Don't Wait
Don't wait until the first day. Check transportation, health records, emergency contacts, school rules and meal information now. The checklist below covers everything you need to do before the first bell rings.
Getting ready for the 2026-27 school year means more than buying supplies. Use this checklist to make sure your family is prepared — organized by what you need to do, not just what you need to know.
Bookmark this page, screenshot it, or print it out and check items off as you go.
The Bottom Line
The best back-to-school preparation isn't about having the right backpack. It's about knowing the rules, confirming transportation, updating health records, and making sure your child knows who to turn to if something goes wrong.
Pittsburgh Urban Media will continue its Back-to-School 2026 coverage with information families can use before the first bell.