Local Students Return to School Next Week

As summer break comes to a close, students in the Carroll and Henry County school systems are gearing up to head back to the classroom next week. Most students across the region are set to report for their first half-day on August 3 or 4, marking the official start of the 2026-27 academic year.

As the school year begins, students will encounter changes resulting from legislation passed during the 2025-26 session. 

New state requirements mandate that health education for K-12 students include instruction on child trafficking. Additionally, schools are implementing a policy intended to prioritize teacher-led instruction that essentially bans electronic instructional materials for grades K-5. Exceptions to the technology policy are permitted for assessments, remediation, virtual schools and students with IEPs or 504 plans.

District nutrition programs also see updates this year. Four of Carroll County's five school districts—Hollow Rock-Bruceton, Huntingdon, West Carroll and South Carroll—will offer free breakfast and lunch to students throughout the year. The McKenzie Special School District will provide free breakfast at all three of its schools.

Families are invited to meet teachers and tour facilities at upcoming open house events. Below is the schedule for Carroll County schools:

• Clarksburg School: Monday, August 3, from 5:30-7 p.m.
• Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District: Sunday, August 2 from 2-4 p.m.
• Huntingdon Primary School: Kindergarten — Thursday, July 30 from 12:30-6 p.m. by appointment only; First through third grade — Thursday, July 30 beginning at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
• Huntingdon Middle School: Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
• Huntingdon High School: Thursday, July 30 from 5-6:30 p.m.
• McKenzie Elementary School: Thursday, July 30 from 1-6 p.m. 
• McKenzie Middle School: Fifth Grade Orientation — Thursday, July 30 at 4 p.m. in the school gymnasium; Open House — Thursday, July 30 from 4-6 p.m. 
• McKenzie High School: Freshman Orientation — Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. in the school gym; Open House — Thursday, July 30 from 7-8 p.m. Attendees are asked to park in the rear of the school
• West Carroll Pre-K, Kindergarten: Tuesday, August 4 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., by appointment only.
• West Carroll Primary: First grade — Thursday, July 30 from 6-7 p.m.; Second grade — Thursday, July 30 from 7-8 p.m.
• West Carroll Elementary: Monday, August 3, from 6-7 p.m.
• West Carroll Jr./Sr. High School: Tuesday, July 28 from 5-6 p.m.

The five Carroll County school districts (McKenzie, Huntingdon, West Carroll, Hollow Rock-Bruceton and South Carroll) began staff in-service on Monday, July 27. Students report for a half-day on Tuesday, August 4.

In-service for Henry County School System staff began Thursday, July 23. Students report for a half-day on Monday, August 3.

Students in the Paris Special School District also return for a half-day on Monday, August 3.

Weakley County Schools begin later, with staff reporting for in-service on Monday, August 3. Students begin the year with a full day on Monday, August 10.