First Day of School 2026

In partnership with Shakopee High School leaders, middle school administration explored a 6th Grade adjusted first-day plan, building from the first day structure recently offered to 9^th grade students while still supporting other grade-level student needs.

Leaders engaged in extensive research and conversations with various stakeholders (including staff, students and neighboring districts, to name a few) to develop a proposal that was presented to the School Board on February 23, 2026.

The School Board unanimously approved the adjusted first-day starting in the 2026-27 school year. The presentation can be found here.

6th Grade is a critical year for students, significantly impacting their future attendance, graduation rates and ability to build relationships that contribute to a positive learning experience.

To help each and every student succeed, adjustments have been made to the first day of school. With the adjustments, 6th Grade students can explore the school building, meet staff and learn new routines in a calm environment, free from the usual hustle and bustle of the entire student body. This focused approach helps ease anxiety and provides a smoother transition into middle school.

Meanwhile, for students in Grades 7-8, the Middle School team has carefully structured the first day of school to be asynchronous and online while ensuring students continue to build strong relationships and agency early on. Though students in grades 7-8 will not be receiving live direct instruction for each course, students must log in to each class on Canvas throughout the duration of the first day of school.

Greater connections = greater student success

• Provides a smoother transition into High School and greater connection to the Academies of Shakopee for ALL students.
• Allows for a dedicated orientation with a majority of peers.
• Reduces anxiety, provides a greater sense of belonging, student agency and confidence.
• Builds connections with teachers and school community.
• Creates logistical advantages and helps build a routine.
• Allows for equitable engagement and accessibility.
• Sets a positive tone. 
• Provides student leadership opportunities.

This format allows students to:

• Ease into the School Year: Without the hustle and bustle of a full school building, students can gently transition back into academics from the comfort of their own space. This can reduce first-day jitters and create a more relaxed start.

• Familiarize Themselves with Canvas: The virtual day provides a dedicated opportunity for students to navigate Canvas, find courses and understand how to access materials without the pressure of in-person demands.

• Independently Prepare for Each Class: Students have the time to thoroughly explore each course's syllabus, expectations and opportunities at their own pace. This in-depth review ensures students understand course goals, grading and important deadlines from day one.

• Connect with Teachers Flexibly: Watching welcome videos and completing introduction activities allows students to "meet" their teachers and introduce themselves without the time constraints of a traditional bell schedule. Students can also ask questions through discussion forums as they arise, fostering early communication.

• Identify Necessary Resources: Students can clearly determine any required materials, textbooks or tools needed for each class. This allows students to gather such items before in-person instruction begins, ensuring they are prepared.

• Establish a Learning Routine: The asynchronous day encourages students to begin thinking about their time management and workspace organization for the new school year. This proactive approach helps them set themselves up for success.

This carefully designed virtual day empowers 10th-12th graders to start the school year feeling informed, prepared and ready to engage with their courses.

In the context of school or learning, "asynchronous" means that the learning activities and interactions do not happen at the same time for everyone involved.

Here's a breakdown:

• Not in real-time: Unlike a traditional classroom lecture or a live video conference (which would be "synchronous"), asynchronous learning doesn't require all students and the teacher to be present at the exact same moment.

• Self-paced (to a degree): Students in Grades 10-12 can access course materials, watch recorded lectures, complete assignments and participate in discussions on their own schedule during the first day of school, within a given timeframe. Attendance will be taken in each class.

1. Log into Canvas courses
   Access all your scheduled courses through the Canvas platform.

2. Explore Course Pages
   Navigate through each course to understand the layout, modules and resources provided.

3. Read Class Syllabus
   Carefully review each course syllabus to understand course goals, major assignments and key units of study.

4. Review Expectations & Policies
   Go over class expectations, grading policies, participation guidelines and important due dates.

5. Meet Your Teachers
   Watch welcome videos from your teachers. 

6. Introduce Yourself
   Post an introduction on the class discussion board or complete an "About Me" activity as directed by your teachers.

7. Ask Questions
   Use discussion forums to ask any questions you have about the course or expectations.

8. Check for Required Materials
   Note any required supplies, textbooks or tools you'll need for the class.

9. Complete First-Day Check-In or Assignment
   Teachers may assign a short activity or survey to get to know you better or to ensure you understand how to navigate the course.

10. Set Up a Learning Routine
    Begin thinking about how you'll organize your time and workspace for success in the upcoming school year.

To provide the best experience for all students, only students in Grade 6 or those who receive center-based special education services should be in-person at East & West middle schools on Tuesday, September 1st.

Yes, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 is the first full day of school for all secondary students in Grades 6-12. 

Attendance will be taken in each class, whether onsite or virtual. 

Since this is a normal school day for all secondary students, any absences should be reported to the Attendance Team.

Attendance can be updated via Infinite Campus or by contacting the school's attendance line: East: 952.496.5703 West: . 

Yes, September 1 is considered a normal in-person school day for 6th Grade students and therefore transportation is available and running for those who qualify. 

Palmer Bus routes will be available in Infinite Campus starting August 10, 2026.

Canvas is Shakopee's Learning Management System. 

Teachers use Canvas to post announcements, deliver materials and collect digital work from students. Students can submit assignments, take quizzes, participate in discussion boards, access resources and track their to-do list. Canvas is used in grades 6-12. 

Students, click here to access Canvas or look for the program on your MacBook.

Parents/Guardians can sign up to become "Observers" of their students in Canvas in order to see course materials, grades and feedback students receive on their assignments and view a calendar that shows due dates for all classes. 

This enhanced first-day experience for 6th Grades students is in place of the optional half-day 6th Grade orientation that was previously offered before the start of each school year.

Families and students are encouraged to attend their middle school's Open House to further connect with the school community and experience. 

September 1, 2026 is a normal school day for 6th Grade students. The goal is for each student to independently navigate the school and build connections with peers and staff. Standard visitor guidelines apply and only include entrance into the front office for select needs.