By 1808Delaware
With the start of the 2026-2027 school year now just one month away, Big Walnut Local Schools is helping families prepare through a centralized online resource covering everything from classroom supplies to student health and safety.
Big Walnut students will begin returning to school on Thursday, August 20, with the district’s first staggered start day. Before then, parents and students can visit the district’s Back to School HQ for schedules, procedures and other information needed for the opening weeks of school.
One Place for Back-to-School Information
The online headquarters brings together resources that families might otherwise have to find through individual school websites, district notices or separate departments. Information available through the site includes school supply lists, student and parent handbooks, the district’s 2026-2027 calendars and details explaining how the staggered start will work. Families can also review transportation information and school-specific pick-up and drop-off procedures before the first day. Open house dates and times, athletic information, parent links and details about Eagles’ First Flight are also included.
The district plans to continue updating the page throughout the remainder of the summer, making it a resource families can bookmark and revisit as August approaches.
Big Walnut’s Back to School HQ is available at www.bwls.net/backtoschoolhq.
Health and Safety Guidance
The headquarters also includes a collection of student health and safety resources intended to help parents navigate situations that may arise during the school year. Among those materials is guidance for elementary classroom parties and celebrations. Big Walnut elementary schools traditionally hold in-class parties in October and February, and the district provides information to help parents and staff plan those events. The site also explains birthday treat and invitation rules. Food items will not be permitted as birthday treats in preschool through third-grade classrooms.
Parents can also consult the district’s “When to Stay Home” chart when a child is ill. The chart is designed to help families determine whether a student should attend school or remain home based on symptoms and health concerns. Additional student health information is available through SchoolCare, along with resources related to mental health and behavioral services.
A Tool for Reporting Safety Concerns
Information about the Safer Ohio School Tip Line is also included among the district’s safety resources. The service allows students and adults to anonymously report information involving possible threats to student safety. Reports may involve concerns ranging from a threatened large-scale incident to potential harm involving a single student.
Information submitted through the tip line can be shared with school officials and law enforcement so that concerns can be reviewed and addressed.
Preparing for August 20
With calendars beginning to fill and summer moving toward its final weeks, the district is encouraging families to review the available information before students return.
Checking supply lists, transportation procedures, open house schedules and health policies in advance can help families avoid last-minute questions as the staggered start approaches.
Big Walnut students will begin returning on August 20, officially opening another school year for the district’s Golden Eagles.
