TAMPA, Fla. — Tuesday is the first day of the second school semester, with many students returning to the classroom after months of e-learning.

In Hillsborough County, about 14,000 students returned to brick and mortar school today. Superintendent Addison Davis said the district is prepared for the influx.


What You Need To Know

  • New semester starts Tuesday for Bay area school districts 

  • About 14,000 students return to campuses today after months of e-learning 

  • Superintendent Addison Davis said the district is prepared for their return

  • MORE EDUCATION HEADLINES

“We stand ready every day,” he said. “We're built to extend lessons face to face, that's been our way for many years.  We've spent millions of dollars on PPE, whether it be masks, gloves, sanitation stations- we stand ready to serve our children, not only in our classrooms but in our common areas as well.”

Davis said the school day will remain the same and despite the spike in positive COVID cases recently, he said he’s done his best to ease everyone’s anxiety and he has one message for parents.

“The biggest thing I can say to our parents is continue to be mindful of the pandemic,” Davis said. “Take proactive steps to be able to focus on hygiene, make sure you wear masks everywhere you go, and I know it's hard, but stay home as much as possible.”

Other school districts across the Bay Area aren’t expecting as many students to return for the second semester.

Most are expecting around 1,000 students with Pinellas County expecting about 2,600.