All BPS parents and caregivers should download the following apps:

• ParentSquare: This will be BPS’ primary communications platform that will allow the district to unify all family communications from the district, schools, classrooms, and school activity groups under one umbrella. Parents and caregivers can download the ParentSquare app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
• Zum: Parents/caregivers will receive their student’s bus assignment the last week in August and can track their student’s bus by downloading the Zum App on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. 

Most BPS schools will be hosting Back-to-School Events and/or Open Houses in the weeks and months ahead.   Schools will be sharing more information about Back-to-School Events and Open Houses soon.

Parents and caregivers can also contact their school’s Family Liaison with questions about preparing for the first day of school. District Family Liaison roster for SY 25/26.

Phone Number and Email Address updates can be done by contacting your students' school.

Any changes in address must be made by visiting a BPS Welcome Center. Learn more about Welcome Center Hours and Locations.

All BPS students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 are eligible for BPS yellow-bus transportation if they live more than 1.0 miles from their school and attend a homebase school.

All BPS students in Grade 6 are eligible for BPS yellow-bus transportation if they live more than 1.5 miles from their school and attend a homebase school.

All BPS students in Grades 7-12 will be provided with an MBTA M7 Student Pass, which will allow them to ride the Subway, Bus, and Commuter Rail at free or reduced fares.

The MBTA will allow students to ride the MBTA for free on the first day of school, and students will then be able to pick up their M7 MBTA pass at their school on the first day.

Parents and caregivers can contact the Transportation Department at 617-635-9520 or submit a request through the Transportation Support Portal.

All Menus and allergy information can be found on the Food and Nutrition Services webpage. New menu items will be sampled monthly at various schools for student feedback.

• Vegetarian items will be offered daily
• Local menu items will be featured weekly

Meal Accommodations are available for students with disabilities such as food allergies, intolerances, need for modified textures, etc. Medical documentation may be necessary prior to providing an accommodation.

Parents and caregivers can contact the Office of Specialized Services at 617-635-8599 or email oss-complianceadmin@bostonpublicschools.org.

Please contact your student’s school or the school Family Liaison to learn if there is a student uniform policy. Each school develops its own uniform policy in collaboration with the School Site Council.

A signed note of explanation should be submitted after an absence. The note should give date(s) of absence, reason, parent/caregiver contact information, and parent/caregiver signature. The note should be sent in on the day the student returns to school and must be received within seven (7) school days following the absence.

Parents and Caregivers should provide a recent physical exam and immunization record to their school’s nurse.

If your student is taking any medications, you will need an up-to-date order signed by you and the healthcare provider. You can find more information about BPS health forms here.

All medications need to be delivered to the school nurse by a parent or caregiver.

Parents and caregivers can find information about available before-and after-school programs by connecting directly with the family liaison at their child’s school. Family liaisons have the most up-to-date details on program offerings, schedules, enrollment processes, and the individual partnerships available at your child’s school.