Delaware back-to-school guide. Start dates, COVID protocol and more

The first day of school for public school students in Delaware is just two weeks away in some districts, while others won’t start until after Labor Day.

While kids are enjoying the final days of summer vacation, here’s a guide for parents and guardians to prepare for that first day.

One major change is in the free and reduced meal policy. The federal government implemented emergency rules at the start of the pandemic, allowing all students to receive free meals, and that continued through the last school year.

But now the policy has reverted to the previous rules, requiring families to apply for free or reduced meals based on income – unless your child’s school qualifies for the community eligibility provision. Under that provision, about half the schools in the state will still be serving free meals to all students because a certain percentage of families in that school’s attendance area receive federal food assistance.:

More:Fewer Delaware students will be receiving free lunches. Find out about the changes.

Districts continue to follow COVID 19 guidelines, but as of Aug. 5, there is no mask requirement in any district. Masks are optional. However, districts will be watching for any changes in announcements from the state and will relay news to parents and guardians.

Here’s a rundown of when school begins in each district, the start and dismissal times along with other helpful info.

First day 

• Students in grades 1-9 and kindergarten with last names A-L, Tuesday, Sept. 6  
• Students grades 10-12 and kindergarten with last names M-Z, Wednesday, Sept. 7  
• Pre-K, Thursday, Sept. 8 

School hours 

This schedule is different from previous years and the 2022-23 academic year will be the first with the district’s revised arrival and dismissal times.