Parkway's Parent 'To Do List'

Since the starts classes on Tuesday, Aug. 16, Patch spoke with district staff to find out what parents need to know to make sure their kids are ready for the first day of school.

Here are the things the district says should be done before classes start.

Vision Screenings
Every child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade this fall needs a comprehensive vision examination performed by a state licensed optometrist or physician.
Why: This requirement is a part of legislation enacted in 2007. Parents and guardians must provide the school district with proof of the required vision exam or a statement that they are opting out of the exam.

Immunizations
Immunizations must be up to date and on file with the school nurse by Aug. 16, for students to attend classes. This includes eighth-graders who need a Tdap shot, as this was a new requirement last year.
Why: Children need immunizations to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children. This is required by law.

School Physicals
Children need to have had a physical exam and show proof of insurance before they can participate in athletic practices, which began Aug. 8. Parkway offers students and parents affordable insurance plans through Lawrence Smith Insurance, the company that offers Kid Guard, to students in the district.
Why: This is necessary to make sure that students are physically able to participate in sports.

Bus Routes
Know student's bus numbers and bus stops and be aware that sometimes morning and afternoon bus numbers are different.
Why: Students must get to school on time and return home safely.

Proof of Residency
New students need to provide proof of residency before they may attend school in their district. Upon registration, parents must present at least one form of proof of residency such as a deed or sales contract of residence, a contract to lease or rent, a current real estate tax receipt or a current mortgage.

The second proof of residency must be presented within 30 days of the first day of school. The second proof of residency may be an unpaid utility bill, credit card statement, employer’s record of address, bank statement or governmental acknowledgment of address, which includes a Social Security card or voter registration card.
Why: Students must attend the schools within the school district boundaries.

Free School Lunch
Complete your Standard Meal Benefit Application and sign it. You may return the completed form to the student's school, fax it to 314-415-8244 or mail to: Food Services, 363 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO. For more information, call Susan Barks at 314-415-8246. Parents who have applied and been accepted for free or reduced lunch in the past have until Sept. 28 to renew. For new students, they can apply for a free or reduced lunch whenever they initially register for the school lunch program, which can be at any time throughout the year.
Why: To receive free or reduce lunch if your qualify.

Note: Parents paying for lunch should apply to do online deposits for lunch payments before school starts.

For more information on any of the above requirements or with other questions, check out Parkway's back-to-school guide.