Back to School Information
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 19, 2026!
Gettysburg Area School District is thrilled to welcome our Warriors back for the 2026-27 school year! As we open our doors, we look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and connection.
Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, we're ready to support you every step of the way. Here's to a strong start and a successful school year ahead!
A Sweet Start with GASD Superintendents
Join GASD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Matthew McFarland for a fun evening at Mr. G’s Ice Cream on Wednesday, August 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Our superintendents will step behind the counter as celebrity scoopers, serving up smiles, sweet treats, and plenty of Warrior pride. Families, students, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to stop by, enjoy some ice cream, and connect with fellow Warriors.
As an added bonus, attendees will be among the first to try a brand-new Warrior flavor debuting that evening!
Location: Mr. G’s Ice Cream
404 Baltimore St., Gettysburg
- Skyward Information
- Back-to-School Form Instructions
- Transportation Information
- Fees & Payments
- School Meal Information
- Warrior Wellness Reminders
- Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Diabetes Information
Skyward Information
Back-to-School Form Instructions
Transportation Information
Fees & Payments
School Meal Information
Warrior Wellness Reminders
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Diabetes Information
First Day of School Signs
Share your first day photos to be featured on our website and social media pages! Download one of our first-day signs below. You can submit photos through the form below. Go Warriors!
Good-to-Know
Franklin Township Elementary Events
- August 4 - Kindergarten Screening (By Appointment)
- August 6 - Kindergarten T-Shirt Visits
- August 17 - Warrior Welcome for New Students in Grades 1-5 at 5 p.m. | Kindergarten Orientation at 6 p.m.
- August 20 - Back to School Night (Grades 1-5) 6-7:30 p.m.
- September 3 - FTE Family Fun Night 5:30-7 p.m.
- September 10 - Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- September 28 - Mobile Dentist Visit
- October 6 - Fall Picture Day
- October 8 - Fall Into Fun/Fun Run 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- November 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- November 11 - Fall Picture Retake Day
- November 12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- November 16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30 p.m.
James Gettys Elementary Events
- August 4 - Kindergarten Screening (By Appointment)
- August 5 - Kindergarten T-Shirt Drop-Off
- August 17 - New Student Orientation from 5-6 p.m., and Kindergarten Orientation 6-7:30 p.m.
- August 20 - Back to School Night, 6-7:30 p.m.
- September 28 - Mobile Dentist Visit
- October 7 - Fall Picture Day
- November 5 & 12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- November 12 - Fall Picture Retake Day
- November 16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary Events
- July 27 - Kindergarten Screening (By Appointment)
- July 28 - Kindergarten T-Shirt Drop-Off
- August 17 - New Student Orientation from 5-6 p.m., and Kindergarten Orientation from 6-7:30 p.m.
- August 20 - Back to School Night from 6-7:30 p.m.
- September 29 - Mobile Dentist Visit
- October 5 - Fall Picture Day
- November 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- November 10 - Fall Picture Retake Day
- November 11 - Mobile Dentist Visit
- November 12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- November 16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Gettysburg Area Middle School Events
- August 6 - New Student Tours for incoming 7th and 8th graders at 9 a.m.
- August 15 - Harrisburg Senators Baseball Night Benefiting GAMS Mini-THON at 6 p.m. at FNB Field in Harrisburg
- August 17 - 6th Grade Orientation and Back to School Night from 6-8 p.m.
- August 25 - Instrument Petting Zoo from 6-8 p.m.
- August 26 - 7th & 8th Grade Back to School Night from 6-8 p.m.
- August 26 - Fundraiser Kickoff
- August 28 - Fall Picture Day
- September 23 - Fall Picture Retake Day
- October 8 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- November 11 - Veterans Day Breakfast
Gettysburg Area High School Events
- August 10 - New Student Orientation at 10-11 a.m.
- August 18 - Freshmen Orientation from 1-3 p.m.
- August 27 - Back to School Night from 6-8 p.m.
- September 3 - Fall Picture Day
- September 11 - Homecoming Football Game vs Waynesboro HS at 7 p.m.
- September 12 - Homecoming Dance at 7 p.m.
- October 8 - Fall Picture Retake Day
- October 8 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (By Appointment)
- November 11 - Veterans Day Breakfast
GASD Back to School Nights
Back to School Nights are a wonderful opportunity to meet teachers, learn more about the year ahead, and get ready to start the school year strong. Mark your calendars:
Monday, August 17
New Student Orientation, 5-6 p.m., all three Elementary buildings
Kindergarten Orientation, 6-7:30 p.m., all three Elementary buildings
6th Grade Back to School Night, 6-8 p.m., GAMS
Thursday, August 20
Elementary Back to School Nights - Grades 1-5
Franklin Township Elementary, 6-7:30 p.m.
James Gettys Elementary, 6-7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary, 6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26
7th & 8th Grades Back to School Night, 6-8 p.m., GAMS
Thursday, August 27
9-12 Grades Back to School Night, 6-8 p.m., GAHS
GASD Fall Picture Days
Picture Days are coming up, and it will soon be time to smile for the camera.
Dates:
August 28 | Gettysburg Area Middle School
Sept. 23 - Retake/Make-up Day
September 3 | Gettysburg Area High School
Oct. 8 - Retake/Make-up Day
October 5 | Lincoln Elementary
Nov. 10 - Retake/Make-up Day
October 6 | Franklin Township Elementary
Nov. 11 - Retake/Make-up Day
October 7 | James Gettys Elementary
Nov. 12 - Retake/Make-up Day
GAMS Sixth Grade Back to School Night - Aug. 17
The Sixth Grade Back to School Night is set for Monday, August 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Incoming sixth graders and their families will have an opportunity to learn about the middle school and get ready for the first day of school, which is Aug. 19. This event includes opportunities to meet your teachers, find your classrooms, ask questions, and obtain a free Warrior t-shirt!
Location: Gettysburg Area Middle School
37 Lefever St., Gettysburg
GAHS Freshmen Orientation - Aug. 18
Freshmen Orientation is set Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 1-3 p.m., and you won't want to miss it. It will be a great opportunity to:
- Walk the halls at GAHS
- Find your classrooms
- Meet your amazing teachers
- Get your official schedule
- And get a FREE Warrior t-shirt!
It's the perfect way to prepare before your first day of school. We can't wait to see the Class of 2030 there.
Please note: Parents may drop off and pick up students at the main entrance near the flagpole. The Parent Back To School Program is Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
Location: Gettysburg Area High School
1130 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg
GAMS 7th & 8th Grades Back to School Night - Aug. 26
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Back to School Night is set August 26th from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event is a great chance to meet your student's teachers and see their classrooms.
Location: Gettysburg Area Middle School
37 Lefever St., Gettysburg