10 things to know ahead of first day of school in Duval County

The first day of school is right around the corner on Aug. 13 for local Jacksonville students.

The Duval County School Board gave Action News Jax the following vital information parents should know ahead of the 2018-19 school year:

1. Make sure your child is attending a school for they are zoned for, also known as their neighborhood school. You can find your neighborhood school by visiting the school locator: http://www.myschoollocation.com/duvalcountypublicschools/

To enroll your student in the correct school, visit the neighborhood school.

2. If you wish to enroll your student in a school other than the neighborhood school such as a magnet or choice school, you would need to have applied in advance and get acceptance into the school. 

If you have applied and been accepted into a magnet or choice school, then follow these steps. Go to your Focus account. Accept the magnet or school choice assignment. Then contact the actual school to enroll. For assistance, you can contact the Choice Office at school_choice@duvalschools.org.

3. Be aware of your student's school hours. While most schools follow the standard hours of operation listed below, several schools – including many magnets – have exceptions. For school hours visit: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/domain/5275

• The typical hours school hours are as follows: 
  Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Middle: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
  High: 7:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4. Check your student's bus routes and make sure your student knows how to get home each day, and your school knows the plan. To find bus stop and the times for pickup/drop off, contact the Transportation Call Center hotline. It is open now through Aug. 24, Monday – Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

NOTE: Riding a bus is a huge milestone for kindergartners. The school boards wants parents to review the below information to ensure they are successful bus riders:

• Please have your child's name, school and bus number/bus stop location written inside your child's backpack or planner.
• Show your child their bus stop so they recognize it when they see it.
• They should receive a red tag on their backpack to help identify them as a kindergartner. Don't remove it.
• If your kindergartner is riding the bus home, please fill out a Kindergarten Dismissal Form indicating whether your child can walk home by themselves. This letter must be completed by the first day of school or the student will not be allowed to ride home.

5. Plan for school meals. Breakfast is free for all students at most Duval County schools through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast program. These schools offer breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students enrolled in that school. To see if your student's school is eligible, visit here. No application is needed.

For students not enrolled in qualifying schools, you can complete a free and reduced lunch applications here after Aug. 1.

For more information, Call 732-5145, Option 1 or email foodservice@duvalschools.org.

6. Make sure your student's school has your updated contact information.

According to the school board, all schools send home contact information sheets at the beginning of school. Fill it out and return it or contact your school and ask them to update your information in Focus. You may need to show the school proof of address. This information is used in case of emergency and to keep you up to date on school activities.

An address, phone number and email address will be requested.

7. Florida's Tax Free Weekend runs from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5. You can buy schools supplies and save 7 percent on tax.

8. Back to School Bash is Saturday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m.to 12 p.m. Free school supplies, physicals, haircuts, community resources and more will be provided.

9. To attend orientation, contact your student's school for a date.

10. For important dates, check out the 2018-19 school calendar. NOTE: Calendars are subject to change.

For more information, visit the 2018 Back to School webpage here.

Cox Media Group