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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

North Hill Elementary School
19835 8th Avenue South Des Moines, WA 98148

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9 Things to Do Before School Starts 

9 Things to Do Before School Starts 

The summer sun is setting, and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air. It's that time of year again–back to school! As we gear up for another year at Highline, we want to ensure both families and students are well-prepared. From staying updated with the school calendar to setting those early morning alarms, there's a lot to do before the first bell rings.

To help you transition smoothly, 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 Wednesday, September 6 for students in grades 1-12. Kindergarten students start on Monday, September 11. The first day for preschool students is Wednesday, September 13. See other important dates.

2. 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. 

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

3. CONNECT TO PARENTVUE AND CONFIRM YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION 

Make sure we can contact you in an emergency and share other important information. Please verify your home address, phone number, emergency contact and student health information in ParentVUE. To update your info, log into ParentVUE through an internet browser 

Use ParentVUE to track how your student is doing in school. View your student’s assignments, grades, attendance and student records. You can see information for all your children at any Highline school with a single login. 

4. CHECK OUT SCHOOL MENUS

School meals are available to all students at no cost this year! Menus are crafted by a dietitian. Our meals feature fresh baked goods and scratch-made entrees like spaghetti, chicken pozole, and chicken chili. We prioritize Washington-grown produce, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Check out our menus! Menus are posted on our website on Fridays for the following week. Access nutrition and allergy information through My School Menus. Make sure your student knows their student ID for breakfast and lunch. 

Even though meals are at no cost for everyone, you may be asked to complete an income survey to access other discounts and benefits. Collecting family income data allows our schools to receive additional funding. We will share a link to the survey this fall.

5. VIEW YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

Your school supply list is posted on your student’s school website. You can find a directory of schools on our website.

6. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Follow Highline on Facebook and Instagram. Share photos of your student getting ready for the school year and the first day of school using the hashtag #BackToHighline. 

7. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Review the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook so you and your student know school expectations and what you can expect from your school.  This includes: 

  • Attendance policy
  • Photo and video release
  • Protecting your student’s information
  • Special education
  • Discipline policy
  • Other important information

8. FIND YOUR BUS ROUTE 

Find your bus stop and pick-up/drop-off times using our online tool. Please check back just before the first day of school. Minor adjustments to routes could be made before school starts.

9. PRACTICE GETTING UP ON TIME

Prepare for school by setting the alarm and waking the family up on time. Being at school on time every day is important for staying on track academically.