Duval County students see changes as they head back to school

Mandatory recess, locker laptops, more changes face students this year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The first day back to school was exciting Monday for students, parents and teachers in Duval County.

The nearly 130,000 students in the Jacksonville district will see some changes this year, including mandatory recess, locker laptops and new charter schools.

Jimmier Carter is starting the sixth grade at Fletcher Middle School and said he knows what he needs to have a good school year.

“I think I just need to focus on my classes and not get distracted by anything else,” Jimmier said. “A lot of my friends are here from my old elementary school."

Jimmier's mom said Monday was more bittersweet for her.

“I'm nervous for him because he's transitioning from elementary school and having to walk to your own classes, and he's so tiny,” Natalie Carter said. “He has a lot of friends. They all play soccer together, so he's excited to go to school with a lot of friends."

Interim Superintendent Dr. Patricia Willis toured three schools to open the school year -- Henry F. Kite Elementary, Northwestern Middle and Andrew Jackson High -- welcoming students back to the classroom.

“This first day is really exciting. Kids are happy, the young people at Andrew Jackson are excited,” Willis said.

Clay County students go back to school Tuesday.