FRANKLIN, Tenn. -
Williamson County schools are back in session.
More than 33,000 students return to class for a half day Friday. The first full day is Monday, August 13.
The district is among the last to return for the 2012-2013 school year. The new school year is bringing about a few changes.
County middle and high schools now observe Late Start Days, also known as Power Mondays, which adjust start and dismissals times. The changes allow teachers to meet and collaborate on classroom instruction and schoolwork.
As the name suggests, Power Mondays occur most Mondays throughout the school year. Parents and students are advised of these dates prior to the schedule changes. On Power Mondays, buses run on time, but classes begin a half hour late.
Students arriving early to school can participate in various supervised activities until class begins.
Many county high schools already participate in Late Start Days.
The 2012-13 school year also marks the official launch of the county's BYOT program.
BYOT, or Bring Your Own Technology, encourages students to bring electronic devices that might be helpful in the classroom. It applies to students in grades three through 12.
The goal is provide a digital link between learning and content, and to better prepare students to enter a technology-driven workforce but teachers are also reaping the benefits.
"I don't have to collect papers. I don't have to look at 31 separately. I can do a quick scan and know if we are at 100% mastery or if we are at 50% mastery," said Brentwood Middle School Teacher Erin McGill during a summer training session.
The BYOT program was piloted in four schools last year.
Students aren't the only ones heading back to school.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the county are planning to have a concentrated presence in school zones.
The speed limit in school zones is 15 miles-per-hour. Franklin police spokesperson Charles Warner told Nashville's News 2 the cheapest ticket for violators in Franklin is $140.
For more information on Franklin police efforts for the start of school year, go to the City of Franklin's Web site.
For more information on Late Start Days/Power Mondays, bus routes or BYOT, visit the Williamson County Schools' Web site.
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