Attendance Matters: Summer Tips to Be Ready for the First Day of School

Being ready for the first day of school starts in the summer! Mark your calendars now to be ready for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year: 

• September 2 – First day of school for grades 1-12
• September 8 – First day of kindergarten and Evergreen Transition Program* 
• September 9 – First day of preschool

*6/12/26 Update: The start date for Evergreen Transition Program was adjusted to September 8. It was previously listed as September 2.

Stay Connected All Summer 

To help families prepare for the next year, BSD will share updates, reminders and resources throughout the summer.

Adjust Travel Plans 

Being at school on day one is critical to your child’s success!

Students who miss the first day of school start the year behind their peers, feeling less confident and prepared. YOU can help your students have a strong, confident start to the year! Make sure you return from any travel before August 31, so they have enough time to rest and prepare for that important first day!

Prioritize Sleep 

Kids aged 6–12 need 9–12 hours of sleep per night. Not getting enough sleep is linked to mood swings, difficulty focusing, and social struggles.

Make Time for Connection

Whether it’s a walk, a shared meal, or bedtime stories, these moments help kids feel safe and supported — boosting their ability to manage stress and build friendships.  

Encourage Emotional Expression 

Let kids know it’s okay to talk about how they feel. Labeling and discussing emotions helps kids better understand themselves and others.  

Use questions like: “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was there anything that made you feel frustrated or proud?” 

Foster Independence and Confidence 

Encourage kids to take ownership of age-appropriate tasks. Independence builds confidence, especially when kids realize they can solve problems or make choices on their own.