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Clay County Public Schools go back to school today

Tuesday is the first day back for Clay County Public Schools. Clay Schools say they are starting the year with 36,404 students and if you include charter schools that number goes up to 36,444.

Clay Schools say there are a variety of times when schools start, but generally the schedule shows senior highs schools will head back first, then elementary schools, and finally junior high schools. As those students head back for their first day the district says they have 210 buses which will take about 4,800 students to school.

“There some awesome, awesome people here that do a lot for our kids and just they love what they do.” Says the director of transportation for Clay County Schools Derald Sweatt.

The district says if you have any questions about your child’s bus route you can call 904-336-0001.

Following the Parkland school shooting, there are new state safety standards at schools. At the start of this year Clay County Schools say they will have safety officers at each of their schools on the first day. Clay Schools say there will be 29 total School Safety Officers which will be placed at 24 elementary schools across the county. The district says 2 relief officers and 3 supervisors are included in the 29.

Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels says those who went through the training to become a school safety officer have gone through training that’s above and beyond whats mandated by the state.

“We gave them more, some extra shooting time on the range to make sure that they were proficient in what they were doing.” Sheriff Daniels said.

Clay Schools say there will also be 17 total School Resource Officers in place at the junior and senior high schools.  In addition to the School Resources Officers and School Safety Officers Sheriff Daniels said patrol deputies who patrol a school in their area must go and interact with that school while their on duty.

Something else which is new for Clay County Schools is the opening of a new elementary school. Discovery Oaks Elementary school opened its doors for the first time to students today in Oakleaf, off Oakleaf Plantation Parkway. Parents packed the front parking lot as they dropped off their kids at the new school for the first time.

“Its exciting because its a brand new school , ya know, kinda got the, got the new new school smell if you will.” said one man dropping off his 4th grader.

Some parents wanted to beat the long car lines on the first day. One woman said she showed up in the parking lot around 7 in the morning.

“Any excuse to have the kids out of the house  ya know, of course I’m excited.” She said.

Below are helpful maps the schools district provided to help you navigate around the new school and pick up or drop off your kids.

For more information on Clay County going back to school you can head to their website at Oneclay.net

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