The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Khaby Lame became TikTok’s most followed star without saying a word. How he did it
• Who is Hannah Neeleman? The “Ballerina Farm” influencer and controversy, explained
• The bride loved her mom’s mother-of-the-bride dress. The internet did not

What is the Target Denim Take Back Event?

Starting Aug. 4 through Aug. 10, Target is allowing you to bring in your used denim styles, in exchange for 20% off on any denim purchase with Target Circle. In a press release shared with Shop TODAY, the retailer says this is a way to make back-to-school shopping more affordable, all while practicing sustainability to “keep denim out of landfills.”

And it’s not just for kids, you redeem and save for yourself, too. Target says they will take up to five styles of any denim from any brand, which includes jean pants, skirts, jackets and more. Here’s how it works:

• Drop off your used denim in any condition at your local Target store. There will be marked drop-off boxes near Guest Services, says the brand.
• You’ll receive 20% off through Target Circle on your next Target denim purchase. The retailer says this can be used on any Target-owned brand, as well as national brands sold at Target, including Levi’s.
• You can redeem the 20% discount online and in-store. However, the retailer says you must redeem it between Aug. 4 and Aug. 10. Target does note that this offer can’t be used on accessories, Target Plus and clearance items.

Do you have to be a Target Circle member?

Yes, the denim trade-in offer is only available through Target Circle, but luckily, the retailer says you can sign up for the free program before and at the time of drop-off, there will be a sign to scan, sign up and redeem. For those with a Target Circle Card, the retailer is allowing an additional 5% savings on your denim purchase.

Is every Target store participating?

Yes, Target says every major store is participating. The retailer only notes that their small format stores won’t be — if you’re unsure, you can call ahead.

What are my shopping options?

According to Target, you can redeem this promotion online or in any of the 2000+ stores. In addition, the retailer says you can utilize their different services, such as drive up and order pickup, and same-day delivery.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Why is everyone so obsessed with the Stanley tumbler? What you need to know
• Back-to-school shopping at Target: Deals, ‘personalization stations,’ more
• REI’s outlet sale is here! Save over 50% on top brands like Patagonia, Brooks, The North Face and more

Parents will learn strategies to connect with their kids, what yellow and red flags to look for when it comes to struggles with mental health, how to set family technology boundaries, navigate friendships (what’s real & what’s curated!), and more.

She also shares the ONE thing parents must remember about their role this time of year: it’s simple yet so important.

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The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Khaby Lame became TikTok’s most followed star without saying a word. How he did it
• Who is Hannah Neeleman? The “Ballerina Farm” influencer and controversy, explained
• The bride loved her mom’s mother-of-the-bride dress. The internet did not

The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Khaby Lame became TikTok’s most followed star without saying a word. How he did it
• Who is Hannah Neeleman? The “Ballerina Farm” influencer and controversy, explained
• The bride loved her mom’s mother-of-the-bride dress. The internet did not

The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Khaby Lame became TikTok’s most followed star without saying a word. How he did it
• Who is Hannah Neeleman? The “Ballerina Farm” influencer and controversy, explained
• The bride loved her mom’s mother-of-the-bride dress. The internet did not

We sat down with Edna Rodriguez, a clinical psychologist and an expert in adolescent mental health with Trinity Health of New England’s Mercy Medical Center & Brightside for Families and Children, for advice as we head back to school.

Back to school — and back to the basics

Rodriguez believes the most important thing to do with your kids is to set expectations for school, not just in academics but other areas, including self-care.

“Having conversations about self-care and how they’re going to balance the academic load also with extracurricular activities and, you know, feeling well or feeling optimal. So having those conversations, it’s very important,” she explained.

You should also make sure to establish a routine, especially if you’ve been lax over the summer. Rodriguez says a healthy sleep pattern is key, and that starts with a set bedtime. It may also include having kids turn off their tech for some time before they actually go to sleep.

“Can we do something that is soothing before that time? Turning off technology — the more we spend with a TV or with our phones, the more awakened our brain feels. So it does the opposite effect when we’re trying to go to sleep,” she said.

But while parents may be able to set a routine for success at home, back to school means heading out of the house. This can be a challenge, especially for younger children who may not be used to the school routine. Rodriguez says parents should strive to create an environment where your kids feel safe and secure, so they can talk to you when things might not be going well.

“We are not tasked to solve everything in our kids’ lives, but we are tasked to be there and support them as much as we can,” she says. “So creating an environment for that, listening to them. Listening to them, asking questions, but also just being there.”

She adds that being there doesn’t always mean talking about a specific issue, It can be as simple as being present together, watching a movie, playing a board game — even video games: “Just being there for them and making them feel safe. So then when things happen in school, when things get tough academically, socially, internally, they can come to us, right? And they can say and express, ‘Hey, things are not going well or they are not feeling great for me.’”

What if your kid is involved in a bullying situation?

Bullying can be one of a parent’s worst fears. Rodriguez says there are usually signs to look out for: “Most likely kids are not going to come forward verbalizing some might and some may not. So pay attention to the things that kids are not saying, to their behavior. When kids become isolated, withdrawn, anxious, fearful, starting to avoid school like kids that used to like school and now all of a sudden are like, I don’t want to go to school. I really don’t want to be there. That’s a sign.”

She notes that while sometimes parents can get frustrated with school personnel, it’s best to remember they are usually on your side, and connecting with them may help you get a handle on what’s happening. You can also be proactive in speaking with teachers or other administrators.

“If your child has a history of being a victim of bullying, and you know that that happened last year, starting with connecting with the school personnel, sending emails, logging on to any meetings possible that you can get to know the people that are going to be there watching your children or your child so you can get those connections,” Rodriguez says.

On that subject, Rodriguez says you don’t need to wait for something bad to happen to connect with your child’s teacher. Gone are the days of waiting for the parent-teacher conference — now technology has made it easy to build a relationship, which could help avoid potential issues.

“There are several apps that schools are using to communicate directly with teachers. There are sort of like social media for schools where you can keep active and knowing what’s going on with your children and who are their teachers. Many times you can even see what’s going on in school because they post pictures and so on,” she explains.

Kids and technology

On the topic of technology, while it may aid everything we do, Rodriguez says it’s still important to monitor your child’s use to be sure they’re using it appropriately and responsibility: “We are training our children to be adults. So ultimately we give them what they need to make decisions that are healthy and they’re safe for themselves with our guide. So we use all of that, the parental controls and the structure really to guide them, to make those decisions on their own, hopefully.”

This can include limiting time or use of technology, and, especially for older kids who may desire more privacy, talking about the potential consequences of their behavior.

“It’s all a balancing act. You have privacy with responsibilities, so when your responsibilities are not being kept, then your privacy needs to be monitored. Right. And I in and as long as we have agreements, the older children need to be brought to the table, there are certain things that are non-negotiable and that we don’t want to be too democratic about. But there are things that we should negotiate about,” Rodriguez says.

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There will be seven pairs of twins attending Ridge Park Elementary School, six sets of twins will join Whitemarch Elementary School and four pairs of twins will start at Plymouth Elementary.

This is the highest number of twins, according to the school district.

The district refers to them as “twin-dergarteners” and said the students are very excited to start school especially with already having a built-in buddy.

“We always have each other,” said Chloe and Audrey Ugas, who will be attending Ridge Park.

“I get to hug my brother any time I want,” said Charlotte Dorman, who will also be attending Ridge Park.

The district said the students are looking forward to playing on the playground, learning and making new friends.

The twin’s first day of school will be Monday, Sept. 11.

Watch the video above to find out more about the TikTok trend fueling back-to-college spending.

Getting back into a routine can be helpful, grounding and structuring, but it can also add a level of stress for kids.

Knowing what to expect at school and what’s going to happen the next day can help them navigate the situation.  

They may be anxious about the course work and assignments that are ahead.

But parents should remind them that while the beginning of the school year may change their normal routine, there are positive things that come with it too.

“I think it’s important to also think about as a family, what are the things to look forward to and then also as a parent to really think about what is the way in which we want to think about school,” said Dr. Leena Mittal, the chief of the Division of Women’s Mental Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry. “We want to create a language of school being one obligation, but also fun, also an opportunity, also a place where there’s gathering and connection. And so trying to kind of have school represent more than just the potential stress.”

Parents should model for kids that feelings are an important part of our daily lives, talk to them about expressing their feelings and recognize that not everyone can talk about their emotions at once.

“I think it’s the best advice I have is to really think about this transition and the year as an opportunity, an opportunity to sort of engage in new activities, an opportunity to learn an opportunity to do new fun things, meet new people,” Mittal said. “Then also to acknowledge and say out loud that sometimes changing routines and having a change in schedule can add stress. I think the more we try to suppress those feelings, the harder it can be. So really just being honest with ourselves, like things might be hard, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth doing.”

Another important conversation to have is the one around mental health. The more you make it OK to not feel OK, the better they might approach a difficult time.

Boston Public Schools will welcome most students back to the classroom on Sept. 7, which is now less than a month away. Kindergarteners will begin class on Sept. 11.

On Wednesday, Mayor Michelle Wu and other city officials held a news conference to share an update on preparations for the new school year, focusing especially on transportation.

Wu said that crews have been busy prepping the city’s 119 school zones; they’re restriping all crosswalks near schools and ensuring that all pavement markings and safety signage is in place, in good condition and visible.

Nearly half of Boston’s school zones have been updated so far, Wu said, and all of them will be done before the first day back.

The mayor also shared an update on school bus driver staffing. She said that for the first time since pre-pandemic, Boston Public Schools is fully staffed with more than 700 active drivers. Promising that the staffing numbers would mean a “huge difference in reliability,” Wu said there are another 35 drivers in training.

The district also has 100 more bus monitors than it did a year ago, and is looking to hire even more.

“Today every parent should be able to go to work in the morning, knowing their student will get to and from school safely and on time,” Wu said. “And for our students, that journey should never feel uncertain or certainly unsafe.”

BPS is working to increase their fleet of electric buses, too.

Families can expect their bus assignments via mail and email sometime next week.

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The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Khaby Lame became TikTok’s most followed star without saying a word. How he did it
• Who is Hannah Neeleman? The “Ballerina Farm” influencer and controversy, explained
• The bride loved her mom’s mother-of-the-bride dress. The internet did not

The biggest problem is that they do not meet U.S. safety standards. That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wants parents to shop smart this back-to-school season.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted 17,000 counterfeit items worth $2.4 billion last year alone.  Those fakes included popular back-to-school items like electronics, footwear, study supplies, and clothing.  Opting for a knock-off product might seem like a budget-friendly choice, but these products are often low quality and they break down, ultimately doubling the cost for consumers.  And if they don’t meet safety standards, that can be dangerous.

“Electronic chargers, for instance, fake chargers can carry an explosion or fire risk,” says Patrick Kilbride, senior vice president of the Global Innovation Policy Center at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,  “Chemicals in clothing and markers and, you know, a host of other wearables and other things that especially young children might put in their mouth if it’s not the product that you expect.  And there’s a real danger from that.”

Supply chains these days are global. The Chamber of  Commerce doesn’t want families to assume that because you’re purchasing an item in a  store, there’s not a risk of buying a counterfeit item.  

The agency has five tips to keep in mind:

• Trust your instincts—if a deal or product seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Prioritize secure payments—when shopping online only buy from secure sites that begin with an https// address and check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm the site’s safety.
• Protect your data—by keeping your devices updated with the latest security protections.
•  Examine every detail—pay close attention to labels, packaging and contents.
• Say something—if you encounter fake goods, report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The U.S Chamber of Commerce, U.S Customs and Border Protection and Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit are teaming up to educate consumers on how they can protect themselves from these fake products.

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The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

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The first day of classes at K-12 schools can land anywhere from mid-July to early September, depending on the city, state, climate or even whether teachers and students are at risk for burnout.

For example, this year, New York City Public Schools commences on Sept. 5 (three days after Labor Day) while the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s classes in California begin July 24. Meanwhile, students at Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi come back Aug. 5.

When does school start?

Children in Southern and Southwestern states generally start school earlier in the year than those on the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Northwest, according to an analysis from the Pew Research Center of more than 13,000 national districts in 2019, the most recent research available. Pew didn’t look at whether students are returning to school earlier than ever before; however, the report notes, “There’s some evidence that more secondary-school students, at least, are spending part of their summers in the classroom.”

When is summer vacation over, and why?

Summer vacation wasn’t always about lazy days and sleep-away camp — historically, school calendars were built around the farm economy.

“Generally speaking, during the early-to-mid 19th century, schools in rural settings revolved around the agricultural system, allowing kids time off to harvest crops,” Steven L. Nelson, an associate professor of education policy and leadership at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Urban schools ran year-round so parents could work in factories and at other jobs.”

“In the age of school reform, we’re moving toward a much longer school year — and sometimes a longer school day — which can help students who are behind,” says Nelson.

Some schools may determine their school calendars in accordance with the weather. “Schools might build extra days into their calendars for snow or hurricane days,” he says.

Other schools opt for shorter vacations to prevent the “summer slide,” when students experience learning loss over the 8-week summer vacation.

Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is one that starts in mid-summer, on July 17, and ends on May 22.

The district operates on a modified year-round schedule, Jessica Edgar, the executive director of curriculum and instruction, told TODAY.com. With a shorter summer break, material from the previous year is significantly fresher in the minds of students and they can hit the ground running in the fall, she says.

The shortened summer also benefits Arizona students who rely on consistent air-conditioned buildings and food services, she says.

What parents think about school start dates

How do moms feel about the varying school calendars?

Abigail Carreño Miller’s two children start school in Massachusetts at different times — her 11-year-old son’s public school begins on August 28 and finishes June 12, while her 14-year-old daughter’s private school starts September 10 and ends June 5.

One disadvantage: the children’s conflicting schedules can affect summer travel.

“If we wanted to go on vacation in early June, our son would have to miss school,” Carreño Miller tells TODAY. “The benefits for our daughter though, are tremendous — she gets exhausted from working hard, so having fewer academic days and longer vacations are good for her.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Khaby Lame became TikTok’s most followed star without saying a word. How he did it
• Who is Hannah Neeleman? The “Ballerina Farm” influencer and controversy, explained
• The bride loved her mom’s mother-of-the-bride dress. The internet did not

Some states are reestablishing a federal pandemic-era policy that offered free school meals to all kids, and most of them are doing so on a permanent basis.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, students qualified for free or reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches based on their income. The federal government expanded that policy in March 2020, allowing schools to provide meals at no cost to all students, regardless of income.

That expansion was in place for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years. About 90% of U.S. school districts participated, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, Congress didn’t extend the policy for the 2022-23 school year.

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Nine states have passed legislation to bring back free school meals for all, according to Food Research & Action Center data. Seven of them — California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont — have made the policy permanent, according to FRAC. Nevada did so on a temporary basis for the 2023-24 school year.

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a budget bill Monday that would permanently fund a universal free-meal program. Gov. Maura Healey is expected to sign the measure into law.  

The state laws are a direct response to the end of the federal free-meal waivers, experts said. The policies affect K-12 students, though some extend to prekindergarten, too, they said.

Pandemic offered a ‘trial run’ for free meals

“The pandemic was a trial run and it worked,” Crystal FitzSimons, FRAC’s director of school and out-of-school time programs, said of the universal free school meals.

Among other successes, the program alleviated pressure on household food budgets, FitzSimons said.

The average household with two school-age children pays $162 a month — $1,458 per year — for full-price school breakfasts and lunches, according to an Agriculture Department report issued last month. That expense is more than households’ average electricity bill at $122 a month in 2021, the report said.

The USDA analysis was based on meal costs in the 2016-17 school year, when schools charged an average $1.48 and $2.57 for full-price breakfasts and lunches, respectively.

Inflationary pressures have since pushed up prices in many school districts, which have contended with higher costs for food and labor, said Diane Pratt-Heavner, a spokeswoman for the School Nutrition Association.

During the most recent school year, the typical K-12 student paid between $1.73 and $1.80 for a full-price breakfast and between $2.75 and $3 for lunch, according to the School Nutrition Association. The price range reflects the different costs for elementary, middle and high school students.

Since local school districts set their own prices, they can “vary widely” across the country, the School Nutrition Association said.

Loss of free meals may lead to hardship

In 2021, the National School Lunch Program provided 2.2 billion meals, about 99% of which were at a free or reduced price, according to USDA data. By comparison, 74% of meals were at a free or reduced price in 2019.

Students pay 30 cents and 40 cents, respectively, for reduced-price breakfasts and lunches.

The expiration of federal free-meal waivers for all students may potentially contribute “to the financial hardship of some households” at a time when inflation has led to an increase in the cost of living, wrote Saied Toossi, a USDA agricultural economist.

Kids from “food-insecure and marginally food-secure” households are more likely to eat school meals, according to the USDA.

Nearly two dozen other state legislatures are working to pass bills to extend the pandemic-era relief, according to FRAC.

In the meantime, families in the 41 states without a free-meal-for-all policy must apply for free or reduced-price school meals, as was the case before 2020.

Children qualify for free meals if their household’s income is 130% of the federal poverty level or lower. For the 2023-24 school year, that amounts to $39,000 or less for a family of four, according to the School Nutrition Association.

They’re eligible for reduced-price meals if their household income is between 130% and 185% of the poverty line, or up to $55,500 for a family of four.

Families with higher incomes must generally pay full price.