UWS DAD.COM
August 23, 2026

Back to School on the UWS: Everything You Need Before September

New school year checklist, park updates, and how to get your mind right.

By John Ratcliffe-Lee
Kids walking to school on the Upper West Side
Photo by moren hsu / Unsplash

Ah, yes, late August. You notice the cool mornings and evenings. All of us who stayed on-island had empty sidewalks and streets for most of the month. Camps filter out, counselors go back to school. Your body wants to stay still but your mind knows that it should stay in motion.

Sike. You're reading this about two weeks before school starts and that means you're probably late on a lot of this. Don't swipe! It's okay. That's why we are here. Keep reading to the end and you'll know the next, right move.

Before September 10th:

  • Confirm your child's classroom assignment via the NYC DOE Parent Portal (opens the week of August 28).
  • Pick up any remaining supplies, stock thins fast the week before. Each grade likely has a list from your respective school. This is where you might catch a glare asking your partner about this for the first time. Don't look at me, it gets better.
  • Check the 2026–27 school lunch menu: hedge the least healthy options and plan accordingly.
  • If your kid takes the bus: routing letters go out by August 30. Call the school office if yours hasn't arrived by September 3.

First-week reminders:

  • Drop-off times vary by grade at most UWS schools, verify yours in the parent handbook.
  • The West Side Highway bike path construction near 79th is ongoing through October; add 5 minutes to any bike commute.
  • Riverside Park's 91st Street playground is fully reopened after its resurfacing, great afternoon option once school lets out.

What's happening outside in September

Here is my plug for Blast Off Kids NYC. Top notch things to do across the entire city each week. Consider becoming a supporter. Also consider pinging Dad Brain for more of this good-good. This isn't everything but a short list of September selects:

The third eye

School supplies: take 10 minutes to note clothes sizes that fit them well now. Be locked and loaded when in or out of season sales drop.

After-school snacks: what a season of bounty. Keep a frozen pie crust in your freezer and have a helper in the kitchen.

Weekend wind-down: take a walk. Take advantage of one of the best seasons to be outside in New York City.

Quick note from UWS Dad

This is our first Back to School issue. If there's something you wish you'd known before last September (a shortcut, a vendor, a park trick) reply to this email and I'll add it to next year's guide.

Meanwhile, while you're scrambling to execute for the first day - take a breath and think about what to plan now that will introduce harmony later. Here are my suggestions:

  • Schedule flu shots - most are trivalent but pay attention to strain progression and you can ask your healthcare provider for the most effective one to date if you're a real player. Aim for October and go into the holiday family visits without issue.
  • What does your kid want to be for Halloween? You'll likely need TWO costumes (school theme and day-of).
  • Where will you be, what will you be doing for major holidays? Think about travel logistics and make reservations early (you can always change or cancel them).
  • Plan you. Think of friends, family or work things that always end up on the calendar but might not be there yet. Put some holds on.

Have a great first week.

— UWS Dad

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