Back to School Guide for Heartland Texas Families
Calendar + Checklist for a Smooth Start to 2025–2026
As summer winds down, and a new school year approaches, families in Heartland can use this checklist to prepare for a smooth and successful start at Crandall ISD. With seven outstanding schools serving our community from Day Care Pre-K through 12th grade, there’s something here for everyone.
General School Prep for All Ages
Start Here:
- Visit the Crandall ISD Back-to-School Resources page – your one-stop shop for calendars, supplies, dress codes, and more.
- Review the 2025–2026 Academic Calendar and mark key dates, also listed at the end of this article.
Back-to-School Checklist
Use this list to make sure you’re ready before the first bell rings:
🛍️ School Supplies & Dress Code
☐ Check the School Supply List for your child’s grade
☐ Review the Dress Code and purchase needed items
☐ Label backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and jackets
🏥 Health & Wellness
☐ Submit medication forms or allergy info to the school nurse
☐ Schedule any necessary physicals (especially for athletes)
☐ Confirm any special accommodations or care plans are on file
🚌 Transportation & Logistics
☐ Confirm your bus route or finalize pick-up plans
☐ Review school hours and drop-off/pick-up procedures
☐ Sign up for after-school care if needed
💻 Technology & Communication
☐ Log into parent portals (grades, meals, communication)
☐ Set up online payments for meals, activities, and more
☐ Bookmark your school’s website and follow on social media
📅 Family Scheduling
☐ Add key dates to your calendar (see below!)
☐ Plan meals, snacks, and routines for the first week
☐ Schedule a family photo or special breakfast on Day One
Key Dates to Remember (2025–2026)
| Event | Date(s) |
| First Day of School | Wednesday, August 13 |
| Labor Day (No School) | Monday, September 1 |
| Student Holidays (No School) | Sept. 25-26, Nov. 7, Feb. 6, Mar. 13, Mar. 23, Apr. 3, Apr. 6, Apr. 17 |
| Fall Break | Oct. 13-17 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Nov. 24-28 |
| Winter Break | Dec. 22 – Jan. 6 (Early Release Dec. 18) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School) | Monday, Jan. 19 |
| Presidents Day (No School) | Monday, February 16 |
| Spring Break | March 16-20 |
| Bad Weather Makeup Days (if needed) | Friday, Mar. 13, Monday Mar. 23 |
| Last Day of School / High School Graduation | Thursday, May 21(Early Release) |
📌 Pro Tip: Sync your phone or family calendar with the full CISD academic calendar for updates and reminders.
District Resources Worth Reviewing
Make sure you’re ready for Day One by exploring:
- New and Current Enrollment
- Academic Calendar
- Transportation
- School Hours
- Child Nutrition & Meal Information
- Dress Code
- School Supplies
- Immunization Requirements
- Volunteer
- Need Help?
CISD Schools Serving Heartland Texas
Here are the schools serving our community:
On-Site in Heartland
We’re proud to have several Crandall ISD schools, and even a private Day Care & preschool located right here in the Heartland community:
- The Goddard School (Day Care & Pre-K)
4080 Abbey Rd | (972) 430-8885
- Barbara Walker Elementary (Pre-K–5)
4060 Abbey Rd | (972) 427-6030 | Website
- Opal Smith Elementary (Pre-K–5)
3015 Fletcher Rd | (972) 427-6053 | Website
- Hollis T. Dietz Elementary (Pre-K–5)
2080 Sunnybrook Dr | (972) 427-6050 | Website
- Crandall Middle School (6-8)
2600 Fletcher Rd | (972) 427-6080 | Website
High Schools Serving Heartland
- Crandall High School (9-12)
13385 FM 3039 | (972) 427-6150 | Website
🌟 Heartland Tip: Make It a Memory
Start the school year with a fun tradition:
- 📸 Take a front porch photo
- 📝 Add a surprise lunchbox note
- 🥞 Celebrate with pancakes or a “Back to School Eve” dinner
📍 Need More Info?
Visit HeartlandTexas.com for community events, family news, and updates throughout the school year.