Start of School Checklist

Updated August 20, 2026 15:39

The following checklist will help your family prepare for the start of school.

Please take some time and complete all steps prior to the student’s first day of school.

	1. Review our new Attendance Policy As of the 2026-27 school year our attendance policy has changed and is significantly different than previous years. During the first week of school, make sure to attend a "High Five" to be counted fully for attendance. Even though classes haven't fully started, you are still required to attend at least one High Five to be counted present. (First week High Five opportunities)
	2. Establish a School Workspace in Your Home This article has great ideas on this: Getting Organized and Staying Organized
	3. Set up your Student's School Computer Equipment Check out our detailed rundown on setting up your PALCS Hardware: Setting up Your Computer at Home For returning students check out this article on "tuning up" your PALCS equipment: 🛠️ Tech Tune-Up: Preparing Your Device for the New School Year
	4. Log into PALCSchool Visit www.palcschool.org and enter your username and password and select the Login button. What is PALCSchool?
	5. Explore our PALCSchool Lobby Our PALCSchool Lobby is jam-packed with useful information for both students and parents. PALCSchool Lobby
	6. Explore PALCSchool Resources On the PALCSchool Page we have critical school information, frequently asked questions, school forms, and specific resources for parents and students.
	7. Check out the School Calendar Click on the Calendar tab in PALCSchool lobby to see any upcoming PALCS events. Events will also be noted in the "Upcoming Events" section.
	8. Update your Family’s Contact Information This is done from a parent account. Steps are outlined here: How do I change my mailing address, phone number and email address?
	9. Join a Zoom Test Room Do this to ensure the school laptop is configured properly and can access online class sessions. Visit: http://zoom.us/test
	10. Check Your Email Regularly Students have two message accounts - Canvas Messaging and Gmail. Both are used for communication with teachers. Students should be checking both every day.
	11. Be on the Lookout for Delivery of Books & Course Related Materials Books and supplies are shipped out to students in the month of August. We use both the US Postal Service and UPS. More important notes on deliveries is available here: What Do I Need to Know When Expecting Shipments From PALCS?
	12. Be Prepared for Onboarding The first two days of school students will work to complete Onboarding. Learn more here: What is Onboarding?