Countdown is on, school starts in 2 weeks

2025-2026 School Year: Back-to-school resources and information

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Important Dates & Upcoming Events

• Friday, Aug. 1: Schedules release for families who have completed online check-in
• Saturday, Aug. 2: Back to School Bash - free backpack and school supplies for district families, while supplies last
• Monday, Aug. 11: Orientation for 6th and 9th graders (not including K-8 schools)

First day of school

Tuesday, Aug. 12
All students (Preschool-12)

Review the district's 2025-2026 School Year calendar for all key dates and breaks

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Quicklinks

• Bus Information
• Calendar at a Glance (SP)
• Colorado Gun Violence Prevention Resource Bank (HB25-1250)
• District Policies
• Enrollment Info
• Free & Reduced Benefits
• "How Sick is too Sick"
• Immunization Info
• Opt-in for Text Alerts
• Parent Portal (IC)
• School Finder
• School Menus
• Student & Family Outreach Program
• Student Code of Conduct
• Student Fees

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⭐New This Year

New classroom-to-home communication tool

The district is launching a brand-new app featuring our first-ever two-way communication tool. Stay up-to-date on news, important alerts, connect with your teacher and more! Learn More

STEP 1: Get ready by downloading the app for free today! 

STEP 2: Set up your parent account beginning August 7

Information will be shared the week before the first day of school to set up your parent account in the app for all communication with your child's teacher. Stay tuned.

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Free School Meals Are Not Guaranteed

While students currently receive free school meals, the future of the Healthy School Meals for All program is unknown for the second semester due to limited state funding.

Secure meal status for the full school year and unlock benefits for your school. 

By applying, families can receive additional assistance and help their child's school too (schools receive more than $1,100 per qualifying students).Families must reapply each school year. APPLY NOW

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Athletic Stadium Guidelines

New guidelines went into effect at district athletic stadiums in March 2025. Review the guidelines about our admissions and clear bag rules. 

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District Policy Changes

📱Updates to the Student Cell Phone Policy (Policy 5030) (includes cell phones and wearable technology such as smart watches)

• Students in grades K-8: Cell phones must be off or on silent and stored out of sight at all times during the school day, including passing periods and lunch.  

• High school students: Cell phones must be off or on silent mode and stored out of sight during class and in academic settings. Students may use their phones during non-academic time

For information on other revisions to district policies and guidelines, please visit the district's Summary of Recently Updated District Policies & Guidelines.

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📌 Need To Know: Funding Proposal

Shortchanged: Our Students Deserve Better

The Challenge

We rank 14 out of 15 nearby school districts in per student mill levy override (MLO) dollars, putting our students at a competitive disadvantage. MLOs are used for ongoing operating expenses such as safety and security, salaries, and instructional programming. 

But we have a solution!

Our students deserve the same competitive advantage as their peers in nearby districts. We can achieve this through investments in three areas:

1. Safety and student well-being
2. World class staff
3. Diverse and relevant programming

Learn more & be part of the solution

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🔒Situations: How will families be notified?

Schools practice safety procedures throughout the school year, including fire, secure and lockDOWN drills.
To do before the first day of school:

• Review your role in an emergency and how families will be notified at www.adams12.org/safety
• Update your contact information so you receive important messages
• Opt in for text alerts: 1) Add cell number to Infinite Campus in the cell phone field. 2) Text YES to 67587

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As the beginning of the school year ramps up, summer bond projects are winding down. This summer, construction crews ran hundreds of miles of new fiber optic cabling, laid over 148,000 square feet of roofing, poured 8,440 tons of asphalt and much more.

See the full scale of our bond projects

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75 years of student success!

Join us throughout the year as we honor our history, highlight notable alumni, and share memorable moments from across the decades.

Explore more and share your favorite Five Star memories!

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Message from Superintendent Gdowski

75 Years: Then, Now & Beyond

As a graduate of Thornton High School’s Class of 1985, I can’t wait to celebrate 75th Years of success in Adams 12 Five Star Schools during the 2025-2026 school year...

Read the Superintendent’s Message

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Get Involved

Five Star Leadership Academy

Ever wonder how school districts work and how to get involved? This free year-long program starts in September, meeting one Friday a month. Learn more

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Join the Five Star Family as a Staff Member

Do you want to have the same schedule as your child? Make a difference for kids in your community? View and apply for open positions