The Countdown is On: Preparing for the 2026-2027 School Year!
Read on for some practical tips on preparing for a successful school year.
The summer days are flying by, and a brand-new year of discovery, innovation, friendship, and growth is just around the corner. Campbell Union is thrilled to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
From our littlest learners stepping into Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the very first time to our 8th graders preparing to lead their campuses, a new school year brings a unique mix of excitement and anticipation. Whether your child is learning to tie their shoes or mastering pre-algebra, here is a helpful guide to ensure your family is ready to thrive on day one.
For Our Youngest Learners (TK to 2nd Grade)
Starting or returning to early elementary school is a major milestone. For these young learners, building comfort and independence is key:
- Practice the Morning Routine: A couple of weeks before August 19, start practicing school-year bedtimes and wake-up alarms. Rehearse getting dressed independently and packing up backpacks.
- Build Lunchbox Independence: Help your child practice opening and closing their own lunch containers, water bottles, and snack bags. This builds immense confidence in the cafeteria.
- Read All About It: Visit the local library and pick up books about the first day of school (like Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in My School Shoes or First Day Jitters) to help normalize their feelings and ease separation anxiety.
For Our Growing Scholars (3rd to 5th Grade)
Upper elementary students are ready to take more ownership of their learning and daily habits:
- Designate a "Growth Zone": Work together to set up a quiet, well-lit homework and reading station at home. Involve them in organizing their supplies to build excitement.
- Reintroduce Daily Reading: Re-establish a daily reading routine. Swapping out 20–30 minutes of evening screen time for a great book is an excellent way to gently wake up their academic brains.
- Set Personal Goals: Sit down with your child and ask what they are most excited to learn or improve upon this year. Setting a positive intention now sets the tone for a successful year. Ask your student about the learning goals they would like to set this school year.
For Our Middle School Leaders (6th to 8th Grade)
Middle school brings more independence, moving between classrooms, and managing shifting social dynamics:
- Map It Out: Moving to multiple classes can cause a little baseline anxiety. Encourage your student to attend orientation events to walk their schedule and meet their teachers.
- Establish Digital Boundaries: With middle school comes increased tech usage. Use the weeks leading up to school to establish healthy boundaries around social media, gaming, and smartphone use, ensuring devices go to sleep well before bedtime.
- Encourage Extracurricular Curiosity: Talk to your middle schooler about trying something new this year—whether it’s joining student council, trying out for a sports team, or participating in an after-school club.
The Back-to-School Checklist
Before the first bell rings on August 19, make sure your family has crossed these essential items off the list:
- Complete Online Registration: Ensure all annual district update forms, emergency contacts, and media releases are finalized through ParentSquare and InformK12.
- Review Immunizations: Check that your child's vaccinations and school health forms are up to date, especially for incoming TK/Kindergarteners and rising 7th graders.
- School Events: Be sure to check the school website for orientation, mixers, PTA, etc. events. These events are a great way to meet people and ease anxieties.
- Map the Commute: Whether your child walks, rides a bike, takes the school bus, or participates in a carpool, map out and practice your travel plan ahead of time.
- Label Everything: Avoid the lost-and-found by clearly labeling backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and jackets with your child’s first and last name.
A Note on Big Feelings
It is completely normal for students—and parents—to feel a little nervous alongside the excitement. Take time over the next few weeks to ask your children how they are feeling, validate their emotions, and remind them that our wonderful teachers and staff are ready to take amazing care of them.
Enjoy these final remaining weeks of summer. Stay up-to-date by accessing and following District and school calendars. We cannot wait to see our schools filled with energy, laughter, and learning on August 19, 2026!
