Back to School News 2025

First Day of School: Thursday, August 14

We are eagerly preparing for the start of the 2025–2026 school year and can’t wait to welcome students back! As you enjoy the final stretch of summer, please take a few moments to review these important updates.

📌 Student Registration

All students must be registered by Monday, August 4 to ensure:

• Class schedules
  
  

• Teacher assignments
  
  

• Bus transportation
  
  

✅ Schedules for registered students will be available in Skyward on August 4.

📱 ParentSquare Communication

All school communication continues through ParentSquare. Make sure you're connected!

• 📖 Instructions for parents
  
  

• ▶️ Watch a video to update notification preferences
  
  

Visit our updated district website: www.altonschools.org, now hosted by ParentSquare for easier access to news, events, and updates.

🏥 SIHF Healthcare Clinic

The Alton School District, in partnership with Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF), offers an on-site clinic for all Redbird families at Alton High School.

📞 Call 618-208-8574 to schedule appointments for school physicals and immunizations.

• Insurance will be billed if applicable, but services are available to all students regardless of payment status.
  
  

• Clinic entrance is on the south side of AHS, near the Auditorium.
  

🛡️ School Safety Protocols

This year, all schools will implement the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Students will learn the five standard safety actions.

In the event of a safety response, families will receive timely communication via ParentSquare.

📵 Cell Phone Free Schools

Beginning this year, all schools in the district will be cell phone free:

At Alton Middle School and Alton High School:

• Students will store powered-off phones in Yondr pouches during the school day.
  
  

• Phones remain in students’ possession, but pouches will only unlock at dismissal.
   ➡️ More details will come directly from building principals.
  
  

🚌 Busing Information

To receive bus transportation for the first day of school, students must be registered by August 4.

Bus routes and stop times will be shared the week before school starts via ParentSquare.

Stay updated on transportation with the My Ride K–12 App:

• Access routes, schedules, and real-time bus tracking.
  
  

• Use your student’s 6-digit “Other ID” in Skyward Family Access to register.
  
  

• Set notification preferences for updates.
  
  

Note:

• Each student may have one alternate transportation address (e.g., babysitter or grandparent).
  
  

• Assigned seating for all students in grades K–8 promotes safety and accountability.
  
  

🏫 Open House Schedules

Please check your school’s communication for more details.

Alton High School

• Redbird Roundup: August 5, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm & August 6, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  
  

• Freshman Orientation: Tuesday, August 12 at 6:00 PM
  
  

Alton Middle School

• 6th Grade and New to AMS Open Door Visits: Thursday, August 7, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  
  

• AMS Open House: Wednesday, August 13, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  
  

Elementary Schools

• Mark Twain: Tuesday, August 12, 4:00–6:00 PM
  
  

• Lovejoy, Lewis & Clark, Gilson Brown, Eunice Smith: Tuesday, August 12, 5:00–6:00 PM
  
  

• East, North, West: Tuesday, August 12, 5:30–6:30 PM
  
  

Early Childhood Center

• Wednesday, August 13, 4:30–6:00 PM
  
  

📆 2025–2026 School Calendar

We’re looking forward to a safe, engaging, and successful school year!

📞 Have questions? Contact the District Office at 618-474-2600.