FIND YOUR BUS ROUTE

Find your bus stop using our online tool on our website. Type in your home address (don't use any periods or commas), zip code, and the school or grade, and then select the Search button.
 
Posted bus routes and pick-up and drop-off times are approximate. Please remember that traffic, weather and other unforeseen circumstances may cause routes to be early or delayed.

 

8. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow OSD on Facebook and Instagram (@OrtingSchoolDistrict). Share photos of your student getting ready for the school year and the first day of school using the hashtag #OrtingFirstDay24
 
And make sure to follow your schools Facebook page as well:
 
 

9. ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Absences add up! Too many absences-- excused or unexcused-- can keep a student from succeeding in school and in life. How many are too many? 10 percent of the school year -- that’s 18 missed days or two days per month-- can knock students off track. Make a plan to ensure your child comes to school on time and every day. See bell schedules here. 
 
 
REMINDER!
 
All Fridays, unless otherwise stated, are early dismissal for staff professional development. Here are the dismissal times:
 
Orting Elementary School: 1:50 p.m.
Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary: 2:00 p.m.
Orting Middle School: 12:55 p.m.
Orting High School: 12:45 p.m.

 

Posted 08/05/2024