The first day of school is Thursday, August 6, and we can't wait to welcome students back for another exciting year at Mesa Public Schools!
As you enjoy the final weeks of summer, here are a few reminders and resources to help your family prepare for a successful start to the school year.
What to Expect from Your School
Your child's school will communicate directly with you regarding all back to school events. Please ensure your child is already enrolled so we have your most accurate contact information. You should hear about:
Meet the Teacher/Open House dates
School supply lists
Class/teacher assignments
Back-to-school events
Other important school-specific information
Calendar
In addition to your specific school calendar, we encourage you to review our 2026-27 District Calendar to learn about important dates including holidays, early release days, parent-teacher conferences and school breaks.
View the calendar here.
The "Must-Have" App Checklist
Simplify your school year by downloading these essential district mobile apps (available on iOS and Android):
ParentSquare: The official platform for school-to-home communication, school updates, and event reminders.
ParentVUE: Where you view schedules, report cards, attendance, and complete the annual re-enrollment. Note: Stop by your school office to pick up your required activation key.
SMART tag: Allows parents to track bus-riding activity and receive alerts when the bus is approaching your child’s stop.
RankOne: Mandatory for student-athletes. Use it to complete athletic profiles. Note: A current AIA physical form is still required to play.
LINQ Connect: The district's online portal for student meal payments.
Food & Nutrition Services
The Food & Nutrition Department is dedicated to supporting the educational process by providing nutritious, flavorful and affordable options that fuel students’ bodies and minds. Visit the Food & Nutrition website to:
Find out if your school is a CEP school
View breakfast and lunch menus
Apply for meal benefits
Learn about dietary accommodations
Access LINQ Connect, our online meal payment portal
Arizona Healthy Schools Act Guidelines
Arizona recently passed the Healthy Schools Act (AZ 15-242.01), a statewide effort to support student health. As part of this law, schools that participate in federally funded meal programs will no longer be able to serve or sell certain ultra-processed foods that contain specific additives and artificial dyes during the school day.
The school day is defined as the period from midnight prior to 30 minutes after the conclusion of formal instruction.
The AZ 15-242.01 defines ultra-processed foods as those containing ingredients such as:
Potassium Bromate
Propylparaben
Brominated vegetable oil
Titanium Dioxide
Artificial food dyes (Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1 & 2, Green 3, and Red 3 & 40)
The Healthy Schools Act guidelines apply only to food that is provided, sold, or served by the school or school-affiliated groups. This does include classroom celebrations, birthday treats, pizza parties, and teacher-hosted lunches or snacks. Families may continue to send food from home for their own child; however, any food or beverages provided to groups of students during the school day must comply with state requirements.
Athletics
If your student plans to participate in athletics, please make sure their RankOne profile is set up marked complete. To get started, please visit RankOne.com. Click here to view a quick video tutorial.
For your convenience, Rank One is also available as a mobile app: IOS | Android
A current AIA physical evaluation form is still required for participation in athletics programs.
Don't wait until the last minute. Completing your Rank One profile now will help ensure your student is ready to participate when the season begins! For questions, please contact your school’s Athletics Director.
Programs and Resources
Early Learning: Play-based preschool programs are available at select locations. Applications can be found on mpsaz.org/preschool.
Xplore: Before- and after-school care is available for Kindergarten through 6th grade. Program fees and details are available on mpsaz.org/xplore.
Parent Resources: Explore our collection of family resources at mpsaz.org/parents, where you'll find helpful information and community services. We update this page regularly throughout the year.
We're Looking Forward to Seeing You!
Whether you're returning to Mesa Public Schools or joining us for the first time, we're excited to partner with you for a fantastic school year.
Here's to a great 2026-27 school year!