✏️ Back-to-School: Your One-Stop Resource!
August is here, and that means it’s almost time to head back to school! To help you feel prepared—whether you’re excited, overwhelmed, or just want a head start—I’ve put together a Back-to-School Parent Guide with the key steps and resources you need.
CMS has created a Back-to-School website with transportation sign-ups, calendars, forms, and more—all in one place. While Infinite Campus is still rolling out, parent training will be available soon. Until then, this site is the best way to stay on track and set your family up for success.
And if you’d like to connect in person, this month’s Minute with Melissa will be a casual Meet & Greet at Summit Coffee – Highland Creek. It’s a great chance to ask questions, share concerns, and talk about the upcoming school year. RSVPs (HERE) aren’t required, but they do help us prepare.
Let’s get ready for a strong start to the 2025–26 school year—together!
Back-to-School Made Simple: A Parent Guide
As a former teacher and your CMS Board member, I know how overwhelming this time of year can feel. Whether you’re juggling work, schedules, or special accommodations for your child, preparation is key. This guide breaks down the most important steps to help you start the school year with confidence.
1. Welcome and Orientation
Start with the “Welcome to the 2025–26 School Year!” banner on the CMS Back-to-School website. This section includes FAQs, guides, and other essential resources to help you understand what to expect before the first day of school.
2. Enrollment
Log in to Infinite Campus to confirm or update your student’s enrollment information. Make sure your address and contact details are accurate. If you’re new to CMS, complete the online enrollment process as soon as possible. Double-check that all required documents are uploaded and approved to avoid any first-day issues.
3. Transportation and Intent-to-Ride
If your student needs bus transportation, you must register every year through Infinite Campus. Register early to ensure service by the first day of school. You can also review eligibility rules and submit requests for alternate stops or daycare pick-up if needed.
4. Infinite Campus Registration Guidance
Infinite Campus is the hub for managing your student’s information. Here, you can:
- Update your contact information
- Enroll or verify your student’s details
- Request transportation
- Access the Parent Portal
Getting familiar with Infinite Campus now will save time later.
5. School Calendar and Key Dates
The school calendar is one of your most valuable tools. Review important dates such as the first day of school, open houses, early release days, holidays, and teacher workdays. Planning ahead will help you coordinate childcare and avoid last-minute stress.
6. Forms and Handbooks
Complete all required forms before school begins. This includes the IEP/504 handbook, medication authorization forms, media consent, and other documents provided by the school. Submitting these early ensures your child is ready to start the year without delays.
7. Family Portal and Parent Resources
The Family Portal offers additional resources that can be especially helpful if your child has an IEP or 504 plan. You’ll also find the student code of conduct, safety plans, and links to community support materials. Bookmark these pages so you can easily access them throughout the year.
8. Stay Updated
Parent training for Infinite Campus is coming soon, and I will continue to post updates to help families prepare. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox.
Preparing for a new school year can feel like a lot, especially with new systems and limited information available early on. But taking these steps now—checking enrollment, signing up for transportation, completing forms, and reviewing key resources—will help you and your child start the year smoothly.
As more details and training for Infinite Campus become available, I’ll continue to share updates and resources to make this process easier for every family. Together, we can ensure our students begin the year supported and ready to succeed.
If you haven’t already, [click subscribe below] to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox so you won’t miss a thing.
Here’s to a strong start to the 2025–26 school year!
