If your school offers LINQ Connect for fee payment and meal funding, you have an easy solution for completing all payments in one place. Just click or tap to make secure digital payments from anywhere you have an internet connection. Look for notes and alerts in the online portal and the mobile app regarding deadlines, changes, and updates.
Whether you’re completing all payments through LINQ Connect or handling them separately, the following checklist will help you settle every payment and ensure a smooth transition back to school.
Here’s our helpful family back-to-school checklist:
School Supplies
Look through your school’s list of essential school supplies. Items like notebooks, pencils, pens, backpacks, calculators, and any other necessary materials can be purchased in-store or conveniently online. You may also have access to a school store within LINQ Connect for purchasing back-to-school supplies.
Uniforms or Clothing
School uniforms (if required) or appropriate clothing for your student may also be available through your school store in LINQ Connect.
Lunch or Meal Plans
Enrolling in LINQ Connect gives students an easier, trackable way to pay for meals. Family members can load meal accounts and check purchase history from anywhere. Recurring and one-time payments are available. This makes going through the lunch line a breeze and eliminates reliance on cash that could get lost, stolen, or forgotten at home.
Snacks and à la carte purchases
Schools often offer daily snacks and special options on certain days of the week—like popcorn Friday! Cafeterias may also offer à la carte items during mealtimes. Check your school’s nutrition program website to see what can be purchased, item prices, and how to pay for them. Students can likely use their LINQ Connect for many or all snack and à la carte purchases.
Extracurricular Activities
Students participating in sports, clubs, or organizations often must pay registration fees and purchase or rent required equipment. LINQ Connect offers an easy way to pay these expenses from a single location for multiple students. Otherwise, check with coaches and club or organization sponsors to ensure all fees and equipment purchases or rentals are settled.
Technology and Devices
If the school requires students to bring their own devices, ensure your child has technology, like laptops or tablets, that meet school specifications. They’ll also need any required software or licenses. Schools sometimes offer a protection plan or warranty to cover potential damage. Check with administration to better understand your options before the first day of school.
School Trips or Events
Inquire about any upcoming school trips or events and pay the associated fees, if applicable. Permission slips, release forms, and fee payment may all be accessible through LINQ Connect. If not, check with trip organizers, coaches, and/or teachers to ensure students are fully prepared for these exciting experiences.
School Fundraisers
Ask about any school fundraisers and consider helping your students participate or contribute to strengthen their connection with the school community. Many of these events have a kick-off meeting or awareness drive at the beginning of the school year even if they happen later in the year. This is a great time to explore all the ways to get involved and support school programs and initiatives.
Special Programs or After School Care Services
If your child needs access to any special programs or services, ask about any associated costs and make necessary arrangements for payment. Some programs may require a deposit, weekly payments, or monthly payments. LINQ Connect can provide an easy way to set these payments up, if available at your school. Additionally, find out about the late pick-up policy to help avoid incurring extra charges.
School Books or Materials
Check if the school provides textbooks or if you need to purchase them separately. Textbooks may be available in the school store through LINQ Connect. Some teachers may offer recommended vendors to help save money on specific titles.
Follow this back-to-school checklist to make sure all payments are made for an easy transition back to school. We hope it helps alleviate stress and ensure a successful start to the academic year.
If your district simplifies school fees and payments using LINQ Connect, explore the online portal or app to learn more about when fees and payments are due. You can also use the app to access payment receipts, meal account spending history, and important forms like meal applications, permission slips, and liability waivers.