Students head back AUGUST 11 New Safety Measures and Meal Policy Changes

The 2025–26 school year kicks off early for Davie and Cooper City students, with classes resuming on Monday, August 11. Broward County Public Schools have several important updates this year, and families should be aware of the key changes as they prepare for the return to class.

New Security Protocols

This school year introduces the CrisisAlert badge system, a new emergency response tool worn by all school staff across the district. With the tap of a button, school personnel can immediately alert first responders during an emergency. This system is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance safety at schools, including the highly-rated campuses serving Davie and Cooper City.

School Lunch Changes

Another major update involves the school lunch program. For the first time in recent years, universal free lunch is no longer available to all students. While breakfast remains free district wide, families must apply for free or reduced-price lunches starting July 14 at MySchoolApps.com. Paid lunch prices have increased: elementary school students will now pay $3.00, middle schoolers $3.35, and high schoolers $3.50.

Enhanced Menu Options

To complement these changes, Broward Schools are rolling out a fresh new menu with several exciting additions. Students can look forward to items like Pastelitos, Chicken Enchilada Empanadas, White Sauce Breakfast Pizza, and returning favorites such as Chicken Tenders and Pizza Crunchers.

Cellphone Crackdown

The district’s cellphone policy remains in full effect this year. Students are required to keep phones silenced and out of sight during school hours unless explicitly permitted by a teacher. The policy aims to minimize distractions and foster better classroom engagement.

As families gear up for the first day, now is the time to finalize school supplies, transportation logistics, and meal applications. With an earlier start, it’s important to get ahead on planning.

For more info about back-to-school events, registration, and policies, visit
www.browardschools.com/backtoschool