Back to school: 7 important things to know on the area’s biggest start date

Thousands of students from across the area will be heading back to school this week and in the coming weeks. Today is one of the biggest days for starts across the region.

With summer break coming to an end, here are seven things you should know as the kids head back to school:

Districts are thinking about security

In the wake of the Parkland, Fla. school shooting in February, some local schools have decided to make some security changes this year. Those include the addition of police officers in schools, boosted security systems and more secure entryways.

READ MORE: Districts adding school resource officers, making security changes

Schools are finding new ways to reach parents

Contacting parents is a challenge for school districts, and many take every step to make sure parents get their messages.

From phone calls to newsletters, schools try new forms of communication to get through to parents.

READ MORE: When needing to reach parents, schools face a challenge: What’s the best way to do it?

Teacher shortages are being addressed

Pay questions, public opinion and retirement of longtime teachers have led to a shortage of instructors in classrooms, officials say.

Local schools are working harder than ever to find new teachers, advertising on social media and getting help from local organizations to keep classrooms filled.

READ MORE: Efforts underway to face local teacher shortages

Lice are being spread through selfies

Experts aren’t scratching their heads about how lice are being spread amongst teens: experts say selfies allow the little pests to move from student to student.

Although kids are supposed to put their heads together at school, taking selfies and touching hair can allow lice to easily spread between teens.

Districts are finding ways to keep kids in school

More than 16 percent of Ohio students where chronically absent in the 2016-17 school year, meaning they missed 10 percent of the school year.

A law that took effect last year prohibits schools from expelling those students, and schools are finding ways to reach chronically absent kids.

READ MORE: Ohio schools target chronic absenteeism after law change

Schools are focusing on student health

Experts say that student health is a huge factor in academic success, so local schools are taking steps to make sure students stay healthy.

From making sure kids get required vaccinations to improving nutrition, schools are trying to keep their students healthy.

READ MORE: Schools focusing on a key part of student performance: Their health

Libraries are making a comeback

After past cuts, Dayton Public Schools is increasing access to libraries.

Three years ago, DPS eliminated the jobs of ten library aides who split their time between the district's 17 elementary schools. This year, that will change.

READ MORE: Dayton schools reviving libraries after past job cuts

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