Parent's practical guide: What OKC parents need to know to get kids ready for school
As Oklahoma's schoolchildren are anxiously gearing up for school, parents are deep in their back-to-school to-do lists.
The Oklahoman has pulled together practical information to aid parents as they prepare children, from finding the best discounts on school supplies or checking out the quality of your child's school.
Here's what you need to know:
When does school start?
It may be summertime, but soon enough K-12 Oklahoma students will be returning to school. Here's a list of start dates for districts resuming classes in the OKC metro area.
Where can I get free or discounted school supplies?
Regardless of their age, buying school supplies for your child can rack up the expenses on any budget. Luckily some helpful organizations and host are offering free events to help cover the cost.
Here's a list of upcoming back-to-school giveaways, in the Oklahoma City metro area.
OKC, Midwest City, Edmond, Norman and Yukon churches are also hosting back-to-school activities and school supply drives.
When is tax-free weekend in Oklahoma?
The much-awaited tax-free weekend is just around the corner, providing a great opportunity for back-to-school shoppers to save some extra cash.
Since 2007, Oklahoma law has mandated the waiving of sales tax on certain items during the first week of August, and this year is no exception.
The tax-free weekend in Oklahoma is Aug. 4-6.
What vaccines are needed?
All children 2 months of age and older must present an immunization record or file for an exemption before they are allowed to attend childcare or school in Oklahoma.
Here's a list of what vaccinations are required in Oklahoma by each school grade.
Oklahoma school report cards
As K-12 children prepare for school, some parents might wonder how their child's school compares to others. Oklahoma school report cards show how public schools across Oklahoma are serving students in a variety of areas.
Report cards can be accessed at oklaschools.com.
Here's what to know about the report cards, and some of the controversy in how they're made and used.
Getting your teen a driver's license in Oklahoma
Service Oklahoma will be open on specific Saturdays at three locations to help teenagers obtain a driver's license or ID before school starts.
Service Oklahoma will be open from 8 a.m. to noon for walk-ins only at one location each in Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow and Tulsa during the August program.
For dates and more information, visit https://oklahoma.gov/service/newsroom/drive-back-to-school.html
How do I apply for free and reduced lunch?
Students participating in the School Nutrition Programs are eligible for free, reduced price or paid price meals based on income or categorical eligibility:
Income eligibility. To determine income eligibility refer to the guidelines found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/income-eligibility-guidelines.
Categorical eligibility, in which children from families receive food stamps, TANF, FDPIR benefits, or the children are identified as homeless, migrant or runaway youth.
Prior to the school year, your school will send out parent notification letters and applications. When a student returns an application, the designated determining official will review information for eligibility.
Once approved for free or reduced price meals, eligibility is good for the entire school year. If you're denied, schools must notify the family in writing of their status, and their right to appeal.
The state has more information available on specific situations, such as exchange students or temporary income changes, available online at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cd/snhbch5.html
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Back to school in Oklahoma: Everything parents need to know
