GETTING STARTED:

1. Set up your Blue Dog Portal account.
   Most parents will have completed this during the admission process. Students will receive their login shortly before school begins. If you have not set up your account yet, please follow these instructions. The Blue Dog Portal gives parents and students easy access to school resources, including grades, schedules, permission forms, calendars, and more.
    
2. Review Important Dates and the School Calendar.
   Take a moment to review upcoming events and deadlines.
    
3. Get to know the Parent & Student Handbook and the School Dress Code.
   These resources will help you and your child feel prepared and confident for the school year.
    
4. Review Summer Reading and Math Assignments.
   You can find the Upper School Assignments HERE and the Lower School Assignments HERE. We recommend making a plan now to help your child complete their summer work at a steady pace.
    
5. Review the Orientation & Opening Days Schedule (below).
   If your child is a boarding student, begin planning travel arrangements.
    
6. Take care of initial health items. 

• Begin gathering required health and insurance documents.
• Schedule any necessary medical appointments, such as physicals, immunizations, and dental check-ups.
• Your child's healthcare provider must complete the State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Record form. Please note, Rumsey Hall follows CT State Immunization Guidelines.
• IMPORTANT: If your child wi ll be taking medication at school, please read our Medication Policy and reach out to the Health Center as soon as possible at healthcr@rumseyhall.org or 860-868-0535 (extensions 153 or 154) for a consultation. Setting up medication management can take several weeks, and we are here to guide you through it. 

FORMS & PREPARATION:

1. Access Magnus Health and upload health forms.
   We use Magnus Health to collect and manage student health information. In mid-June, you will receive an email inviting you to log in to Magnus Health and upload your child's required health forms. We ask that all forms be completed by August 1, 2025.
   • IMPORTANT: If your child wi ll be taking medication at school, and you have not yet spoken with the Health Center please do so as soon as possible at healthcr@rumseyhall.org or 860-868-0535 (extensions 153 or 154). Setting up medication management can take several weeks, and we are here to guide you through it. 
   • MEDICATION DELIVERY: Rumsey Hall School works closely with Kent Station Pharmacy for all of our medication needs. All boarding students are required to sign up directly with Kent Station Pharmacy prior to the beginning of the School year, regardless of prescription medication status. Medications (prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter items) will be delivered directly to the Health Center.
     Here's how to set it up:
     • Step 1: Your child's U.S. prescriber (doctor) must send the prescription to Kent Station Pharmacy.
     • Step 2: Parents must create an account with Kent Station Pharmacy and provide a form of payment on file. (Rumsey Hall does not handle medication payments.)
     • Step 3: Complete a Medication Authorization Form for each medication. (One form is required for each medication, even vitamins or over-the-counter items.)
        
2. Order School Dress attire.
   Please review the School Dress Code and order any needed school clothing. Uniform and casual items are available through our online store with Tommy Hilfiger School Uniforms.
    
3. Review your billing information and make payment by June 10.
   Starting on June 1, you can view your tuition and fees in the Billing tab of your Blue Dog Portal account. We ask that your first payment be made by June 10. For any billing questions, please contact the Business Office at billing@rumseyhall.org.

STAY ON TRACK:

1. Complete all health forms in Magnus Health by August 1.
   Having these forms completed allows us to better care for your child.
    
2. Boarding Students: Packing & pharmacy set-up.
   • Review the Packing List here, which includes what to bring to school and what furniture is provided in dorms. Student belongings must fit within the furniture provided.
   • All boarding students are required to sign up with Kent Station Pharmacy and have a form of payment on file prior to the start of the school year—regardless of whether they take prescription medications. Please complete Kent Station Pharmacy's Form. For any issues/questions with the form, please email info@kentstationpharmacy.org.
      
3. Upper School: Review Course of Study
   Your child’s course of study will be posted to the Blue Dog Portal in mid-July. Please carefully review it and contact the appropriate Department Chair or Upper School Director, Peter Simpson (effective July 1), with any questions or concerns.
    
4. Complete school forms.
   Assigned forms—such as Activity Consent, Technology Consent, Sports Participation, and more—will become available in your Blue Dog Portal. Only one parent needs to complete these forms. Email reminders will continue until all forms are submitted. 
   
   How to find your school forms:
   - Log in to the Blue Dog Portal
   - Click the large yellow banner or your name on the top right and choose Files and Forms.
   - To review completed forms, select the “checkbox" option.

FINAL PREPARATIONS:

1. Complete all health forms in Magnus Health by August 1.
   Having your child's health forms completed helps us provide the best possible care.
    
2. Sign up for fall sports and activities.
   Sign-ups for Upper School Athletics and the Lower School Afternoon Enrichment Program will open later in August. Please keep an eye on your email for instructions.
   • Upper School Families: Before the season starts, please review the list of required equipment for your child's chosen sport. Having the right gear ready will help your child feel confident and prepared. If you have any questions, contact the Athletics Office at athletics@rumseyhall.org.
      
3. Review the Orientation & Opening Days Schedule (below).
   Make sure you are familiar with the schedule and confirm any travel plans.
    
4. Boarding Students: Travel information and arrival registration.
   In August, you will receive an email with important information about how weekend and break travel works during the school year, and how to register your child's arrival plans for the start of school. Please watch your email for these details.
    
5. Sign up for music lessons.
   Information about private music lesson sign-ups will be shared in August. Watch your email for more details.