Volusia County students begin school year: What to know

Volusia County students to begin school year on Monday

All adults must wear masks indoors at schools. That rule will be in effect for 30 days from Monday. Masks remain optional for students.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - With much of Central Florida already back in class, it is now Volusia County's turn to return to school.

Many Volusia County students and teachers are back in school this Monday but not all of them. Some students may have opted for online learning instead.

Volusia County gave them that option and even extended the sign-up period for students to enroll in online learning. That window has since closed.

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For those on campus, all adults – including workers, bus drivers, parents, and visitors --must wear masks indoors at schools. That rule will be in effect for 30 days from Monday. Masks remain optional for students.

This rule will be reevaluated on September 11th by the Volusia County School District.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is also reminding drivers to remain vigilant. Starting Monday, when in a school zone, drivers must watch their speed and look out for students who may be walking nearby. Deputies will keep a sharp eye on the roads, monitoring drivers and road safety.

FOX 35 reporter Sydney Cameron spoke to Volusia County Schools Superintendent Dr. Fritz on Monday morning as buses prepared to go out on the first day of school. "Our goal for this year is to get kids back to as much normalcy as possible so they can get back to learning," Dr. Fritz said looking at the year ahead. "Bus drivers are extremely important.

That’s the first impression that kids have of the day and this is the first day of school. These bus drivers have a lot of power to make sure the day goes well."

Students return for first day of school in Volusia County

Volusia County Superintendent Dr. Scott Fritz speaks to FOX 35's Sydney Cameron about the upcoming school year.

Meanwhile, Orange County says after one week of class, less than one percent of students have tested positive for COVID-19. The school district hopes to keep curbing cases in class by making it even easier to find. Starting Monday, parents and students will be able to get a free COVID-19 test at a different school each day.

Watch FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Florida news.