FCS orientation dates and school supply lists for the 2026–2027 academic year

FLORENCE, Ala. — The 2026–2027 school year will begin on August 5, 2026, and planning is underway to help families prepare before the first bell rings.

Orientation dates have been scheduled so parents and students have information on school policies, procedures, and expectations.

Florence City Schools Orientation Dates and Times:

W.C. Handy School

• Thursday, July 30 - Parent Orientation, 1–3 p.m.

Forest Hills Elementary School

• Monday, August 3
  • Kindergarten (Parents Only), 3 p.m.
  • 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
  • 2nd, 4th, and 6th grades, 6–7 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 4
  • Kindergarten (Meet the Teacher), 2–3 p.m.

Harlan Elementary School

• Monday, August 3
  • Kindergarten, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
  • 1st–3rd grades, 4:30–5 p.m.
  • 4th–6th grades, 5:15–5:45 p.m.

Hibbett Elementary School

• Monday, August 3
  • Kindergarten, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
  • 1st–3rd grades, 4:30–5 p.m.
  • 4th–6th grades, 5:15–5:45 p.m.

Weeden Elementary School

• Monday, August 3
  • Kindergarten, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
  • 1st–3rd grades, 4:30–5 p.m.
  • 4th–6th grades, 5:15–5:45 p.m.

Florence Middle School

• Thursday, July 30, 6–7 p.m.

Florence High School

• Thursday, July 30
  • 9th grade, 4:30 p.m.
• Sunday, August 2
  • 10th–12th grades, 2 p.m.

Supply lists for each school are available here.

While the W.C. Handy School does not have a designated supply list, Principal Donna Khan said parents are asked to provide the following items to set the students up for a successful year:

• Backpack (large enough to hold a folder)
• Change of clothes
• Reusable water bottle

Khan added that teachers may request additional classroom-specific items once the school year begins.

To assist with back-to-school savings, Alabama will hold its sales tax holiday, beginning Friday, July 17, at 12:01 a.m., and ending Sunday, July 19, at midnight. The event allows shoppers to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales tax. Local sales tax may still apply. For more information, contact the Sales and Use Tax Division at (334) 242-1490 or (866) 576-6531.

By Jeremy Jackson