Back-to-School Guide 2026-2027

Start the 2026–27 school year by connecting with your school community! Families are invited to meet teachers, visit classrooms, drop off school supplies, and learn what to expect during the new school year.

Transportation Department Open House

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 p.m. | 2040 S. Broadway Ave. Othello, WA 99344

Get ready to roll into the new school year! Families are invited to bring their students to meet their bus driver and the rest of our amazing Transportation Department team—including mechanics, secretaries, bus monitors, and other staff.

Families can tour and learn about our safe school buses, ask transportation questions, and pick up their student’s bus schedule. This is a great opportunity to help students feel comfortable and confident before their first bus ride of the year!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OSD TRANSPORTATION

OSD Preschool

Family Conferences: Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 2

During the first week of school, preschool teachers will call families to schedule an individual parent conference for September 1 or 2. Families will meet their child’s teacher, visit the classroom, and drop off school supplies.

Staff will also introduce families to the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten programs, review arrival and dismissal procedures for each school location, provide transportation assistance, and answer questions about the upcoming school year.

Elementary School Events

All elementary events will be held on Tuesday, August 25, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

• Scootney Springs Elementary: Enjoy a light dinner, meet your child’s teacher, drop off school supplies, and tour the school.
• Lutacaga Elementary: Join us for a barbecue, meet the teacher, drop off school supplies, and tour the school.
• Hiawatha Elementary: Enjoy ice cream, meet the teacher, drop off school supplies, tour the school, and visit informational booths hosted by community partners.
• Wahitis Elementary: Enjoy a light dinner, meet your child’s teacher, drop off school supplies, and tour the school.

McFarland Middle School

Parent Night: Tuesday, August 18, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Parents and guardians are invited to attend an informational evening covering important student handbook policies, school expectations, and what families and students can expect during the new school year at MMS.

Locker Nights: Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 25, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Students will receive their locker assignments and have time to practice opening and using their lockers. This is a great opportunity for students to test their combinations and feel comfortable before the first day of school.

Open House: Tuesday, September 1, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Families are invited to visit MMS, meet their student’s teachers, see the classrooms, and learn more about their classes and the school year.

Othello High School

Freshman Parent Night: Monday, August 24, 5:30–8:00 p.m.

Incoming freshmen and their parents or guardians are invited to prepare for the transition to OHS.

• 5:30–6:30 p.m. Dinner in the Corridor
• 6:30–7:00 p.m. Parent and student presentation in the Corridor
• 7:00–8:00 p.m. Self-guided school tour to locate classrooms and become familiar with the campus

Othello School District and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) are partnering to provide academic and enrichment opportunities for students outside the regular school day. This federally funded program provides a safe, structured environment where students can receive academic support, develop social-emotional and leadership skills, and participate in activities such as STEM, the arts, physical education, and career exploration.

The program also supports family engagement and helps strengthen partnerships among families, schools, and the community.

Registration for the fall 21st Century program will be open August 10–28, 2026. The program is available to students in grades 3–8 and the Fall Session will run from September 14 through November 20, 2026.

REGISTER for 21st CENTURY FALL PROGRAM

Elementary School Sessions

Morning Program

Locations: Hiawatha, Lutacaga, Scootney Springs, and Wahitis

• Monday: 8:00–10:00 a.m.

• Tuesday–Friday: 7:30–8:15 a.m.

Afternoon Program

Locations: Hiawatha and Scootney Springs

• Monday–Thursday: 3:30–5:30 p.m.

• Lutacaga students will ride the bus to Hiawatha and attend the program there.

• Wahitis students will walk with a staff member to Scootney Springs and attend the program there.

McFarland Middle School Sessions

Morning Program

• Monday only: 7:15–9:00 a.m.

Afternoon Program

• Monday–Thursday: 2:30–5:15 p.m.

Transportation and Snacks

Transportation will be provided for students living outside of town along regular school transportation routes. After-school snacks will also be provided.

Apply for the Program

Applications will be accepted from August 10 through August 28.

Please note: Completing an application does not guarantee placement in the program. Families will be notified if their student is accepted.

Please review the regular start and dismissal times for each Othello School District school. On late start Mondays, students begin 1.5 hours later than their regular start time.

Elementary Schools

Hiawatha, Lutacaga, Scootney Springs and Wahitis Elementary

• Regular school day: 8:30 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
• Late Start Mondays: 10:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m.

McFarland Middle School

• Regular school day: 7:35 a.m.–2:25 p.m.
• Late Start Mondays: 9:05 a.m.–2:25 p.m.

Othello High School

• Regular school day: 7:40 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Late Start Mondays: 9:10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Preschool Schedules

OSD Preschool – Village & ECEAP

• Morning Preschool: 8:20–11:20 a.m.
• Afternoon Preschool: 12:20–3:20 p.m.
• Transitional Kindergarten at OSD Preschool: 8:20 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
• ECEAP: 8:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m.

Special Education Preschool

• Session 1: 8:15–10:15 a.m.
• Session 2: 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
• Session 3: 1:15–3:15 p.m.

Lutacaga Preschool

• Morning Preschool: 8:30–11:30 a.m.
• Afternoon Preschool: 12:15–3:20 p.m.

Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten students attending a classroom located at one of our elementary schools will follow that school’s bell schedule. For example, TK students attending Scootney Springs will follow Scootney’s start and dismissal times—not the OSD Preschool schedule.

Bus route information will be available by mid-August. Once routes are finalized, families can find their student’s bus schedule on the OSD Transportation webpage.

View the 2026–27 Othello School District calendar for important dates, including the first and last days of school, holidays, breaks, conferences, and other scheduled school closures.

2026-27 Key Dates

• First Day of School
  • Grades 1-9: August 27, 2026
  • Grades 10-12: August 28, 2026
  • Kindergarten Students: September 2, 2026
  • Preschool Students: September 8, 2026
• Thanksgiving Break: November 25, 2026 - November 27, 2026
• Winter Break: December 21, 2026 - January 1, 2027
• Mid-Winter Break: February 12, 2027 - February 16, 2027
• Spring Break: April 5, 2027 - April 9, 2027
• OHS Graduation: June 4, 2027
• Huskie Beginnings (MMS Promotion): June 10, 2027
• Last Day of School: June 11, 2027

PDF Calendar

Download a PDF copy of our calendar to print at home.

DOWNLOAD CALENDAR 26-27 SY

We Encourage Every OSD Family to Complete These Important Forms

Although meals are available at no cost to Othello School District students, we strongly encourage all families to complete the following forms for the 2026–27 school year:

1. Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefits Application (CNEEB)
2. Parent Consent Form for Fee Waivers

Please complete both forms fully, include all required signatures and turn them in during in-person registration.

Why Should Every Family Complete the CNEEB Application?

The Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefits Application, commonly called the CNEEB, remains extremely important—even though student meals are free.

Information collected through the CNEEB helps determine the amount of state funding Othello School District receives for programs and services that benefit students.

This funding may support:

• Additional academic support
• Technology access
• School improvement programs
• Other important student resources and services

Completing the CNEEB helps ensure OSD receives the funding it is entitled to for supporting our students and schools.

CNEEB May Help Your Family Access Additional Benefits

Completing the CNEEB may also help eligible families qualify for winter and summer food benefits, including programs such as SUN Bucks.

Submitting the application gives the appropriate agencies the information needed to determine whether your family or student may qualify for available benefits.

Complete the Parent Consent Form for Fee Waivers

Families should also complete the Parent Consent Form associated with fee-waiver eligibility under House Bill 1660.

The CNEEB helps determine eligibility, while the Parent Consent Form gives OSD permission to use the applicable eligibility information to determine whether a student qualifies for school fee waivers.

Eligible students may qualify to have certain fees waived, including:

• ASB card fees
• Athletic or activity-related fees
• Testing fees
• Other eligible school fees

Families must complete the Parent Consent Form for OSD to use eligibility information for applicable fee waivers. Please complete the entire form and make sure a parent or guardian signs it at the bottom.

Complete and Return Both Forms

For the greatest potential benefit to your family, your student and Othello School District, please complete and return both:

• The CNEEB application
• The Parent Consent Form

Completing only the CNEEB may not provide OSD with the consent needed to determine your student’s eligibility for applicable fee waivers.

Forms are available:

• In the registration packet mailed to your home
• During in-person registration
• Online at the below links:

CNEEB ENGLISH FORM    

CNEEB FORMA ESpañol

HB 1660 parent consent form english            

hb 1660 consentimiento de padres español

Turn In Your Forms at In-Person Registration

Completed forms may be returned during in-person registration:

Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18
1:00–7:30 p.m.
Othello High School

Registration locations:

• Preschool–8th Grade: OHS Main Gym
• 9th–12th Grade: OHS Cafeteria/Commons

Please complete every required section and sign the Parent Consent Form at the bottom before turning it in.

A Small Step With a Big Impact

By completing these forms, families can help:

• Determine whether their students qualify for eligible school fee waivers
• Support potential access to winter and summer food benefits
• Help OSD receive state funding for student programs and services
• Strengthen resources and opportunities throughout our schools

Even if you are unsure whether your family qualifies, we encourage you to complete and return both forms. Every completed application helps OSD better support its students and families.

Get Ready for the 2026–27 Athletic Season!

Participating in athletics is a great way for students to make friends, develop teamwork and discipline, stay active and represent McFarland Middle School with Mustang pride.

Fall Sports Start Date

McFarland Middle School fall sports begin:

Thursday, August 27—the first day of school

Students must complete all registration and athletic clearance requirements before they may participate.

Register Through FinalForms

All student-athletes must register and receive full athletic clearance before their first practice.

Complete FinalForms

Families can use FinalForms to:

• Register for a sport
• Complete required athletic forms
• Upload a current sports physical
• Monitor the student’s clearance status

We encourage families to begin this process as soon as possible. Students may not participate until all requirements have been completed and approved.

Sports Physical Requirement

Every student-athlete must have a current sports physical completed by a licensed medical authority, including an MD, DO, ARNP, PA, or Naturopathic physician.

Sports physicals are valid for 24 months from the examination date. A valid physical may be uploaded directly to FinalForms.

In-Person Athletic Clearance Assistance

Families who need help with FinalForms or athletic clearance may attend in-person registration:

Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18
1:00–7:30 p.m.
Othello High School Main Gym

ASB Card Fee

The McFarland Middle School ASB card fee for the 2026–27 school year is $40.

The ASB card:

• Is required for athletic eligibility
• Covers the entire school year
• Must be purchased when a student participates in their first sport of the year, unless the student qualifies for a fee waiver under House Bill 1660

CNEEB and Parent Consent Forms

Families are strongly encouraged to complete a CNEEB form and a Parent Consent Form.

Completing these forms may help students qualify for waivers for:

• ASB card fees
• Testing fees
• Other eligible school fees and expenses

The forms may also help families qualify for state winter and summer food benefits. Completed forms help Othello School District qualify for grants and other resources that support students and schools.

Forms are available in the registration packet mailed to your home or online here:

CNEEB ENGLISH FORM    

CNEEB FORMA ESpañol

HB 1660 parent consent form english            

hb 1660 consentimiento de padres español

Please complete both forms fully and provide all required signatures.

Athletics and Activities Handbook

Families and students should review the 2026–27 OSD Athletics and Activities Handbook before the season begins.

The handbook explains:

• Athletic eligibility
• Attendance requirements
• Academic standards
• The athletic code
• Student and family responsibilities
• Other important athletics and activities requirements

Visit the OSD Athletics website

Questions?

McFarland Middle School
Building Secretary Dairen Nuñez
509-488-3326

Get Ready for the 2026–27 Athletic Season!

Fall sports are coming! Participating in athletics is a great way for students to build friendships, learn discipline, develop teamwork and represent Othello High School with Huskie pride.

Fall Sports First Practice Dates

Wednesday, August 19

• OHS Football

Monday, August 24

• Volleyball

• Girls’ Soccer

• Cross Country

• Cheer

• Drill Team

Students must complete all registration and athletic clearance requirements before participating in their first practice.

Register Through FinalForms

All student-athletes must register and receive full athletic clearance before their first practice.

Complete FinalForms

Families can use FinalForms to:

• Register for a sport

• Complete required athletic forms

• Upload a current sports physical

• Monitor the student’s clearance status

We encourage families to begin this process as soon as possible. Students may not participate until all requirements have been completed and approved.

Sports Physical Requirement

Every student-athlete must have a current sports physical completed by a licensed medical authority, including an MD, DO, ARNP, PA, or Naturopathic physician.

Sports physicals are valid for 24 months from the examination date. A valid physical may be uploaded directly to FinalForms.

Required In-Person Registration

All Othello High School students must attend in-person registration—even if they have already completed online registration.

Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18
1:00–7:30 p.m.
Othello High School Cafeteria/Commons

During in-person registration, students will:

• Take their student ID photo

• Complete athletic clearance, if applicable

• Purchase an ASB card

• Receive a parking pass, if needed

• Complete other important back-to-school requirements

Parents and Guardians Are Strongly Encouraged to Attend

We strongly encourage a parent or guardian to attend registration with their high school student.

The registration and ASB processes include documents that must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. Attending together can help families complete the process in one visit.

If a student will attend without a parent or guardian, the family should print the CNEEB and Parent Consent forms online or use the copies included in the registration packet mailed to their home.

Both forms must be:

• Completed in full

• Signed at the bottom by a parent or guardian

• Sent to registration with the student

Students who arrive without required forms or signatures may be unable to complete the process and may need to return later.

ASB Card Fee

The Othello High School ASB card fee for the 2026–27 school year is $40.

The ASB card:

• Is required for athletic eligibility

• Covers the entire school year

• Must be purchased when a student participates in their first sport of the year, unless the student qualifies for a fee waiver under House Bill 1660

CNEEB and Parent Consent Forms

Families are strongly encouraged to complete a CNEEB form and a Parent Consent Form.

Completing these forms may help students qualify for waivers for:

• ASB card fees

• Testing fees

• Other eligible school fees and expenses

The forms may also help families qualify for state winter and summer food benefits. Completed forms help Othello School District qualify for grants and other resources that support students and schools.

Forms are available in the registration packet mailed to your home or online here:

CNEEB ENGLISH FORM    

CNEEB FORMA ESpañol

HB 1660 parent consent form english            

hb 1660 consentimiento de padres español

Please complete both forms fully and provide all required signatures.

Athletics and Activities Handbook

Families and students should review the 2026–27 OSD Athletics and Activities Handbook before the season begins.

The handbook explains:

• Athletic eligibility

• Attendance requirements

• Academic standards

• The athletic code

• Student and family responsibilities

• Other important athletics and activities requirements

Visit the OSD Athletics website

Questions?

Othello High School
ASB Activities Secretary Suzanne Jolley
509-488-3351

All Othello School District students, including preschool students, are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. This is made possible through the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

OSD also participates in the Breakfast After the Bell program, which provides students with access to breakfast after the school day has begun.

Visit our Food Services webpage to learn more about the district’s Nutrition Services Department, meal programs, and available resources. During the school year, families can view current school menus here.

Othello School District uses TeacherLists.com to make back-to-school shopping easier and more convenient for families. Families can select their child’s school and grade level to view the correct supply list in one convenient location.

TeacherLists allows families to view, print, or shop directly from their list through participating retailers. Because supply needs vary by school and grade, please make sure you select the correct school and grade level.

Questions about specific items should be directed to your child’s school.

Please note: High school students do not have a general school supply list. Students will receive supply recommendations from their teachers once classes begin.

Othello School District Preschool & ECEAP

DOWNLOAD THE LIST     

DESCARGA LA LISTA       

Hiawatha Elementary School

SHOP SUPPLIES ONLINE

DOWNLOAD THE LIST     

DESCARGA LA LISTA       

Lutacaga Elementary School

SHOP SUPPLIES ONLINE

DOWNLOAD THE LIST     

DESCARGA LA LISTA       

Scootney Elementary School

SHOP SUPPLIES ONLINE

DOWNLOAD THE LIST     

DESCARGA LA LISTA       

Wahitis Elementary School

SHOP SUPPLIES ONLINE

DOWNLOAD THE LIST     

DESCARGA LA LISTA       

McFarland Middle School

SHOP SUPPLIES ONLINE

DOWNLOAD THE LIST     

DESCARGA LA LISTA       

All new and returning Othello School District students must complete registration each school year. Most families can complete the process online, while in-person assistance is available for those who need it.

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New Students

Families enrolling a student in OSD for the first time may begin the process online. New families will need to provide proof of residency, the student’s birth certificate, immunization records, and emergency contact information.

View New Student Registration Information

Returning Students

Online registration for returning students opens August 3, 2026. Families should log in to Skyward Family Access and select “26–27 Online Family Update.” Returning students must complete this update every school year, even if their information has not changed.

View Returning Student Registration Instructions

On-Site Registration

Families who need help completing registration may attend on-site registration at Othello High School on August 17 and 18 from 1:00–7:30 p.m. Registration for all OSD schools will take place at OHS, and all other school sites will be closed on those dates.

• Preschool–8th grade: OHS Main Gym
• 9th–12th grade: OHS Cafeteria/Commons

All high school students are required to attend on-site registration—even if they registered online. Students will take their ID photo, complete fall sports clearance, purchase an ASB card, receive a parking pass if needed, and complete other important back-to-school requirements.

View Complete On-Site Registration Information

For assistance, call the Othello School District Office at 509-488-2659.