Crandall ISD students return to classrooms Thursday, August 13, as the district begins the 2026–27 school year.
For families preparing for the first morning back, several changes and back-to-school requirements are worth checking before students head out the door. Updated school hours, transportation registration, student identification, immunization records and the district’s cell phone policy are among the items families should review.
Crandall ISD has assembled many of its resources in its Back-to-School Headquarters, while additional district information is available through the Crandall ISD website.
New School Hours Begin Thursday
Crandall ISD is beginning the year with updated start and dismissal times.
Elementary schools will begin classes at 7:55 a.m. and dismiss at 3:40 p.m. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7:35 a.m.
Middle schools will begin at 7:20 a.m. and dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m.
High school classes will begin at 8:25 a.m. and dismiss at 4:10 p.m. Doors open and breakfast begins at 8:05 a.m.
Families can review the latest information on the district’s School Hours page.
Students Should Remember Their ID
Students who have been issued identification badges should make sure they have them before leaving for school.
Student IDs are particularly important for bus riders. Crandall ISD’s transportation rules require students to have their student ID to ride the bus, with campuses providing student identification.
Families should also make sure students know their transportation arrangements before the first morning.
Cell Phones Must Stay Put Away
Crandall ISD’s posted Cell Phone Policy prohibits students from using personal electronic communication devices during school hours.
Cell phones are expected to be silenced, turned off and stored out of sight during the school day, including passing periods and lunch.
The policy also applies to other personal electronic devices, including smart watches, non-district tablets and laptops, and headphones.
Returning Families Should Complete Skyward Forms
Parents and guardians of returning students should make sure the district’s annual Back-to-School forms have been completed through Skyward Family Access.
Crandall ISD says parents should use their parent Skyward account and complete the forms for each enrolled student.
The district specifically advises families not to use the Skyward mobile app for the Back-to-School forms. The forms should instead be completed through an internet browser on a computer.
Students in grades 7–12 must also provide a current utility bill or lease for proof of residency.
Check Immunization Records
Families should confirm that required vaccination documentation is on file before school begins.
Crandall ISD states that students must provide a valid and complete immunization record before attending class unless they have a valid exemption permitted under Texas law.
Families with children entering grade levels with additional vaccine requirements, including pre-K, kindergarten and seventh grade, should pay particular attention to their records.
Requirements and exemption information are available through Crandall ISD’s Immunization Information page.
School Meal Applications Are Open
Families who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can complete an application for the 2026–27 school year through the district’s Free and Reduced Meals page.
Crandall ISD lists regular breakfast at $2.50. Lunch is $3.75 for pre-K through fifth grade and $4 for grades 6–12.
The district says families receiving meal benefits based on an application should reapply for the new school year.
Bus Riders Must Register This Year
One of the most important transportation changes for 2026–27 is a new registration requirement.
Crandall ISD says every student planning to ride a school bus must register for transportation.
Parents can find the registration link, bus schedules, eligibility information, the My Ride K-12 bus app and other resources through the district’s Transportation Department.
Students should know their assigned route and bus stop before Thursday morning. The district recommends that riders be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Expect Extra First-Day Traffic
Parents, student drivers and other motorists should also prepare for heavier traffic around Crandall ISD campuses Thursday morning and afternoon.
The first day of school typically brings more vehicles to campus drop-off and pickup areas as families adjust to new schedules and routines.
Drivers should allow additional travel time, remain patient around school entrances and watch carefully for students crossing streets, school buses entering and leaving roadways, and children waiting near bus stops.
With schedules checked, transportation arrangements confirmed and required forms completed, Pirate families can focus on getting students off to a strong start as another school year begins across Crandall ISD.
