Back-to-School Transportation, Child Nutrition, & Student Health Services Updates
Transportation News
Due to the new bus route changes for the 2026-2027 school year, please review your child’s bus number and route information before the first day of school. All intown routes have now changed to two buses and routes. Below, you will find the new stops in the linked document. All intown routes will either be Bus 22 or Bus 31. Below, you will find the 2026-2027 district bus route information:
- New Bus Route and Stop Information: https://files.smartsites.parentsquare.com/5758/2026-2027_west_isd_bus_stops.pdf
- Note: Mrs. Buchanan will be in attendance at tonight's Meet the Teacher Night at West Elementary School. Look for her table!
Child Nutrition News
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided funding that allowed schools across the country to serve breakfast and lunch to every student at no cost. That funding was temporary and eventually ended. For the past several years, West ISD has worked to still provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to every student. Unfortunately, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, West ISD will no longer be able to use local funds to provide free meals to all students. We know this is a significant change for our families, so the district needs every family to complete the School Meals Application in hopes of federal funds someday providing the funds again for breakfast and lunch for all students.
First, the district needs every West ISD family to complete a School Meals Application—even if you don’t think your family will qualify. The application helps identify students who qualify for meal assistance and ensures West ISD has accurate information when determining eligibility for state and federal programs. Remember, students who qualify for free meals will continue to eat at no cost. In Texas, students who qualify for reduced-price meals also currently receive breakfast and lunch at no cost because of additional state funding provided by the 89th Legislature. Accurate information also helps West ISD evaluate opportunities such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows eligible schools and districts to provide breakfast and lunch free to every student, without families having to complete meal applications each year.
Next, the district needs each family to take the first step by completing the 2026-2027 School Meals Application. It may help your family qualify for free meals, it helps West ISD accurately identify the needs of our students, and it helps us pursue every available opportunity to make meals free for all West ISD students again. Below, you will find the School Meals Application along with other important cafeteria information.
School Meals Application: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict
August Breakfast and Lunch Menus: https://www.westisd.net/81853_4
MySchoolBucks: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home
For additional information or questions, please reach out to Mrs. Gerik, Child Nutrition Supervisor, at (254) 981-2110 or cgerik@westisd.net.
Health Services News
7th Grade Immunization Requirement: Texas requires all incoming 7th Grade students to have the required immunizations on file before the first day of school. Please submit your child’s updated immunization record or a current, valid Conscientious Exemption (Affidavit) no later than the first day of school to avoid any interruption in attendance. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires school districts to enforce the immunization requirements established by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) under the Texas Administrative Code as a condition of school attendance.
Medications at School: If your child needs to take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication (unexpired) during the school day on an as-needed basis, please bring the medication in its original labeled container, along with a completed Medication Administration Authorization Form signed by the parent or guardian. If the medication will be administered for 10 consecutive days or longer, a physician’s signature is also required. All prescription medications must be provided in the original pharmacy-labeled container. Before any prescription medication can be administered at school, the following are required: (1). A completed Medication Administration Authorization Form, (2). The healthcare provider’s signature, and (3). The parent or guardian’s signature.
Self Carry Medication at School: According to Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines, students may not carry or take medication at school on their own. The only exception is emergency medication, such as: Asthma inhalers, Epinephrine (EpiPen®), and other emergency medications approved by the school. To self-carry and self-administer emergency medication, the school must have a doctor’s written authorization and parent/guardian’s written permission. These forms must be on file before a student may carry or use emergency medication at school.
Medical Action Plans: If your child has a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, severe allergies, or other significant health condition, please provide an updated physician-signed Action Plan each school year so we can provide appropriate care while your child is at school.
Keep Health Services Informed: Please notify the School Nurse or Unlicensed Health Assistant by email or ParentSquare of any new medical diagnoses, allergies, surgeries, medication changes, or other significant health concerns. Keeping your child’s health information current helps us provide a safe and successful school year.
Illness: Students with a fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher must remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
For additional information or questions, please reach out to your campus nurse or the district's Lead Nurse, Mrs. Tobola, at (254) 981-2050 or ttobola@westisd.net.