It feels like summer is over in a snap. Just yesterday, we were planning beach trips for the Memorial Day weekend and now we are reviewing school supply lists and learning about new teachers. Yes, the first day of school is almost upon us. Here’s everything you need to know to make this a great year.
Dates of Note
There are critical dates throughout the year. Put these on your calendar now:
- First Day of School (yikes!): Thursday, August 10
- Labor Day Holiday: Monday, September 4
- End of 1st Grading Period: Friday, Oct 13
- Non-Student Day: Monday, October 16
- Veteran’s Day Holiday: Friday, November 10
- Fall Break and District Offices Closed: November 20-24
- End of 2nd Grading Period: Friday, December 22
- Winter Break and District Offices Closed: December 25, 2017 – January 5, 2018
- Students Return to School: Tuesday, January 9, 2018
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: Monday, January 15, 2018
- End of 3rd Grading Period: Friday, March 9, 2018
- Spring Break: March 12-16, 2018
- Students Return to School: Monday, March 19, 2018
- Good Friday: Friday, March 30, 2018
- Last Day of School: Friday, May 25, 2018
Also, don’t forget:
- Great American Teach In: Thursday, November 16
- Each Monday is early release day, where students are dismissed one hour early.
Immunization Requirements
If you have a child entering a VPK program, along with having a medical exam within the last 12 months, they will need to have a Florida Certification of Immunization (Form DH 680). It must list the following immunizations:
- 4-5 doses DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis)
- 4 doses Polio (IPV or OPV)
- 2 doses MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)
- 3 doses Hepatitis B
- 2 doses Varicella (VZV)** or documentation of the disease, by a healthcare provider
- 4 doses Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB)
- 4 doses Pneumococcal conjugate (PVC13)*
For children entering kindergarten through ninth grade, the requirements are as follows:
- 4-5 doses DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis)
- *4-5 doses Polio (IPV or OPV)
- 2 doses MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)
- 3 doses Hepatitis B
- 2 doses Varicella (VZV) or has had the disease as documented by a healthcare provider
- 1 dose Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) for 7th grade and up
There are requirements for students, grades 10-12 as well. For more information, visit the School District of Hillsborough County website here.
Transportation Options
Check you child’s transportation eligibility here.