Back To School, Open House, Key Dates for the 2012-13 School Year

It's not too soon to plan ahead for the 2012-13 school year as students and parents take stock in August, the month that marks both the end of summer vacation and the start of another academic year.

Looking to plan ahead? To get in those last-minute summer vacations? To make plans for winter and spring breaks? Here's a guide to get you started.

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Hillsborough County Public School Dates and 2012-13 School Year Calendar:

START DATES  Aug. 13 Teachers go back to school Aug. 21 Students go back to school END DATES Oct. 18 First grading period Jan. 18 Second grading period / first semester March 28 Third grading period May 29 Last day for high school seniors June 7 Last day of school HOLIDAYS AND BREAKS Sept. 3 Labor Day Oct. 19 Students off  Nov. 12 Veterans Day Nov. 19-23 Fall break Dec. 24-Jan. 4 Winter break Jan. 21 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 22 Students off 

Feb. 8 (West Hillsborough County)

Fair Day (Florida State Fair)  March 4 (East Hillsborough County) Fair Day (Strawberry Festival) March 11-15 Spring break March 29 Students off  May 27 Memorial Day EARLY RELEASE DAYS Mondays One hour early each Monday OPEN HOUSE DATES (Check with schools, dates may vary.) Sept. 10 High schools Sept. 12 Middle schools Sept. 20 Elementary schools COLLEGE NIGHT DATES Oct. 1 Sickles High School Oct. 2 Plant High School Oct. 3 Chamberlain High School Oct. 4 Brandon High School NOTABLE DATES Oct. 24 Career and College Fest Nov. 11-17 American Education Week Nov. 15 Great American Teach-In Source: Hillsborough County School District