School Year Essentials

Free Meals for All Students

Eureka City Schools (ECS) is pleased to continue participation in California’s Universal Meals Program for the 2025–2026 school year. This program provides free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals to all students, from Preschool through 12th grade, enrolled in the district.

Traditional meal eligibility applications are no longer required; however, we kindly ask that each family complete the Benefit Eligibility Survey, which is included in the ECS Back to School Digital Packet.

For more information, please click the link below.

ECS Nutrition Service Page 

Student Dress Code

Students are required to wear appropriate apparel to school. Clothing must adequately cover the body, and both clothing and shoes should be safe, functional, and worn properly.

For detailed descriptions and specific requirements regarding student apparel, please click the link below.

Parent/Guardian Handbook

School Bus Service

School bus service is available with limited routes within the established bussing zones. To be eligible for bus transportation, students must meet the following two conditions:

1. They must attend their School of Residence

2. They must reside outside the designated non-transportation zones for their School of Residence

A bus form must be on file for your child(ren) to ride the bus. These forms are available at the ECS District Office and at all school sites.

For more information, please call the Transportation Department at (707) 441-2504, or click the link below.

Bus Routes  

Attendance and Truancy

Students who are absent and/or arrive 30 minutes or more late without a valid excuse will be considered truant, as outlined by the California Education Code 48260–48273.

• Parents/guardians are required to notify the school when their child is absent or late.

• If a student arrives late or leaves early, they must obtain a tardy slip or off-grounds slip.

California law requires that schools notify parents/guardians when a student is deemed truant. Subsequent truancies will also result in parent notification.

The Importance of Attendance

Regular attendance is crucial for student success. Research shows that students who attend school consistently tend to perform better academically. Teachers cannot support students who are not in the classroom.

We ask parents to prioritize punctuality and consistent attendance for their child(ren).

Planning for Absences

Families are encouraged to utilize ECS scheduled vacation days for personal vacations. However, we understand that unforeseen and necessary absences may arise.

• For absences of one or more consecutive days, please request independent study by notifying your child(ren)’s teacher or school at least one week in advance to allow time for organizing the study materials.

Proper planning for absences is essential to your child(ren)’s educational success and will help ensure they stay on track.

2025-2026 Calendar 

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are permitted on campus; however, they must remain turned off and stored properly unless authorized by the teacher for instructional purposes.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Guidelines

Ensuring a safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up process requires patience and adherence to best practices:

• Follow designated entry and exit points to maintain a smooth traffic flow.

• Drive slowly and remain alert for students and pedestrians.

• Park legally in designated areas to ensure safety and accessibility.

• Be courteous and respectful to staff, students, and fellow parents.

By following these guidelines, we can create a safe and organized environment for our school community.