July 20, 2026 — From a community food pantry to the Pilot's Hanger, which provides school clothes for families to get free of charge, Pearson Middle School continues to show that it's a family atmosphere. 

The school's annual Back to School Bash brought out at least 1,500 people from the Fair Oaks community, not just Pearson families. 

Families were able to get backpacks full of school supplies, haircuts, vision exams, and bags of food, all for free. 

"It is very important for us to connect our families. We are open for them to come in and to bring all of the resources here, because the families know about the school, they know how to get here. And if we can bring everyone here, it's much easier and they feel more comfortable. Their kids will feel more comfortable," said Principal Kristie Brown.

For families, this event gives them access to essential back-to-school supplies free of charge. 

With the help of donations and community partners such as the Cobb Schools Foundation, Helping Mamas, MUST Ministries, Grace Pointe Marietta, Cobb and Douglas Public Health, Care Source, Cobb County Police, Lions Club, and Credit Union of Georgia, students feel better prepared for the start of the school year. 

"I remember when I was a little kid going out with my parents. It was a lot of stressful things like getting the right materials. And now we have schools like this willingly doing everything for them, giving these kids the opportunity to just come over here, giving them the supplies and backpacks, and the resources that they need to succeed in the upcoming school year," said volunteer and Osborne High School senior, Derlin.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation provided meals for families to take home, and Chick-Fil-A gave out sandwiches to those in attendance. 

"Families go home with a box of protein that should last a week for a family of four, and a bag of produce. We felt like it was really important to make sure families had all of the essentials," said Atlanta Braves Foundation's Executive Director, Danielle Bedasse.

For those who call Fair Oaks home, this event brings the community together every year. 

It's an opportunity for families to give back to their neighbors, and a chance for others to benefit from the generosity and care from families within Cobb Schools.

"Two or three years ago, I was here to pick up supplies and now I'm here to volunteer. It's so exciting to be here now to help people," said Pearson parent Esmeralda Drejo.  

Principal Brown will serve her first year as the leader of Pearson Middle School, following Principal Dean Yoder's promotion to Assistant Superintendent. To read more about Pearson's new principal, you can click HERE for more.