Schools

Back to School: A Community Guide for Fall in Burlington

Your guide to back-to-school season: schedules, menus, traffic tips, and resources to help families and the whole community start the year strong.

Nicci Kadilak

Nicci Kadilak

— 2 min read
Back to School: A Community Guide for Fall in Burlington
Photo by Element5 Digital / Unsplash

Back-to-school season isn’t just for students. When the first bell rings, traffic patterns shift, community events ramp up, and resources across town adjust to a new rhythm. Whether you’re a parent navigating drop-off lines or a neighbor who just wants to know why traffic is suddenly SO BAD in the mornings and afternoons, here’s what everyone should know as the school year begins.

Key Dates & Schedules

First Day of School

  • September 2 for Burlington Public Schools, grades 1-12
  • September 3 for Shawsheen Tech
  • September 8 for preK and K students

School Start and End Times

  • Marshall Simonds Middle School — 7:35-1:55
  • Fox Hill, Pine Glen, Memorial Elementary Schools — 8:10-2:15
  • Francis Wyman Elementary School — 8:35-2:40
  • Burlington High School — 8:40-3:00

District Calendar

Includes holidays, early release days, parent-teacher conferences, and marking periods.

Transportation & Traffic

Bus Routes

  • Every student in Burlington is guaranteed a free seat on the school bus. Families were sent a survey prior to the beginning of the school year to opt out of bus transportation.
  • Find schedules and stop information here. Schedules are often updated after the first week or two of school; keep an eye on ParentSquare for updates.
  • Community Reminder: Expect heavier traffic in the mornings and afternoons. Slow down in school zones, watch for crossing guards, and never pass a stopped school bus.

Meals & Nutrition

Daily breakfast and lunch options are posted online and in-app at MySchoolMenus. Resources and meal options are available for families managing allergies or dietary needs.

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Health & Wellness

Mental Health Support

Burlington Public Schools partners with mental health support providers for both students and families.

Healthy Routines

Experts recommend earlier bedtimes, balanced meals, and daily movement to ease the transition into the school year.

Events & Engagement

Back-to-School Nights

Families can meet teachers, tour classrooms, and learn what’s ahead this year.

Sports & Arts

Cheer on local teams, catch a musical, visit an art show, or attend a band performance—school events often welcome the whole community.

Volunteer Opportunities

From tutoring and mentoring to supply drives, there are plenty of ways to support local students.

Quick Resources

Back-to-school season marks more than just the return of homework and bus rides. It’s a reminder that schools sit at the heart of our community—bringing families, neighbors, and local organizations together. Whether you’re dropping off a student, volunteering, or cheering at a Friday night game, we all have a role in making the year a success.

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