Aug. 1, 2025
Back-to-School Checklist
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. 18.
2025-2026 Back-to-School Checklist ✅
⬜ Students entering 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.
⬜ The teacher assignment will be available in Focus upon completion of all the required annual registration forms. Teacher assignments and schedules are available today, Aug. 1.
⬜ New! Download the Stopfinder App for late bus notifications and real-time geo-alerts with bus location information. Please note that Stopfinder will be the sole source of late bus notifications, and text and email notifications will no longer be sent. Login information for the Stopfinder app will be sent next week. Transportation route information will be emailed to families on Aug. 7 or at a later date.
⬜ 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.
⬜ Take note of this year’s Late Start days. The District provides supervision (separate from Chautauqua) for K-5 students who need to be dropped off at their regular time on late start days. The cost is $10.59 per child per Late Start 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. 11. 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
⬜ Bookmark the 2025-26 Student Academic Calendar. Note that the school year may extend past May 29 if the District experiences more than 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 complete information.
⬜ The District offers an optional $20/year insurance program for student Chromebooks (grades 6-12). Purchase Chromebook insurance online by selecting your student’s name.
⬜ Review your child’s MAP scores. The District has received 2024-25 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 MAP Parent Information
⬜ 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.
Download Stopfinder App for Transportation Notifications
This year, the WSD will be using the Stopfinder app to send real-time bus notifications. Please note that Stopfinder will be the sole source of late bus notifications, and text and email notifications will no longer be sent.
Families must download the Stopfinder app via the App Store and Google Play. Read more about Stopfinder.
Cell Phone Policy
Please familiarize yourself with the upcoming change to District policy regarding student use of personal electronic communication devices (EPCDs). The policy, which reflects new requirements under Missouri Senate Bill 68, is expected to be adopted by the Board of Education at its meeting on Aug. 21, 2025, and will take effect on the first day of school for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Under the new policy, students will not be permitted to use or display EPCDs—including cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and smart glasses—during the school day. For purposes of this policy, “school day” refers to the official start and end times designated by each school building.
The policy includes specific exceptions, allowing EPCDs to be used:
During emergencies,
As required by law (e.g., for students with special education needs), and
When authorized by a teacher or administrator in support of an educational activity.
This change is designed to support a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and to ensure compliance with state law.
In addition, the District’s Student Code of Conduct will be updated to reflect the new requirements beginning on the first day of school. Families are encouraged to review these updates and discuss expectations with their students in advance of the school year.
The Student Usage of Electronic Personal Communications Devices policy is available for review on the District website. The updated code of conduct reflecting these changes can be reviewed at the following link: 2025-2026 Student Misconduct & Disciplinary Consequences.
Elementary Grading Practices
As mentioned in the May edition of Inside the WSD, the article Standards-Based Grading, outlined how WSD elementary schools will continue to implement Standards-Based grading practices to improve and streamline grading procedures across the district.
Quick Links
Important Upcoming Dates 📆
- Aug. 9 | Back to School Fair at Liberty HS - 8-11 a.m.
- Aug. 11 | School offices closed in the morning for internal staff Kickoff event
- Aug. 11 | Fall Sports begin at all four high schools
- Aug. 12 | School offices open during regular business hours at all high schools
- Aug. 18 | First day of school | PK-12
