Today marks the first day of public school in Northeast Florida and Mayor Alvin Brown is committed to making sure students are not only in school on the first day, but throughout the year and all the way to graduation. A Back to School Blitz campaign featuring radio, television and billboard public service announcements, visits to several schools today, and the recent executive order naming Dr. Donnie Horner the first Education Commissioner for the City of Jacksonville, underscore the mayor’s pledge to improve education in Duval County. A partnership with Wal-Mart helped to raise several pallets of pens, paper, backpacks and other school supplies for eight public schools.  

“I am committed to ensuring all students in Jacksonville have access to an education that allows them to compete in a global economy,” said Mayor Brown in a release. “They must have the basics, like school supplies, to succeed. This big donation from a national retailer is another example of a public-private partnership working in our community.”

As the kids head back to class, here are a few things to remember:

• Traffic is typically heavier during the first few weeks as parents, students and buses adjust to new routines. Be on the lookout for students walking to or waiting at the bus stop, and don’t forget there will be a number of new drivers on the road as well.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take advantage of Chick-fil-a’s annual back-to-school breakfast giveaway. All Jacksonville-area Chick-fil-as  will be giving away a free Chick-fil-a chicken biscuit or a three-count Chicken Minis to customers Wednesday Aug. 24 and 31.
• The start of school coincides with the height of hurricane season, so make sure your family has an emergency preparedness plan in place. More information on putting together a plan and Jacksonville emergency resources can be found at here.