It's Back-to-School Time for Teachers and Staff!

Students won’t return to classrooms in the Lower Merion School District until Tuesday, September 8, 2026, but across the District, preparations for the new school year are already well underway!

During the week of August 24, new teachers and professional staff participated in the New Teacher Assistance Program (NTAP), a four-day orientation designed to help them get acquainted with LMSD. Along the way, they learned about District policies and priorities, set up their technology accounts, toured the District by bus and took part in team-building activities with their new colleagues.

Beginning August 31, returning staff members are joining them for a week of professional development, classroom setup and final preparations ahead of the first day of school.

The Transportation team has been getting ready, too. Bus drivers and bus aides participated in their own day of training and professional development and have been out on the roads transporting students to non-public schools already in session while also practicing their LMSD routes.

Behind the scenes, Operations staff have been hard at work preparing buildings and grounds for the return of students and staff, making sure schools are clean, safe and ready for a busy new year. Nutritional Services staff are also gearing up for opening day, preparing kitchens, organizing supplies and getting ready to serve thousands of meals across the District.

All of that preparation is leading up to the moment we’ve been waiting for: Tuesday, September 8, when more than 8,700 students will return to our schools, bringing our buildings back to life with their energy and excitement for another year of learning!

Click below to enjoy a slide show featuring some of our new and returning staff. And don't forget to print out our #LMSD1stDay photo cards to share the start of the school year on social media!