Back to School 2026-2027

Click for a PDF version of the 2026-2027 school year calendar.

2026-2027 School Year Calendar

SLPS requires a parent/guardian to complete an Annual Student Record Update via FinalForms for each returning student before the start of the school year.

If a parent/guardian fails to submit an Annual Student Record Update for their student(s) before the 2026-2027 school year begins, it will be assumed the parent/guardian is agreeing to all permissions in the affirmative.  Once the Annual Student Record Update is completed, the district will adhere to the submitted wishes.

The Record Update is available via FinalForms (springlake-mi.finalforms.com).

FOR PARENTS WITH AN EXISTING FinalForms ACCOUNT – Sign into FinalForms with your current account and click on the “Update Forms” button to make any changes and to sign the necessary forms for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you cannot remember your existing FinalForms login information, use the password reset option here.  FinalForms Reset

If you plan for your student to ride the bus during the upcoming school year, a parent/guardian must register the student with the Transportation Department.

Click here for transportation registration and frequently asked questions.

Back to School 2026-2027

We know many families are wondering about the status of free school meals for the upcoming school year. At this time, there has been no official announcement regarding whether the Michigan School Meals program will continue.

Here’s what we do know:

• Breakfast and lunch will remain free for all Spring Lake students through September 30, 2026 under the Michigan School Meals program.

• Beginning October 1, 2026, it’s possible that schools may return to the traditional structure of free, reduced-price, and full-pay meals - though no decision has been finalized at the state level. We understand this could cause confusion and will communicate updates as soon as we receive them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Education & Nutrition Benefits Application 2026-2027 School Year

The Education & Nutrition Benefits Application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available starting July 1, 2026.

Application submitted before this date will not be applied to the upcoming school year, so please plan to complete the form on or after July 1.

We encourage all families to complete the 2026-2027 Education and Nutrition Benefits Application (formerly the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application). This form not only helps determine eligibility if the program changes mid-year, but it also helps our district qualify for important educational funding and other programs.

We’re hopeful that free meals will continue for all students and will keep families informed as we learn more.

Thank you for your patience & continued support!

Parents can use springlake.familyportal.cloud to check student(s) lunch balance, charges, and deposit additional funds.

Click here for food service frequently asked questions.

Click here for the Special Diet Statement

High School and Middle School students must have a physical form (4/15/2026 or newer) on file if they plan to participate in sports during the 2026-2027 school year.  Athletes may not practice or tryout without a valid physical on file.

Parents/guardians of athletes must register their child on Final Forms before the start of a season.  springlake-mi.finalforms.com

High School sports begin on August 10, 2026.  Register now!

Middle School sports coaches will reach out to those who have registered with startup details.

Holmes Elementary – Parents will receive a welcome email from their student’s assigned teacher in mid-August. 

Jeffers Elementary – Parents will receive a welcome email from their student’s assigned teacher in mid-August.

Intermediate School – Parents will receive a welcome email from their student’s assigned teacher no later than Friday, August 14.

Middle School – Schedules will be released at MS Smart Start.  MS Smart Start is set for Monday, August 18.

High School – Schedules will be released at HS Smart Start.  HS Smart Start is set for Friday, August 21, 2026.

Holmes Elementary – Click here for the new school year supply list.

Jeffers Elementary – Click here for the new school year supply list.

Intermediate School – 5th & 6th grade supply lists will be sent with welcome letters to parents by their student's teacher in August.

Middle School – Click here for the new school year supply list.

High School – Click here for the suggested new school year supply list.

Spring Lake Community Child Care Program provides quality care every school day for school aged children in Kindergarten through sixth grade.

Before and after school care will begin Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Click here for more information.

Students who are planning to drive to school must have a parking permit.

For those with a current parking permit:

• If  your vehicle has changed, you need to submit a new application and fee at Smart Start.
• If you are not a senior, and your vehicle has not changed, you can continue to use your current permit.
• If you are a senior, and your vehicle has not changed, you need to trade your old permit for a new one at Smart Start.  There is no fee if you bring the old permit.

Please use the online application to complete and pay for your student's parking permit.

Click here for more information about the 1:1 Device Program.

High School, Middle School, and Intermediate School – Student devices will be handed out during Smart Start.  Please complete the Student Device Agreement and fee payment in FinalForms before SmartStart.

Holmes Elementary and Jeffers Elementary – Student devices will be handed out during the first week of school. Please complete the Student Device Agreement and fee payment in FinalForms before the first day of school.

The student device fee for the 2026-2027 school year is $12 for each student.  The fee must be paid through FinalForms.

HS SMART START

High School Smart Start is scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2026. Please visit this link for more information regarding Smart Start.

• FRESHMEN ………………………….. 8:30 am - 10:15 am
  • The freshman class will be expected to first report to the auditorium for a short introductory meeting.
• SOPHOMORES ……………...….. 10:30 am - 11:30 am
• JUNIORS ……………………………… 11:45 am – 12:45 pm
• SENIORS ……………………………… 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

MS SMART START

Middle School Smart Start will be Monday, August 17, 2026.

Middle School students should plan to attend at the times designated below. Students will receive their schedules, tour the building, get their picture taken, and receive their Chromebook.

• 12:00 pm - Last names beginning with the letters A-L
• 12:45 pm - Last names beginning with the letters M-Z

IS SMART START

Intermediate School Smart Start will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

IS Smart Start will run on a schedule from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  Students will meet their teacher, receive their Chromebook, and get their picture taken.

Band fitting for 5th grade:

• Monday, August 18, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Middle School Band Room.
• Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Middle School Band Room.

Holmes Elementary – August 20th  6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Jeffers Elementary – August 20th  5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Intermediate School – during Smart Start on August 18th 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Middle School – during Smart Start on August 17th 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

High School – August 24th 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm