Back to School Tips and Information

Camps and beach getaways are winding down as Aug. 31 approaches. That is the big first day back to school for Northborough public schools, and when the 180 days of school countdown begins to signal the start of the next summer vacation.

School calendar and bus schedules: The entire school calendar for the 2011-2012 school year can be found on the as well as bus schedules.

New this year is a half day schedule on the dates of the open houses for elementary and middle schools. All elementary schools will be on a half day schedule on Sept. 22; Melican Middle on Sept. 21.

Incoming Kindergarten students have orientation on Aug. 31 at their designated schools and will be on a shortened schedule. Parents are reminded that their Kindergarten students should not take the bus to school on Aug. 31. Each school has notified parents of the schedule. The first full day of school will be on Sept. 1.

Zeh School’s health office reminds parents of the medical records needed in order for all kindergarteners to begin school on the first day.

Already looking for some days off? There is no school on Sept. 5 for the Labor Day holiday or Sept. 29 for Rosh Hashanah.

School Websites: Each school maintains its own individual websites, which has links to important features such as lunch menus, special events, individual grade and teachers, staff directories and PTO information. Throughout the school year, parents are reminded to check the Web sites for backpack notices. This needs to be done regularly as most schools now post electronically to save printing and paper costs.

The link for online payment transactions are also on the school’s sites to make it easier for parents to pay activity fees, lunch costs, yearbooks, or full day Kindergarten tuition.

All school offices will be open and staffed beginning Aug. 24.

Here are some highlights you may need to know:

Peaslee Elementary  PTO is hosting a Kindergarten playdate on the playground on Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m. and on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. Parents are reminded to bring snacks and drinks for their children. These playdates are informal and a means for new students and parents to meet and decrease any first day jitters.

Looking ahead so you can get those photo perfect haircuts, photos will be taken on Sept. 9 with a raindate the following week.

Proctor School is also hosting a Kindergarten social on Aug. 29 at 3:30 pm on the playground.

School photos will be taken on Sept. 20.

Lincoln School Street welcomes their new Principal, Jennifer Parson. 

Incoming Kindergarteners are invited to attend a PTO sponsored brown bag lunch on Aug. 23 at 11:30 a.m. on the school’s playground.

Algonquin High School will host freshman orientation for the class of 2015 on August 24. It’s not too late for all students to pick up the summer reading book, Feed by MT Anderson. An author event will be scheduled after the start of school.

Melican Middle School reminds its families of its supplies lists needed for the first day of school.

This column will highlight some of the schools’ many special programs, speakers, events, and community service projects. If you are aware of a program that you would like featured in this column, please email Liz Nolan at lizard211@gmail.com.