As students head back to school for the 2026-2027 school year, parents and guardians need to be aware of certain requirements and resources. In Kentucky and Indiana, public schools have specific vaccination requirements that must be followed.

Vaccination Requirements

In Kentucky, school-age children must receive certain vaccinations at ages 3, 4, 5, 11 or 12, and 16. These include the Polio, Hepatitis B, and MMR vaccines. A full list of required and recommended vaccines can be found through Kentucky Public Health. In Indiana, students must follow immunization requirements outlined by the Indiana Department of Health, which include the Polio, Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines.

Bus Routes

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has more than 700 bus drivers who will begin practicing their routes next week. The deadline to submit JCPS transportation verification forms has passed, but families can still fill out the forms to get students in the system within the first two weeks of school. The form can be found through the JCPS Transportation Portal. Bullitt County Public Schools are warning parents of anticipated transportation issues, with the superintendent stating that they were still looking for substitute drivers as of July 14.

School Supply Lists

Each school has its own list of required and optional supplies. JCPS has outlined the required and optional school supply list for each grade level on its website. For example, third through fifth grade students are asked to bring a backpack, glue sticks, pencils, crayons, washable markers, notebooks, two-pocket folders, scissors, ink pens, and wide-ruled, loose-leaf paper.

WLKY Back-to-School Drive

WLKY is teaming up with the Volunteers of America to host a back-to-school supply drive. Donations can be made at one of five drop-off locations, including the WLKY Studios and Heine Brothers coffee shops, until August 7. The drive aims to help approximately 1,000 kids in need.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.