We are excited to welcome everyone back for the new school year, starting on Monday, August 12th. To help you prepare, we have provided a comprehensive Back to School Guide, available below, filled with essential information and resources.

In addition, this web page is translatable to ensure all our families can access the information they need. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

View the PDF here.

If you do not see your school's supply list, check their website. High school lists will provided during the first week of school.

Step 1
Starting this year, registration will be done through the new Focus Parent Portal and App, so make sure to get signed up and download the Focus Sarasota app!

Step 2

First-Time Students:
Student entering Kindergarten. How to Register for Kindergarten
Student who has never attended a Sarasota County Student Applying to SCS

Returning Student Registration:
Attended a Sarasota County School and is returning after leaving the district
Attended a Sarasota County and is returning after Home Education

Current Student Re-Registration:
Currently attending a Sarasota County School and will attend a Sarasota County School the next school year.

Step 3
Determine which school zone you live in:

• If you do not know, click this link!

• Next, enter your address in the School Zone by the Address bar.

• Your districted schools for Elementary, Middle, and High School will automatically populate

Starting in 2024-2025
During the school registration or re-registration process you will be asked if you are interested in school bus transportation. If you select yes, your request will be sent to the Transportation Department where it will be processed and bus stop will be assigned if you are eligible. To change your selection or if you have questions, locate and contact your school’s Route Coordinator.

• Bus route information will be activated in the Focus Parent Portal the week of July 29th.

• Click the newly activated Transportation tab after July 29th.

• If your student is registered for a bus the information will be filled out on the page.

• If you requested Transportation but the information is unavailable, locate and contact your schools Route Coordinator for assistance.

1. Visit WheresTheBus website

2. Click on the “Set up account” button on the Parents menu, on the left

3. Select “Sarasota County (FL)” from the drop-down menu, then click “Continue”

4. Add in your parent/guardian information as well as your child’s information

5. Keep an eye out for an email from WheresTheBus that will have download information & further instructions

School Meal Payment Procedure
When paying for meals, students will need to do the following:

1. Scan Student ID/printed bar-code or type in Student N#

2. Tell the cashier their first and last name

School Menus
You can find school menus on our new mobile app under Dining. Add money to your student’s account on our website or my visiting My School Bucks. You can also visit our Nutrislice link to see individual school menus with nutritional information for each item.

Download the SCS Mobile App!
Free on the Apple Store and Google Play!

Download the Nutrislice App!
Free on the Apple Store and Google Play!

Food Allergies
Sarasota County Schools Allergy Resources

Click for Menu Modification and Medical Statement Request Form

Free & Reduced Benefits

If families need assistance paying for school meals, please complete a Meal Benefits Application to receive breakfast and lunch for free or at a reduced price. Important: A new application must be filled out at the beginning of each school year in order for the meal benefits to continue. Meal benefits begin on the day the application is processed by Food & Nutrition Services and continue throughout the school year in which the application is approved, the summer, and approximately the first thirty days of the next school year. To learn more, visit the Free & Reduced Benefits page on our website.

My School Bucks

Use My School Bucks to conveniently pay for your student’s meals. There is a $3.25 fee for each transaction and the maximum amount for each transaction is $120.

• Set up automatic recurring payments

• Track and review meal history

• Create low balance alerts

For help, call (941) 486-2199 Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Health Requirements for Admission to School

Health Screenings Dental Sealant Program

Physical Examination—Each student entering school must present documentation of a physical examination performed within one year of registration.
Immunizations—Each student entering school must present a Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH 680).

Dental Sealant Program
The Florida DOH is offering a FREE dental sealant program for elementary students in select district schools. Dental sealants are a safe and easy preventative measure that helps stop tooth decay or cavities.

Health Screenings
Screenings are mandated by Florida Administrative Code 64F-6.003. By electronically signing the Health Emergency Information Form, parents/guardians give permission for these non-invasive screenings completed by the Sarasota County Department of Public Health.

Schoolhouse Link Program

Sarasota County Schools and the Safe Children Coalition have teamed up to raise awareness about school enrollment options and provide resources for students along with their families that do not have a permanent address or are temporarily “doubling up” in residences due to loss of housing and economic hardship. These services are provided in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act and support the enrollment, attendance, and success in school for students in residential transition.

In Sarasota County, these services are provided by the Schoolhouse Link program, a partnership between the Sarasota County School Board and the Safe Children Coalition. To learn more about Sarasota County School’s program with Schoolhouse Link, visit: sccfl.org/schoolhouselink or call (941) 923-6100.

Language Line

New this year! Language Line, a leading language interpretation and translation service provider, is now available at all traditional public schools and select district departments. This service provides seamless over-the-phone translations in more than 240 languages, enhancing school-to-guardian and district-to-guardian communication. Available 24/7, Language Line can help ensure that all families stay informed and engaged in their child’s education. Ask your school for more information.

At Sarasota County Schools, the safety and security of our students and staff are our top priorities. We have implemented robust security programs and emergency management systems to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone. This section provides information on our comprehensive safety measures, including the OpenGate weapons detection system, emergency terminology and protocols, and details about Florida House Bill 1473.

Volunteer

Volunteers at Sarasota County Schools are parents, adult community members, or students who assist at school sites or programs on a regular/semi-regular bases before, during, or after school hours. There are two types of volunteers: level 1 and level 2.

School Advisory Council (SAC)

A School Advisory Council is comprised of representatives/people from the school, community, and those closest to the students who share responsibility for supporting continuous improvement in our schools. These school-based groups include the principal, teachers, parents, students, and more that reflect the racial, ethnic, and economic composition of the school. To be a part of a School Advisory Council, you must be elected by a representative peer group. For example, only teachers can elect teachers, parents by parents, students by students, and so on. However, a majority of council members must not be employed by the district.