The School Bell Rang Last Week in Lamar County, Others Follow

The carefree days of summer are already over in Lamar County and will end this week and next in school systems across West Alabama for students and faculty members of K-12 public schools.

Alabama education leaders are urging parents and guardians to make sure their students attend the first day of classes because it sets the tone for the entire school year and keeps them from falling behind from the start.

“The first day of school is one of the most important days of the entire year,” State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey stated in a press release. “When students are in class from the very beginning, they start strong, build good habits, and avoid falling behind. We want every child in Alabama to be present on Day One so teachers can begin instruction immediately and students can get off to the best possible start.”

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On that first day, teachers begin:

• Class rules and expectations
• First lessons
• Baseline assessments
• Seating and grouping
• Technology setup

There are also important financial reasons for having every student in class from day one throughout the rest of the school year. Alabama uses Average Daily Membership (ADM) counts early in the school year. Higher attendance helps districts secure:

• More state funding
• More staffing allocations
• More support resources

Alabama has been battling chronic absenteeism statewide. Administrators point out that students who miss the first day are statistically more likely to:

• Miss additional days
• Fall behind academically
• Struggle with engagement

The encouragement to attend classes from day one carries greater significance here in West Alabama and Black Belt county districts, where attendance challenges are even more pronounced.

West Alabama 2026-27 School Year Start Dates

Last week: 

• Lamar County: Thursday, July 30

This week:

• Bibb County: Thursday, August 6
• Demopolis City Schools: Friday, August 7
• Jasper City Schools: Thursday, August 6
• Perry County: Thursday, August 6
• Pickens County: Wednesday, August 5
• Walker County Schools: Wednesday, August 5

Next week:

• Fayette County: Tuesday, August 11
• Greene County: Wednesday, August 12
• Hale County: Monday, August 10
• Linden City Schools: Monday August 10
• Marengo County:  Monday, August 10
• Sumter County: Monday, August 10
• Tuscaloosa City Schools: Monday, August 10
• Tuscaloosa County Schools: Wednesday,, August 12

Alabama requires all K–12 public schools to operate for a minimum of 180 instructional days each school year. Weather or emergency closures must be made up to preserve the 180‑day minimum unless a disaster declaration is issued.

Have a GREAT school year!