Charlotte County Public Schools will kick off the start of a brand-new 2018-19 school year Aug. 13 and this year, students and visitors will notice several changes at each school.

Open house for county elementary schools will be held Aug. 9, 1-6 p.m. and open house for secondary schools will be held Aug. 8, 1-6 p.m.

“I extend a warm Charlotte County Schools welcome to our students and their families, our dedicated employees and the community. We are excited to welcome everyone back into our schools and are eager to get the school year off to a great start,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Leonard.

She said as the new school year approaches, there is lots to be celebrated about the division, including fully accredited schools.

“…We are excited to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment with our students and continue to strive for even greater successes this year,” said Leonard.

In addition, she said the division will be kicking off the year with 17 new school buses that include enhanced safety features.

Leonard said the improved bus safety features will play a role in the safety of traveling to and from school each day.

“We have been very busy this summer with many exciting projects to improve our school facilities,” she said. “Randolph-Henry High School has undergone renovations this summer. All student restrooms on the first and second floor of Randolph-Henry High School’s main building school are beautifully renovated and meet handicap accessibility requirements.”

Leonard said the improvement has been long anticipated and she is thankful the division can provide the updated restroom facilities to the students and public.

In addition, she said Randolph-Henry also received new flooring in the library, featuring the school colors of navy and white, along with a security wall at the main entrance of the building to keep students and faculty safe.

“Eureka Elementary School’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning renovations are nearing completion in time for the opening of school and the school will be cool and comfortable for our students and faculty upon their return,” said Leonard.

In light of recent renovations, she said updates are also scheduled for Bacon District and Phenix Elementary this upcoming year.

“The planning and ordering of materials are in progress,” said Leonard. “Current projections and construction goals are in progress. Current projections and constructions goals are for Phenix students to be out of the trailers and into the new addition by the winter holiday.”

She said as far as the updated gyms at Bacon District and Phenix Elementary and other security/accessibility features, a spring and summer completion is projected.

According to a school notice, rising sixth-graders should make sure a TDAP booster is administered before the start of school as a requirement.

The notice said there is no grace period for the requirement and the shot must be done before entering school.

“Our schools are looking good and now we just need our children back in them,” said Leonard. “We eagerly await their return for an exciting school year.”