Ahead of the first day of classes for most local school districts, there is a statewide sales tax holiday for school supplies. Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public MediaAugust is here, which means Houston-area children and their families are beginning the annual transition from summer back to school. Parents looking to buy last-minute school supplies may want to go shopping this weekend to take advantage of a statewide sales tax holiday. From Aug. 7-9, most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks valued at $100 or less qualify for a sales tax exemption, according to the Texas Comptroller's Office. Here is when many Houston-area school districts open for their first day of classes for the 2026-27 academic year, with districts listed by date:Sign up for the Hello, Houston!