Summit Public Schools students return to classrooms Tuesday, Sept. 8, opening the 2026-27 school year.

Staff are already back. Thursday, Sept. 3, is a district staff development day. Friday, Sept. 4, is a no-school day for 10-month employees. The buildings stay closed through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, before students arrive the following morning.

The district's first Board of Education meeting of the school year follows two days later. The board meets Thursday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Summit High School library and media center. A public notice signed by School Business Administrator and Board Secretary David E. Pawlowski states that formal action is expected. The full agenda has been posted on the district's website.

Back to School Nights begin the following week. All five elementary schools, Brayton, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln-Hubbard and Washington, along with the Primary Centers, hold their nights Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School follows Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

Schools close Monday, Sept. 21, for Yom Kippur.

The Jefferson School PTO's calendar also lists a Pomptonian Welcome document available in English and Spanish for families ahead of the new year.

Police plan school-zone patrols

The Summit Police Department announced Aug. 31 that officers will be stationed at every Summit school when classes begin. The department released a back-to-school safety advisory with tips for drivers and students walking or biking to school.

"Pedestrian safety is always a priority for Summit Police, but it's particularly important during back to school when children may be distracted by the excitement of seeing friends and meeting new teachers," Traffic Lt. Charlie Daly said in the Aug. 31 advisory.

Daly urged drivers to leave plenty of time for travel, slow down in school zones and put phones away. Students were reminded to cross only at corners, use crosswalks and walk in groups.

Officers will be at all Summit schools at the start of the year to help with pedestrian and bicycle safety enforcement.