School Community Embraces New Year with Strong Partnerships

The Eagle County School District has officially launched the 2025-26 academic year, marking a fresh start for students and families as summer transitions into autumn. This year, the district emphasizes the importance of a strong partnership between schools and homes to enhance student success. While educators have prepared for weeks, the focus now shifts to ensuring that families are engaged and informed.

Essential Administrative Tasks for Families

Maintaining updated contact information is crucial for effective communication between the school and families. The district urges all parents and guardians to complete the annual information update if they have not already done so. This task is vital for emergency notifications, weather-related closures, and individual student matters, ensuring seamless communication throughout the academic year. Families needing assistance with the update process can contact their school’s main office for guidance.

Understanding the academic calendar is equally important. With only 171 instructional days in the school year, every day counts. Families should familiarize themselves with scheduled breaks for holidays and professional development to help maintain consistent attendance. As emphasized in recent discussions on chronic absenteeism, educational progress relies heavily on students being present in the classroom.

Nourishing Minds and Bodies

The district’s nutrition services have been commended for their dedication to providing diverse and nutritious meal options. From breakfast burritos to chicken tikka masala, the menu reflects a blend of nutritional science and student preferences. Families are encouraged to review daily menus available on the district website, allowing students to anticipate and appreciate their meals.

Eligible families are also reminded to apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch program before the September 26 deadline. Although Colorado offers free meals for all students, qualifying families can access additional benefits through the More than a Meal program, which includes fee waivers and supplemental SNAP benefits. This confidential application not only supports individual families but also helps secure additional funding for the district, enhancing educational opportunities for all students.

The district website serves as a comprehensive resource hub, facilitating essential services such as student fee payments, SMARTtag bus registration, and athletic schedules. This digital platform aims to streamline access to important information, making it easier for families to stay informed about their children’s educational experience.

With the arrival of autumn, the fall athletic season is underway, featuring sports such as volleyball, football, boys’ soccer, cross-country, and boys’ golf. The district invites the community to support student athletes, recognizing that educational success extends beyond academics to include character development and teamwork fostered through extracurricular activities.

As the new school year unfolds, it presents an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between families, educators, and community members. By completing administrative tasks, staying informed about school activities, and actively participating in their children’s educational journeys, families can help create an environment where every child can thrive.

Let us embrace this academic year with renewed commitment, ensuring we show up not only physically but also emotionally and intellectually for our students. Together, we can build pathways to success that will support our young people throughout their educational journeys and beyond.

Philip Qualman is the superintendent of Eagle County School District. He can be reached via email at [email protected].