Floyd County public schools open in a little under two weeks.

August 12 is the first day of classes.  Fall sports practice begins a week from today.

A half-century ago — back in my days of public schools as a student at Floyd County High School — classes began right after Labor Day.

No more.  School starts earlier and earlier each year to have “banked” days in case of winter storms.   Students stayed home from bad weather a lot of days in the 2013-14 school year and the system stayed prepared in case it happens again.

Students and parents will venture into stores for “back to school” sales.  The talk over breakfast at the Blue Ridge Restaurant will focus on football and the outlook for the upcoming season.