The Wayland, Hopkins and Martin school districts are getting ready to start the new academic year later this month.

Each is planning open houses before the first day of school and a welcome addition for students and parents this year will be the continuation of the free meals program for breakfast and lunch. The free meals offerings, which were common during the Covid pandemic, have been extended by action of the State Legislature.

As has become customary in recent years, there is a shortage of school bus drivers and substitute teachers. An unusual twist for Wayland is a shortage of female runners for the high school cross-country team.

The following is a sketch of back to school activities:

• Wayland — Middle School open house 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Baker Elementary open house same day from 5 to 6 p.m. Open houses at high school 4 to 6 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m. at Steeby, 5:30 to 6:30 at Pine Street and 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. First day of school half day, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21.
• Hopkins — Open houses for high school Aug. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m., Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 3 to 6 p.m. for grade nine and new students. Open house at middle school from 6 to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, for new students and grade six, and from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 for grades seven and eight. Hopkins Elementary 5 to 6 p.m. and Sycamore 4  to 5:30 Thursday, Aug. 24. First day of school for students is Monday, Aug. 28.
• Martin — Open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, for Brandon Elementary, the middle school and high school. First day of school, half day, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22.