Practical guide to back-to-school season: What Oklahoma City parents need

As Oklahoma’s schoolchildren are anxiously gearing up for school, parents are deep in their back-to-school to-do lists.

The Oklahoman has pulled together practical information to aid parents as they prepare children, from finding the best discounts on school supplies to checking out the quality of your child’s school.

Here’s what you need to know.

Table of Contents

How do I apply for free and reduced lunch?

Students participating in the School Nutrition Program are eligible for free, reduced-price or paid-price meals based on income or categorical eligibility:

Before the school year begins, your school will send out parent notification letters and applications. When a student returns an application, the designated determining official will review information for eligibility.

Once approved for free or reduced-price meals, eligibility is good for the entire school year. If you’re denied, schools must notify the family in writing of their status and their right to appeal.

The state has more information available on specific situations, such as exchange students or temporary income changes, available online at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cd/snhbch5.html

More: What are new education laws in Oklahoma? What to know as school starts this fall

When does school start?

It may be summertime, but soon enough K-12 Oklahoma students will be returning to school. Here’s a list of start dates for districts resuming classes in the OKC metro area:

Bethany Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 15.
Choctaw-Nicoma Park Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 13.
Deer Creek Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 14.
Edmond Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 15.
Epic Charter School: Classes start Aug. 15.
Midwest City-Del City Public Schools:
Millwood Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 20.
Moore Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 8.
Mustang Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 13.
Norman Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 15.
Oklahoma City Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 13.
Piedmont Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 15.
Putnam City Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 14.
Santa Fe South Charter Schools: Classes start Aug. 1.
Western Heights Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 14.
Yukon Public Schools: Classes start Aug. 14.

Free school supplies

As the school year ramps back up, several organizations across Oklahoma City are giving away free school supplies to families in the area.

Here’s where to find free school supplies in Oklahoma City:

The Urban Mission’s Back-to-School program will be held on Aug. 28 from 9-11 a.m. at 3737 N Portland Ave. Families need an ID for each child to receive premade bags of supplies.
Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill will host the Fiesta Friday Back to School Bash on Aug. 16 from 7-10 p.m. on 25th Street in Oklahoma City. The event features back-to-school giveaways, live music, vendors and food trucks.
The Bethel Foundation in Oklahoma City is giving out free school supplies. To receive items for your child, email bethelfoundation@coxinet.net with the following information: Child proof of enrollment, List of supplies needed, Date of when school starts, Name and contact of parent/guardian. The local charity is located at 13003 N. Western Ave

What vaccines are needed?

All children 2 months of age and older must present an immunization record or file for an exemption before they are allowed to attend child care or school in Oklahoma.

Here’s a list of what vaccinations are required in Oklahoma by each school grade.

Child care

4 DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
1-4 PCV (pneumococcal)
1-4 Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B)
1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
1 Varicella (chickenpox)
3 IPV (polio)
2 Hep A (hepatitis A)
3 Hep B (hepatitis B)
Districts recommend seasonal influenza (flu) vaccination

Preschool/Pre-K

4 DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
1 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
1 Varicella (chickenpox)
3 IPV (polio)
2 Hep A (hepatitis A)
3 Hep B (hepatitis B)
Recommended immunizations include seasonal influenza (flu), 2nd varicella at 4 years old and polio vaccination on or after 4th birthday.

Kindergarten-6th

5 DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
1 Varicella (chickenpox)
4 IPV (polio)
2 Hep A (hepatitis A)
3 Hep B (hepatitis B)
Recommended immunizations include seasonal influenza (flu), 2nd varicella at 4 years old and polio vaccination on or after 4th birthday.

7th-12th

1 Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
5 DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
1 Varicella (chickenpox)
4 IPV (polio)
2 Hep A (hepatitis A)
3 Hep B (hepatitis B)
Recommended immunizations include seasonal influenza (flu), 2-3 HPV (human papillomavirus), 1-2 MCV4 (meningococcal ACWY) and 2-3 Men B (meningococcal serotype B).

For more information go to http://imm.health.ok.gov. For a more comprehensive childhood immunization schedule go to https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Back to school in Oklahoma: School start dates, free supplies and more

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