How do I find out what time my child’s school bus comes? When do I find out who my child’s teacher is? And is school lunch free again this year?
The start of a new school year can bring many questions, especially for parents of kindergartners, pre-K students, or families moving to Albuquerque. When we first moved to Albuquerque and started at Albuquerque Public Schools, I had so many questions.
As a military family, we move a lot. My 6-year-old has attended a different school or pre-K every year! And every school district (and school!) does things differently, from spirit days to whether lunches are free.
When we started at APS, a kind fellow parent answered my random questions. So here I am returning the favor and answering all the questions you have before school starts next month.
Are school lunches free in Albuquerque this year?
Yes! And breakfast too! Albuquerque Public Schools and Rio Rancho Public Schools both provide free lunches and free breakfast for all students. Free breakfast is sometimes served in classrooms, especially if the school has an early start time. Otherwise, students should get to campus early for free breakfast, which is likely served in the cafeteria.
When is the first day of school for APS and Rio Rancho?
We have a full list with links to Albuquerque-area school calendars, but Albuquerque schools return Aug 7, and Rio Rancho students return Aug 6.
EXCEPTION: Kindergarten and Pre-K students start later! Pre-K and kinder students begin school on Aug 11 at APS, so keep that in mind when planning childcare for August. In Rio Rancho, Pre-K students begin Aug 10. (Rio Rancho kindergarten students begin on the regular start date, Aug. 6.)
Los Lunas schools start Aug 4.
What time does school start and end?
Check APS bell schedules and Rio Rancho Public Schools’ list for your school’s start and end times.
How do I find out what bus my kid rides? Or if we even qualify for the bus?
Bus routes are typically posted closer to the start of school, though administrators often tweak them throughout the first few weeks of the semester as enrollment numbers come in.
In Albuquerque, check here for APS bus information. Typically, elementary school students can take the bus if they live more than one mile from the school. For K-8 schools and middle schools, it’s 1.5 miles. And for high school, it’s 2 miles.
Parent tip for parents of young bus riders: As an APS parent, my experience with the bus system has been positive, but it does feel quite casual, especially when you have a little one. They do not take roll or monitor who rides the bus each day as that would be difficult to accomplish with changing schedules and absences. If you have a kindergartener without an older sibling, I would recommend walking them to the bus stop and waiting for them at the bus stop at the end of the day until they get the hang of it! Our elementary school does a good job of getting the littles to the bus at the end of the school day by walking them out there with teacher supervision.
For Rio Rancho, check for bus information here. RRPS says information won’t be released until July 20.
Special education students may qualify for busing regardless of where they live, so check with your school if your student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
When do I find out who my student’s teacher is? When do I meet them?
Every school announces teacher assignments differently, but typically you’ll receive an email or message through the district’s portal (ParentVue, PowerSchool, etc.) a few days before the first day of school. Then you’ll meet the teacher at your school’s back-to-school (or “meet the teacher” night), which is typically held a day or two before the first day of school.
How do I communicate with my student’s teacher?
Again, this varies by school and teacher, but you can always reach teachers through the school district’s portal or through the email address they share at the beginning of the school year.
Many teachers also use an app to communicate with parents, send reminders, and share photos, especially for younger grades. Teachers often use whichever app they prefer, so different teachers in the same school may use different apps. Our kids’ teachers have used Class Dojo and Remind.
Where do I find information about school supply lists?
Check your school’s website for supply lists for each grade.
If you need help paying for school supplies, check out our list of back-to-school assistance and giveaways in Albuquerque.
How do I join my school’s PTA?
Most schools have a parent-teacher-student association that holds events, fundraises, celebrates staff, and generally works to make your child’s school even more amazing.
You’ll likely get information about the PTA at meet the teacher night or curriculum night. You can also check your school’s website for a link to the PTA.
What else should I know?
Here are some other questions for you to ask your child’s teacher and administrators as the answers will vary by school and grade.
- Will there be a regular spirit day that my kid should have a school spirit shirt for? (Mom tip: PTAs often give out last year’s extra spirit shirts for free in August, or ask a parent of older kids if you can have their hand-me-downs.)
- If you plan to pick your child up from school, ask what time the car line opens or where to meet your child to walk them home. Pre-K and kindergarten teachers often need to make eye contact with students’ adults before they’ll release them for pickup.
- What is the inclement weather policy—will recess or lining up outside be canceled when the temperature is too high or too low? What amount of rain or snow cancels recess?
If you have more questions, ask in the comments and I’ll try to find the answer!
Happy back to school season!
