Get ready for the first day of school, Thursday, September 5, 2024!
Download a convenient, printable checklist to help your family get ready for the start of the school year, available in multiple languages below:
Get Connected
Update your contact information.
Don’t miss important updates from NYC Public Schools and your child’s school! You can update your information online in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA), or complete the emergency contact form provided by your school. If you do not yet have an NYC Schools Account, visit the NYC Schools Account page on our website to learn how to sign up.
Stay informed and updated on the latest news.
Bookmark our website, including The Morning Bell blog and our NYCPS + You newsletter, and follow @nycschools on X/Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. to stay up-to-date on the latest news and exciting things happening in our schools.
Stay Healthy
Visit a physician for a physical exam.
Is your child starting school or childcare for the first time? Make sure your child receives a complete physical exam from a health care provider, documented by the Child and Adolescent Health Examination Form (CH205). Learn more and download this form at Health Requirements to Attend School.
Make sure your child is up-to-date on required immunizations.
New York State Public Health Law requires students to get certain vaccines in order to attend child care or school. You can find more information, including a downloadable chart of required immunizations by grade and age in multiple languages, on the Immunizations page of our website. We also recommend that all New Yorkers stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. Visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 877-829-4692 to find a location near you.
Be Prepared
Review the 2024–25 NYC school calendar.
View important dates and find printable files in multiple languages for the 2024–25 school year on the Calendar page on our website, and bookmark schools.nyc.gov/calendar to keep up with upcoming dates and events throughout the school year.
Check your child’s transportation options and eligibility.
There are several different options that your child might use to travel to and from school each day, depending on their eligibility. If you’re not sure how your child will be getting to school this year, visit the Transportation overview for more information about options and eligibility. If your child is assigned bus service, you can check their route, as well as pick-up and drop-off times, in your NYC Schools Account.
Prepare your child’s school supplies.
Your child’s teacher or school may send you a recommended list of school supplies, as well as a schedule for the first few days of school. Make sure your child knows what to expect on their first day, and that they have their supplies packed and ready to go. We also suggest labeling your child’s belongings (i.e. gym clothes, water bottles, pencil cases, etc.) to ensure they can be returned to you if misplaced!
Set a standard bedtime and morning routine before the first day of school.
Ensure a smooth transition to the new school year by getting your children adjusted to a regular and healthy sleep schedule before September. Then, a few days before school starts, practice your family’s expected morning routine, including getting ready, eating breakfast, and traveling to your child’s school.
Prepare for remote learning in the event of weather-related or emergency closures.
If NYC public school buildings must close, students will participate in remote learning at home. Be prepared with an internet-enabled electronic device, school supplies, and a designated workspace for your child. If your child has a DOE Student Account, confirm that they can log in and access the online tools they may use for their schoolwork. Visit
Digital Learning for resources and information to help prepare for remote learning days.
Get ready for reading.
One of the best things a child can do to help prepare themselves for the upcoming school year is to read a book! Children who read or are read to at home are better prepared to learn in the classroom. Explore our learning resources for families—including printable flashcards, recommended reading lists, and more—and learn more about free e-books for NYC Public Schools students via the Sora app on our Literacy Resources for Families page.
Stay Engaged
Reach out to your school’s parent coordinator.
Parent coordinators can provide answers to many of your school-related questions and concerns. Use the Find a School tool at schoolsearch.schools.nyc or call your child’s school to find contact information for your parent coordinator and other school staff.
Ask your parent coordinator or principal about translation and interpretation services.
Your school can provide free translation and interpretation services. Learn more from your school’s parent coordinator or principal, or visit schools.nyc.gov/hello for more information. For sign language interpretation services, please contact your school’s parent coordinator or email OSLIS@schools.nyc.gov.
Get to know your child’s teachers.
The first parent-teacher conference/open house of the year in late September is a great opportunity to learn more about their classroom routines and curriculum!
Participate in your school's Parent Association (PA)/Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
As a parent or guardian with a child attending the school, you’re automatically a member! PAs/PTAs play a vital role in enhancing the school experience and building a supportive community for both students and parents.
Connect with your local Community and Citywide Education Council (CCEC).
We encourage you to attend CCEC meetings to engage with educational issues in your district, share your insights, and make your voice heard.
We can’t wait to see you on the first day of school, Thursday, September 5!