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District outlines back-to-school communications, staggered start and bus route timeline; parent portal, vaccine clinics highlighted
Summary
District administration presented back-to-school communications plans, staggered start dates (Sept. 2-8), parent portal access and two free vaccine clinics; transportation routing information set to go live Aug. 20 in Infinite Campus.
Administration told the board it has completed the district's largest back-to-school mailer (delivered week of Aug. 11) and launched a digital hub with translated materials so families can access information in preferred languages. Assistant Superintendent Molly McDowell reviewed outreach strategies for the start of the 2025'6 school year.
Key points: - Communications: Back-to-school mailer mailed to all district residences; a digital hub (rdale.org/bts) with language translations and regular social media posts will centralize information. - Parent portal: The district emphasized the parent portal (grades, schedules, attendance, transportation) and said staff are available to help families who lack internet access; one-page handouts and in-person help are planned at open houses. - Transportation: The transportation tab and bus assignments in Infinite Campus were delayed to allow rerouting work; administration said bus route information is scheduled to be live on Aug. 20 (staff asked families to contact the transportation office directly if they still have questions). - Free meals: All district students automatically receive free breakfast and lunch under the state program; families were encouraged to complete the educational benefits application because it can increase funding and reduce other fees for individual families. - Start schedule and clinics: The district outlined a staggered start (Sept. 2'grades 1-5, 6 and 9; Sept. 3'grades 7-8 and 10-12; kindergarten staggered Sept. 4-8). Two free vaccine clinics were announced: Aug. 26 at Meadowlake Elementary and Aug. 27 at Armstrong High School.
Board members asked about translation options beyond English, Spanish and Somali; administration said schools and the enrollment center can connect families to language-line and other translation services. Directors also raised access for families without home internet; administration said schools will provide phone calls, mailed materials and in-person help.
