Important PSD Updates for Back-to-School
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Dear Poudre School District Community,
We hope that everyone has had an incredible summer and is eager to start another fun school year! With the start of school almost here, we wanted to remind you of some important updates and changes that happened over summer as well as some general information to remember as the year starts.
A full list of back-to-school information can be found on this district webpage.
First day of school
The first day of the 2026-27 school year is Wednesday, Aug. 19. All sixth- and ninth-grade students will have a Transition Day at their middle or high schools on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Make sure to check the bell schedule at your child’s school before the first day to ensure you get them to school on time. A list of start and dismissal times can be found on the district website.
Heat protocol information
While next week marks the start of a new school year, fall weather can’t be expected right away, so it is important for the community to understand how PSD manages early release and full school closure due to high temperatures.
If one or more of the following conditions are met, the district will consider calling a two-hour early release or full school closure:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Heat & Health Tracker for Larimer County indicates major or extreme levels of risk of heat-related impacts to individuals. The NWS HeatRisk Index defines major and extreme levels of risk using a color-coded system. Red indicates major risks associated with heat, and magenta indicates extreme risks associated with heat.
- HeatRisk Index for Larimer County is Red (3) or Magenta (4)level
- National Weather Service forecasted highs of 95°F or above for zip code 80525
- National Weather Service forecasted highs of 90°F+ for three consecutive days, including weekends for zip code 80525
Whenever possible, PSD will notify families and staff of a possible early release or closure 12-24 hours in advance of the closure or early release.
New District website
As construction and building improvements were made at schools across the district this summer, we also gave the PSD website a complete revamp. We designed the PSD site from the ground up to make the information you rely on easier to find, easier to use, and accessible to everyone — whether you're a family member, a student, a staff member, or a community member.
The new site is organized around the questions people ask most and the PSD-related tasks they complete most often, with clearer navigation so you can get where you're going in just a few clicks. You'll find the same information you count on, now in a place that's simpler to search and works efficiently on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Like any good website, this one is a work in progress. We'll keep updating and improving it over time as we add content and hear from you. If you come across a broken link, spot an error, or can't find something you're looking for, please tell us using the website feedback form linked at the bottom of every page. Your input helps us make the site better for our whole community.
Free and Reduced Lunch registration
It is important to apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch program annually, even though school meals in Colorado are already free. Completing this form does more than make students eligible for waived school fees and benefits through Fort Collins City programs. It also helps PSD receive federal funding to support classrooms and learning opportunities. Your child’s eligibility status is confidential and must be renewed annually.
Families who apply and qualify can also receive reduced internet and utility rates, P-EBT payments, Fort Collins recreation center and city pool discounts (including classes and youth sports leagues), grocery tax rebates, waived college application fees, waived fees for school sports and field trips, and more.
Families should apply for the program regardless of whether they think they will qualify. Registration can be completed online.
New ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps
Parents and students will have an updated way to keep track of their education this year with the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. Beginning July 16, the district rolled out updated ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps that offer enhanced real-time access to grades, assignments and attendance through improved, more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for iOS and Android.
Those using Android devices can download the latest app versions from the Google Play Store. For iOS users, if the updated app was not automatically installed, it can be found on the Apple App Store!
With the start of the school year, it is also important to make sure all information, including contact information, is up to date. Keeping your information current ensures you can fully benefit from the tools and resources ParentVUE provides. Anyone with difficulty accessing ParentVUE can contact the front office of their child's school for help.
New student fee framework
A new fee framework for all PSD schools is being implemented this school year. It applies to optional activities such as athletics, clubs, school-sponsored trips and events, which are meant to help offset program costs.
This new approach to fees is meant to ensure fairness and transparency by defining the types of fees schools may charge, setting maximum limits for those fees across all schools, and requiring that all school fees be listed on the school websites and comply with the same standards regardless of school.