Back-to-school Coverage

While many year-round students have already started classes, Aug. 29 marks the first day of the 2022-2023 academic year for most traditional calendar students.


Back to school headquarters

The first day of school is August 29

While many year-round students have already started classes, Aug. 29 marks the first day of the 2022-2023 academic year for most traditional calendar students.

All drivers should be ready for more traffic on the roads and drive slowly in school zones. Here are some helpful tips and reminders.

COVID-19 vaccines became available over the summer for all children 6 months of age and older. Vaccines are available at pediatrician's offices, pharmacies and through county health departments. Find a vaccine here.

Schools in Wake County and across the state are dealing with a shortage of school bus drivers, which may cause some delays.

Wake County families can use the Here Comes the Bus app to track their child's school bus. Sign up online. You can also track the status of a school bus on the WCPSS website.

Each year, children are injured or killed when drivers don't stop or slow down for buses. Most of us know all vehicles must stop for school buses on two lane roads, even if there is a turn lane.

The confusion often comes when there are four lanes. If a four-lane road does not have any kind of median, everyone in both directions must stop. If that four-lane road has something in the middle, whether it’s a center turn lane or any kind of a median, only drivers behind and beside the bus must stop. Drivers headed in the opposite direction can keep traveling.

Those caught violating the law can get a $500 fine and points on their license.

Several area school systems—including those in Wake, Durham and Johnston counties—are raising school meal prices.

The Wake County Public School System is raising prices of all meals by $0.25, to $3 or $3.25 for lunch and $1.50 or $1.75 for breakfast, depending on the school level.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, meals were free for all students. Students can still apply for free or reduced lunch.