Dear Niles Families and Staff,

The start of a new school year is almost here, and I am excited to welcome everyone back to Niles Community Schools for the 2026–2027 school year! Our first day with students is Monday, August 31, with kindergarten students beginning on Tuesday, September 1.

There is always something special about the beginning of a school year. Our buildings come back to life, students reconnect with friends and teachers, and we have another opportunity to build on the work we have done together. I am looking forward to seeing our students back in classrooms, participating in activities, and taking advantage of the many opportunities available throughout Niles Community Schools.

I also want to welcome the new staff members joining the Niles team this year. We are excited to have you with us and appreciate the experience, energy, and ideas you bring to our district. To our returning staff, thank you for your continued commitment to our students, families, and one another. Our staff remains at the heart of the work we do each day.

As families prepare for the start of school, I want to highlight a few important items for the year ahead.

Transportation Information

Families who utilize district transportation are encouraged to use FirstView ParentView, which allows families to track their student’s school bus and receive transportation notifications. The district code for Niles Community Schools is D6G3F.  If you plan on utilizing bussing in the 2026-27 school year, you should have completed this transportation request form for your student to have been routed. *Please note: Your bus driver will NOT pick up your child if they are not routed.* First Student can be reached at 269-684-1420 with transportation questions.

Education Benefit Form

We ask all Niles Community Schools families to complete the Education Benefit Form (EBF) each year. Even when students receive meals at no cost, completing this form remains extremely important because the information is used to determine eligibility for funding and resources that support programs and services throughout our district. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact on our schools can be significant.

Families can complete the form here:
Education Benefit Form

MyPowerHub

This year, families will also have access to MyPowerHub, a centralized location designed to make it easier to stay connected with your child’s education. MyPowerHub brings important student information, school updates, and communication resources together in one location. If you already are using the PowerSchool app, you will see that it has a new family oriented design that includes the MyPowerHub features.  More information will be available at open house.

Safe Firearm Storage

Student and school safety continues to be one of our highest priorities. As part of our annual communication to families, we also want to remind our community of Michigan’s safe firearm storage requirements. Michigan law (Public Act 258 of 2024) requires schools to provide families with information about the importance of safe firearm storage. This notification is part of a statewide effort to promote student safety and awareness of MCL 28.435 (Public Act 17 of 2023). Please review the resources provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): Safe Storage Resources for Families. These materials explain safe storage practices and provide guidance to help ensure firearms are secured properly, reducing the risk of accidental injury.

As we begin another year, I encourage our families to stay connected with us, attend school events, communicate with teachers and staff, and remain active partners in your child’s education. Strong schools are built through strong relationships between our students, families, staff, and community.

I am excited about what lies ahead for Niles Community Schools and look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, August 31. Together, we will continue providing diverse opportunities, developing dynamic learners, and preparing our students to succeed.

Have a great school year, and as always—

Go Vikes!

Dr. Adam Burtsfield
Superintendent