2025-2026 School Year: Back-to-school resources and information
Important Dates & Upcoming Events
Friday, Aug. 1: Schedules release for families who have completed online check-in
Saturday, Aug. 2: Back to School Bash - free backpack and school supplies for district families, while supplies last
Monday, Aug. 11: Orientation for 6th and 9th graders (not including K-8 schools)
First day of school
Tuesday, Aug. 12
All students (Preschool-12)
Review the district's 2025-2026 School Year calendar for all key dates and breaks
Quicklinks
(SP)
⭐New This Year
New classroom-to-home communication tool
The district is launching a brand-new app featuring our first-ever two-way communication tool. Stay up-to-date on news, important alerts, connect with your teacher and more! Learn More
STEP 1: Get ready by downloading the app for free today!
STEP 2: Set up your parent account beginning August 7
Information will be shared the week before the first day of school to set up your parent account in the app for all communication with your child's teacher. Stay tuned.
Free School Meals Are Not Guaranteed
While students currently receive free school meals, the future of the Healthy School Meals for All program is unknown for the second semester due to limited state funding.
Secure meal status for the full school year and unlock benefits for your school.
By applying, families can receive additional assistance and help their child's school too (schools receive more than $1,100 per qualifying students).Families must reapply each school year. APPLY NOW
Athletic Stadium Guidelines
New guidelines went into effect at district athletic stadiums in March 2025. Review the guidelines about our admissions and clear bag rules.
District Policy Changes
📱Updates to the Student Cell Phone Policy (Policy 5030) (includes cell phones and wearable technology such as smart watches)
Students in grades K-8: Cell phones must be off or on silent and stored out of sight at all times during the school day, including passing periods and lunch.
High school students: Cell phones must be off or on silent mode and stored out of sight during class and in academic settings. Students may use their phones during non-academic time
For information on other revisions to district policies and guidelines, please visit the district's Summary of Recently Updated District Policies & Guidelines.
📌 Need To Know: Funding Proposal
Shortchanged: Our Students Deserve Better
The Challenge
We rank 14 out of 15 nearby school districts in per student mill levy override (MLO) dollars, putting our students at a competitive disadvantage. MLOs are used for ongoing operating expenses such as safety and security, salaries, and instructional programming.
But we have a solution!
Our students deserve the same competitive advantage as their peers in nearby districts. We can achieve this through investments in three areas:
Safety and student well-being
World class staff
Diverse and relevant programming
Learn more & be part of the solution
🔒Situations: How will families be notified?
Schools practice safety procedures throughout the school year, including fire, secure and lockDOWN drills.
To do before the first day of school:
Review your role in an emergency and how families will be notified at www.adams12.org/safety
Update your contact information so you receive important messages
Opt in for text alerts: 1) Add cell number to Infinite Campus in the cell phone field. 2) Text YES to 67587
As the beginning of the school year ramps up, summer bond projects are winding down. This summer, construction crews ran hundreds of miles of new fiber optic cabling, laid over 148,000 square feet of roofing, poured 8,440 tons of asphalt and much more.
See the full scale of our bond projects
75 years of student success!
Join us throughout the year as we honor our history, highlight notable alumni, and share memorable moments from across the decades.
Explore more and share your favorite Five Star memories!
Message from Superintendent Gdowski
75 Years: Then, Now & Beyond
As a graduate of Thornton High School’s Class of 1985, I can’t wait to celebrate 75th Years of success in Adams 12 Five Star Schools during the 2025-2026 school year...
Read the Superintendent’s Message
Get Involved
Five Star Leadership Academy
Ever wonder how school districts work and how to get involved? This free year-long program starts in September, meeting one Friday a month. Learn more
Join the Five Star Family as a Staff Member
Do you want to have the same schedule as your child? Make a difference for kids in your community? View and apply for open positions