July 31, 2025 - Team Duval is ready to deliver another year of historic academic achievement! With the first day of school just around the corner, here are a few tips, reminders, and updates to help our families and students have a great start to the year.
Get ready to lead the charge on Aug. 11: The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 11! Students, come ready to learn! Families, partner with us in making sure your child is present, rested, and ready. Don’t forget that great learning is linked to attendance.
Pro Tip: Plan to arrive early on the first day and week as parent drop-off lines can be longer than expected.
Download the Duval Schools Mobile App: Parents, stay engaged with the Duval County Public Schools App. It’s one of the best ways to stay up to date with events, activities, and important matters involving your student. It’s also a great way to connect with your child’s teacher using the Rooms feature. Already downloaded the Duval Schools App? Check for an update to see the latest features.
New this year: Parents will receive a text notification when their child’s teacher sends a message through Rooms. The number will come from 20819.
Review your child’s school bell times: Most elementary, middle, and high schools have standard bell times, but there are exceptions. Check out the School Hours webpage to verify the bell times of your child’s school.
New this year: Note that beginning this school year, most high schools now dismiss at 1:45 p.m. to accommodate the 3x3 block schedules.
Check your child’s schedule: Student schedules will be available in Focus beginning Monday, Aug. 4. After logging into Focus, families will need to click on their student’s name, then select “Child Info.” Remember – you need to have a linked parent account to access Focus.
Register now for bus transportation: Families must register their child for transportation if their student is riding a bus this school year. This includes families of students in self-contained ESE programs. Take 5 minutes to review the easy bus registration steps and complete registration today. Already registered? Bus stop registration is available in Focus within 10 business days of registering. Note – it is only available if your child is eligible to ride the bus.
Update parent contact information: Verify we have your most up-to-date contact information by logging into the Family Portal and selecting “My Contact Info.” You will see two categories: “Contact info for my account” and “Contact info for my student’s account.”
Contact info for my account: This is the contact info the district and schools use to send important, automated communications. You can update this information directly in the family portal.
Contact info for my student’s account: This is the contact info that schools use to contact families directly. If this information needs updating, you must contact the schools directly.
Finally, watch the short video below to hear Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier's "Back to School" tips to students, families, and the community.