It’s August, and summer is beginning to wind down.
Local organizations are hosting back-to-school events, you've checked the school supply list enough times to rival Saint Nicholas, and the backpack, crayons, pencils and stack of notebooks are finally ready.
Now comes the next question: What should families know about the first day of school?
With teachers back in their buildings preparing lesson plans and participating in professional developments, school offices are sharing important information through social media, websites and open houses to help students and parents start the year with confidence.
Lexington’s soccer team handed out backpacks and school supplies to local students at a back-to-school event at the opportunity center on Wednesday, July 5. Elementary students were given needed supplies like crayons, markers and pencils while older grade levels were given backpacks.
Here's what families need to know from Dawson County's three largest school districts.
Lexington
Aug. 12 and 13 are the first days of school in Lexington, but start dates vary by grade level. Parents are encouraged to visit the district website or contact their child's school for the exact date and time their student returns. Preschool begins Aug. 19.
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Lexington Public Schools Superintendent John Whetzal said families should review the district's school calendar and updated student handbooks, which are available on the district website.
"Since handbooks have been updated, we encourage all parents to give them a careful read," Whetzal said. "Supply lists have been sent out by building principals, but you can also find them on our website and official Facebook page, as well as at Lexington Walmart."
Drop-off, pick-up and first-week schedules vary by building and have been shared with parents. Families who have not yet received a welcome-back letter should not worry, Whetzal said, as details will also be available during the district's open house.
Open House will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at each student's assigned school for kindergarten through 12th grade. Families will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms and become familiar with the school before classes begin.
"We look forward to seeing all our students and families there," Whetzal said.
For more information, visit lexschools.org or call 308-324-4681. School supply lists are also available on the district website.
Cozad
Cozad students return to school Aug. 12. Elementary doors open at 7:30 a.m., while preschool doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Breakfast and Walking Club will be available from 7:30 to 8 a.m. for elementary students. The morning bell rings at 8 a.m., and teachers will escort students from the gym or cafeteria to their classrooms. The tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
Preschool students may attend breakfast or choice activity beginning at 7:40 a.m. Parents must sign preschool students in and out each day through the Cozad Early Education Center entrance on the east side of the building.
Parents may park in marked stalls along C Street or in the church parking lot. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students should enter through the school's front entrance. The front drop-off lane on 14th Street operates as one-way traffic from east to west.
Families are also asked to keep the bus lane clear before and after school so buses can safely load and unload students.
"Our top priority is to keep students safe. Please abide by all rules of the road," Cozad Elementary Principal Justin Dowdy said. "As we prepare for another exciting school year, we encourage all Cozad Elementary families to take a few minutes to review our 2026-2027 Parent Guidebook."
The guidebook includes daily schedules, arrival and dismissal procedures, attendance policies, behavior expectations, communication resources and links to the district handbook. It is available online at https://aptg.co/SFRln7.
"A little preparation now helps ensure a smooth and successful start for everyone," Cozad Elementary said in a Facebook post. "We encourage every family to bookmark the guidebook and refer to it throughout the school year."
Elementary and preschool open houses will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11. Kindergarten begins at 5 p.m., while first through fifth grades and Cozad Early Education Center students begin at 5:30 p.m. Families can meet teachers and explore the school before classes begin.
For more information, visit cozadschools.net.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg students return to school Aug. 19.
Classes begin at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:55 a.m. Dudley Elementary's tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m., while secondary students are considered tardy after 8:10 a.m.
Kindergarten students will be dismissed early at 2:30 p.m. through Aug. 28. Teachers will escort students to the colored squares on the north side of Dudley Elementary for pickup.
Beginning Aug. 31, kindergarten dismissal will move to 3:25 p.m., five minutes before the rest of the district's students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m.
"We're ready for a great year," Superintendent Allison Jonas said. "Reminder to those riding electric scooters to walk them on campus, just like they would their bike. Obey all traffic laws including stop signs and yielding to pedestrians."
Parents who still need school supply lists can find them on Gothenburg Public Schools' Facebook page. Printed school calendars will be sent home with students and are also available at Flatwater Bank and Dayspring Bank. A digital calendar is available through GoBound at gobound.com/ne/schools/gothenburg.
