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Back to School Guidebook

The word COMPASS is displayed with a compass rose graphic and text that reads 'A Family Guidebook For the Journey Ahead'.

Returning Students: It’s Back to School Forms Time!

Please Make Sure You Renew Your Information Through Skyward Family Access

If your family lives in the Chehalis School District boundaries and your student will be returning to Chehalis Schools for the 2026-2027 school year, there is no need to re-enroll them, even if they are moving to a new building in our district. We do ask that all returning families fill out our back to school forms each year to ensure we can best serve your family each school year. These forms take just a few minites and include:

  • Family contact information review for both schools and ParentSquare
  • Emergency contacts review
  • Transportation forms
  • Medical history forms

It is especially helpful if you fill out these forms before the beginning of each new school year by logging on to your parent login on the web version of Skyward Family Access. Need help logging in to your Skyward Family Access Account? Contact Janis Dobyns through THIS LINK.

CLICK HERE to log in to Skyward Family Access

CLICK HERE for a back to school forms tutorial

Three young girls in matching yellow t-shirts sit on a grassy field, smiling at the camera.

Mark Your Calendar: Important Dates

  • Aug. 18 – W.F. West High School (grades 9-12) Freshman Link Day for all incoming 9th graders
  • Aug. 19 – W.F. West High School (grades 9-12) Readiness & Picture Day for all 10th-12th Graders: 8-10 a.m. for 12th graders; 10 a.m. to noon for 11th graders; and 1-3 p.m. for 10th graders
  • Aug. 26 – Orin Smith Elementary (grades 3-5) Student Orientation 4:30-6 p.m.
  • Aug. 27 – Chehalis Middle School (grades 6-8) Open House.
  • Sept. 1 – First day of the 2026-2027 school year for grades 3-12
  • Sept. 2 – First day of the 2026-2027 school year for grades 1-2
  • Sept. 4-7 – All Chehalis Facilities and Schools Closed for Labor Day Weekend
  • Sept. 8 – First day of the 2026-2027 school year for Kindergarten

Find more important dates for the 2026-2027 school year in our district calendar at THIS LINK.

  • Aug. 3-6 – FREE Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Younger: 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at James Lintott Elementary; 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at Orin Smith Elementary; 11:30-12 lunch at Chehalis Middle School; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at James Lintott Elementary; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at Orin Smith Elementary.
  • Aug. 10-13 – FREE Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Younger: 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at James Lintott Elementary; 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at Orin Smith Elementary; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at James Lintott Elementary; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at Orin Smith Elementary

James Lintott Elementary Library (grades K-2)

  • Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 3-6
  • Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 10-13

Orin Smith Elementary (grades 3-5)

  • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 3-6
  • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 10-13
  • Aug. 3 – W.F. West High School (grades 9-12) Counseling Center re-opens after summer
  • Aug. 6 – W.F. West High School (grades 9-12) Main Office re-opens after summer
  • Aug. 10 – Chehalis School District Office returns to regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays (From Monday, June 22 to Monday, Aug. 10 Chehalis School District Office will be open to the public summer hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and Closed Fridays.)
  • Aug. 14 – James Lintott Elementary (grades K-2) Main Office re-opens after summer
  • Aug. 17 – 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Orin Smith Elementary (grades 3-5) Office re-opens after summer break
  • Aug. 18 – Chehalis Middle School (Grades 6-8) Main Office re-opens after summer

Find more important dates for the 2026-2027 school year in our district calendar at THIS LINK.

Landmarks on the Journey Ahead

Every step in a student’s journey is important. There are also a few landmarks along the way where students and families may need a little bit of guidance to help them successfully navigate the transition. Here are some resources that can help keep you on the right path.