Florida, Gaston County Schools Open August Amid New Policies, Supply Drives

The 2025-2026 school year has started in many parts of Florida and other U.S. counties, with Florida schools in 58 of 67 counties beginning classes on August 11 and Gaston County, North Carolina, schools opening on August 13. Florida extended its school supplies sales tax holiday through August 31 and implemented new laws regarding student cell phone use and flexible school start times, allowing districts to set schedules with required reporting on impacts. Gaston County Schools introduced a new middle school and an Innovation Schools program aimed at improving academic performance, alongside training teachers in AI literacy to enhance learning. Duval County, Florida, also started school on August 11, with changes including early dismissal times for most high schools and reminders for parents to update contact information and register for bus transportation. Additionally, community efforts like the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple's "Stuff The Bus" campaign in Ohio collect school supplies to help students prepare for the year. Motorists near schools in these districts are urged to exercise caution, particularly around school buses, to ensure student safety.