Central Florida back-to-school guide: What you need to know about mask rules and more

Teachers prepare to head back to school

Teachers are feeling the summer squeeze and trying to keep up with new health guidance amid the pandemic as kids come back to class.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Summer vacation is over! Thousands of kids across Central Florida are heading back to class on Tuesday.

The following counties were back in class starting Tuesday:

Orange
Seminole
Lake
Sumter
Brevard
Marion
Flagler
Polk

Students in Osceola County return to class on Thursday. Students in Volusia County will go back to class on Aug. 16.

Face masks are optional for Osceola County students.

Students in Orange County are asked to wear masks unless they want to opt out. A parent needs to write a one-sentence note saying they are doing just that. Teachers, staff, and any visitors on school grounds won’t have the option to opt-out and must wear a mask.

Seminole County students also have the option of opting out of wearing a face mask while teachers and staff will be required to wear them.

| BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE |

During a late-night vote on Tuesday, Brevard County schools voted to keep face masks optional.

First day of class at Seminole Science Charter School

FOX 35's Allison Gargaro is checking out the crowds of kids heading back to class.

Seminole County's Superintendent holds ceremonial bell ringing on first day of school

Seminole County's Superintendent held a ceremonial bell ringing to welcome kids back on the first day of school on Tuesday.

The Superintendent held a ceremonial bell ringing bright and early to welcome students back to campus.

If your child is experiencing bullying, there is a hotline in Seminole County to call. The Speakout Hotline is anonymous. It can also be used for other threats and harassment. The number is 1-800-423-8477.

Drivers who got used to not seeing school busses on the roads will want to make some extra time. The FOX 35 Storm Team Thunder Truck hit the road on Tuesday to check out road conditions.

Tracking road conditions with the FOX 35 Storm Team Thunder Truck

The FOX 35 Storm Team Thunder Truck is hitting the road to check out driving conditions as thousands of students had back to class in Central Florida.

Remember to slow down while driving in school zones. The fine is doubled if you are caught speeding through a school zone. According to the DMV, you can get a ticket up to $555. Also, if you pass a stopped school bus, there is a minimum fine of $200 - $400. If it's your second offense in 2 years, your license can be suspended.

Watch FOX 35 News for the latest school updates.

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