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The annual migration of children from vacation to the classroom will begin Aug. 19, with the first day of school in Collier County.

With the exception of Immokalee and Everglades City schools, times for public elementary schools will run from 8:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., middle schools from 9:05 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., and high schools from 7:20 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

School lunches this year will cost $2 for elementary and $2.25 for secondary students. For eligible children, the reduced price is 40 cents. Breakfast is $1 for all, with a reduced program price of 30 cents. Families receiving food stamps, TANF, WIC benefits or who think their income may qualify for free or reduced prices can apply at the school office. An income chart is available online at www.collier.k12.fl.us/foodservice/frlunch/docs/IncomeChart.pdf.

For new enrollees, documentation must be presented to school officials before attendance can begin, including proof of residency, immunization certificate, physical exam certificate, proof of age, information about a transfer school and an emergency contact form. Currently enrolled students must keep their immunizations up-to-date, as well. Those who have received vaccinations over the summer should bring a Florida Certificate of Immunization card to the school prior to the opening date.

If shots are still needed, the Collier County Health Department provides them free of charge on a walk-in basis at three locations: the Collier County Health Department (252-8595), 3301 East Tamiami Trail; Golden Gate (353-1274), 4945 Golden Gate Parkway; and Immokalee (252-7300), 419 North First St.

New seventh-graders now need a tetanus/diphtheria booster.

Collier County Immunization Program Director Cindy Whetsell warns parents not to procrastinate.

“Many parents who have not obtained the immunizations wait until the last minute,” she said. “Then, it takes longer to have the services done in a timely manner, because the health department is crowded.”

For more information on immunization requirements, visit www.collierhealthdept.org or call 377-0514.

As for school supplies, items differ from school to school but the school district estimates that the cost of basic supplies is about $15 per student. Lists of materials can be found online at the individual school’s Web site.