New shoes have been purchased, that final family vacation is in the books and now it is time for kids to hit the books. It is also about time for parents to snap that all important first day of school photo.

Students in Holyoke Re-1J School District will head back to class Wednesday, Aug. 22 to begin the 2012-13 school year.

Back-to-School Night is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 5-6 p.m. at both the elementary and JH/HS buildings.

Elementary students are encouraged to take their school supplies to their classrooms on Back-to-School Night to get a jump start on the first day. Parents and students will get the chance to visit with the principal and teachers. Activity passes and lunch tickets will also be available for purchase.

JR/SR high students will be given the opportunity to buy activity passes, pay fees and meet their teachers. Schedules and locker assignments were mailed to students and do not need to be picked up during the Back-to-School Night.

Parents will also get their login and password for the Parent Portal to access grade and attendance information at home.

An informational meeting on the Random Drug Testing Program will be held Monday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Important dates outlined

Several dates are important for students and parents to take note of for the Re-1J School District.

A change for this year is that school will begin at 9 a.m. every Friday with the same dismissal times. Teachers will use this time before school for meetings, professional development in technology and collaboration to improve classroom instruction.

Several days are scheduled for vacations and are as follows:

—Sept. 3 for Labor Day.

—Oct. 5 for inservice.

—Oct. 19 staff comp day.

—Nov. 21-23 for Thanksgiving.

—Dec. 24-Jan. 4 for Christmas.

—Feb. 15 staff inservice.

—Feb. 18 President’s Day.

—March 8 staff comp day.

—March 29-April 3 for Easter.

Other dates to remember include:

—Homecoming, Oct. 5.

—Parent/teacher conferences, Oct. 15-18 and March 4-7.

—Graduation, May 12.

Detailed community calendars sponsored by the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Holyoke School District and area businesses are available and can be picked up at the school office or at several Chamber businesses. The calendars are comprised of community, school and sporting events along with club and organization meetings and national holidays.

School activities are subject to change, so be sure to check the school website at http://holyoke.schoolfusion.us for updates.

School to use calling system for closures

Communication is the key to a successful parent-school relationship. The last few years Holyoke schools have been using a computerized calling system for school closures and other important announcements.

The Messenger system will be the primary means of communication during school closures. The district will also utilize the local radio station, Star 92.3.

On occasion, a late start may be called due to weather. School will begin two hours later than normal, and buses will run two hours later than the regular pickup time.

Parents will also be contacted when a student is absent or a lunch account balance is low.

Parents are reminded to be sure to let the school secretary know by which methods they want to be informed through the system by filling out a complete registration packet.

School lunch and breakfast program available

School meal prices for the 2012-13 school year are as follows: K-6 lunch, $1.85; 7-12, $2:10; adult, $2.50; reduced lunch, $0.40; extra milk, $0.35. K-12 breakfast, $1.35; adult, $2; reduced breakfast, $0.40.

The district continues to offer a comprehensive breakfast and lunch program in partnership with Chartwells Schools Dining Service.

Free and reduced meals are available for students who qualify. An application and guidelines are available at the school during registration, or by calling 854-3634.

Parents are encouraged to pay for 20 meals on a monthly basis to keep their account in good standing.

Bus routes noted

Information on bus routes can be found on the school website, http://holyoke.school fusion.us. Direct any questions about bus routes to Kim Young, 854-3107.

Student fees announced

Student fees for the upcoming school year are as follows:

—HS yearbook, $45.

—JH yearbook, $20.

—HS band, choir or flag team, $15.

—Band instrument rental (per semester-deposit), $20.

—Vocational ag and shop (per semester), $25.

—Nutrition class, $15.

—JH/HS sports per sport, $35; three or more sports, $100.

—JH/HS cheerleading, $35.

Activity passes available

Spectators are encouraged to purchase a pass for a one-time fee of $50 for adults, $30 for K-6 students or $150 for a family pass for five people. JR/SR High students can get an activity pass of just $10. Local resident seniors (60 and over) may pick up a complimentary activity pass at the administration building.

Passes are good for all JH/HS home games except tournaments and CHSAA events.

High school LPAA events are $3 for K-12 students and $5 for adults.

Junior high LPAA events are $2 for K-12 students and $3 for adults.

K-12 students pay $4 and adults $6 for both JH and HS North Central events.

Enrollment age noted

Children age 5 before June 1, 2012 are eligible for kindergarten. Parents or guardians of kindergarten students must furnish a birth certificate and health record at the time of registration. The mandatory entrance age for first grade is 6 years old by June 1, 2012 for those who did not attend kindergarten. For questions, contact Holyoke Elementary School at 854-3411.

Facility use encouraged

The community is welcome to utilize school facilities. Facility and equipment use requests may be made through the principal’s office at the respective school building. Activities for the new gym require approval by the Board of Education at a regular business meeting.

Alternative High School in fifth year

The district is proud to offer an alternative high school to assist students who are at risk of not finishing high school.

If interested in enrolling a student into this program, contact Cindi Beavers at 854-2284 to set up an appointment for an interview.

Random drug testing program continues

Students in grades 7-12 who choose to participate in any athletic or extracurricular activity will be included in the random drug testing program. Students and parents must complete a consent form prior to participation in any school activity.

An informational meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. All parents and students are encouraged to attend in order to have a clear understanding of the program.

Holyoke Enterprise Aug. 16, 2012