BACK TO SCHOOL: Orientation dates and supply lists for 2025-26

FLORENCE, Ala. — Students don't return for the 2025-26 school year until Wednesday, August 6, but Florence City Schools administrators are actively planning so families are prepared for when that first bell rings.

The principals have set their dates for orientations and open houses at their respective campuses:

W.C. Handy Early Childhood Development Center

• Parent Orientation: July 31, 1–3 p.m.
• Meet the Teacher: August 1, 8–10 a.m.

Forest Hills Elementary School

• Kindergarten, Fourth Grade, and Fifth Grade Orientation: August 4, 3:30 p.m.
• First and Third Grade Orientation: August 4, 5 p.m.
• Second and Sixth Grade Orientation: August 4, 6:30 p.m.

Harlan Elementary School

• Kindergarten Orientation: August 4, 3:30 p.m.
• First–Fourth Grade Orientation: August 4, 4 p.m.
• Fifth and Sixth Grade Orientation: August 4, 4:45 p.m.

Hibbett Elementary School

• Kindergarten and First Grade Orientation: August 4, 4–4:45 p.m.
• Second–Sixth Grade Orientation: August 4, 5–5:45 p.m.

Weeden Elementary School

• Kindergarten Orientation: August 4, 3:30 p.m.
• First–Fourth Grade Orientation: August 4, 4 p.m.
• Fifth and Sixth Grade Orientation: August 4, 4:45 p.m.

Florence Middle School

• Orientation: July 31, 5 p.m.

Florence Freshman Center/Florence High School

• Orientation: August 3, 2 p.m.

Schools have also begun releasing supply lists for the upcoming year. Click the links below for the corresponding school. *There are no designated supply lists for W.C. Handy School or Florence High School:

Forest Hills Elementary School

Harlan Elementary School

Hibbett Elementary School

Weeden Elementary School

Florence Middle School

Florence Freshman Center

For any additional information, families may contact their school's main office.

By Jeremy Jackson