2025-26 Back-to-School Toolkit

Students listening to a teacher read a book

  • New Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban
     
    Beginning in September 2025, students will no longer be able to use smartphones, smart watches, and other personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. This is a new requirement for school districts across New York State. More details regarding Ken-Ton's policy and procedures will be shared with families soon.
     

     
    New Start & End Times for Middle/High Schools:

    In order to enhance safety and security in buildings, changes are being made to middle/high school start and end times beginning this September. The following chart demonstrates what is changing:

    Middle School & Kenmore Junior/Senior High

    • New Official Start Time: 7:49 (changed from 8:10)
    • Students begin arriving at approximately 7:35
    • New Official End Time: 2:30 (changed from 2:51)
    • Buses depart at approximately 2:37

    High School:

    • New Official Start Time: 8:19 (changed from 7:40)
    • Students begin arriving at approximately 8:02
    • New Official End Time: 3:00 (changed from 2:21)
    • Buses depart at approximately 3:06

    (There will be no changes for elementary schools)


    New District Website to Launch in Late-July

    After nearly 20 years, the Ken-Ton School District is transitioning to a brand new website during the summer which will be powered by a different provider called Finalsite. This is necessitated by FinalSite’s 2022 acquisition of Blackboard and the company’s decision to phase out Blackboard’s Web Community Manager (formerly SchoolWires), which the district has used since the mid-2000s. The new website will provide new accessibility features, new navigation options, and an enhanced design/layout. Click here for more information.
     

     
    Daily OpenGate Screenings in Middle & High Schools:
     
    Thanks to the new start/end times being implemented in middle and high schools, daily OpenGate screenings will be able to be implemented in middle and high schools as part of the morning arrival process in order to create an added layer of safety/security in schools. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your cooperation as we have worked toward this goal for the past two years!
     

     
    New Reporting System for Safety Concerns & Threats:

    The Ken-Ton School District has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise to provide an easy way for students, parents, and community members to anonymously report safety concerns such as potential threats, suspicious activity, bullying, and mental health concerns. Through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, anyone can submit a tip at any time of the day using:

    • A mobile app (available through the Google Play and Apple Store)

    • The Say Something website

    • A telephone hotline (844-572-9669)

    Click here for more information.


    Get Up-to-Date Estimated Bus Arrival Times:
     
    You can now get an up-to-date estimated time of arrival for your child’s bus with the My Ride K-12 service. This tool shows up-to-date bus arrival times in the morning and afternoon and allows the Transportation Department to send personalized updates directly to you. Click here for more information. (Bus information is expected to be posted to Parent Portal and mailed home the week of August 25th).
     
     

     
    Don't Forget Your Children's Chromebooks:
     
    Make sure your child brings his/her fully charged device to school every day, including the first day of school. Returning Gr. 9 students will be issued new Chromebooks and chargers shortly after the start of the school year. These students must have both their Chromebook and charger in order to receive their new device. Click here for information on how to obtain a replacement item.
     

     
    Breakfast & Lunch is FREE for All Students:
     
    We are extremely excited to announce that all Ken-Ton School District students in Gr. K-12 will once again receive free breakfast and lunch meals. No action is needed on the part of families. We need our families to complete the CEP Income Verification Form which is sent home at the beginning of the school year, which assists districts in qualifying for millions of dollars in funding each year.


  • Frequently Asked Questions:

  • When will families find out their child's teacher or receive their schedule?

  • Where are crossing guards located?

  • What are the 2025-26 start/end times and early release times?

  • How do I find my child's Student ID Number, and what do I need it for?

  • How do I take advantage of free breakfast and lunch?

  • When and how will I receive bus pick-up/drop-off information?

  • How do I sign up for My Ride K-12 (bus tracking)?

  • What are the mileage eligibility limits?

  • How can I register my child for school?

  • How can I create a Parent Portal Account?

  • How can I sign up for voice, email and text notifications?

  • How can I find out about arrival/dismissal procedures, schedules, etc.?

  • What should I do if I don't have my child's Chromebook or charger?

  • Where can I find the school/district calendar?

  • Where can I find menus and nutrition information?

  • When will I receive Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) information?

  • I have a question that is not answered on this page. Who can I contact?