Harold Aughton/Butler Eagle: Students exit the bus one at a time at the during the first day of school at the Mars Middle School in September 2020.

It’s that time of the year again.

Thursday, Aug. 20, is the first day of school for students at Seneca Valley School District and Freeport Area School District — the first in Butler County.

With the summer sun still sweltering, students return to the their classrooms, cafeterias and athletic fields — under watch of teachers and coaches.

Moniteau School District has its first day of school Monday, Aug. 24. Mars Area School District’s first day is Tuesday, Aug. 25.

A number of districts have their first day of school Wednesday, Aug. 26: Karns City Area School District, Knoch School District, Slippery Rock Area School District and Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District.

Butler Area School District kicks off its year Thursday, Aug. 27.

Slippery Rock University and Butler County Community College also begin their new school years on Monday, Aug. 24.

In addition to many others helping make the show run —cafeteria workers feeding students, school bus drivers picking up and dropping off, coaches leading teams on and off the field — some time this week or next, students will mark day 1 of 180 in 2026-27.