July 30, 2026 — As teachers return to the classroom and fresh coats of paint dry across 112 Cobb schools in preparation for the new year, educators at Kell High School got an unexpected surprise. 

WSB-TV's Lori Wilson and Mike Shields stopped by Kell to deliver tables full of snacks and food to give teachers and staff a head start on getting their classrooms ready for the new school year. 

"It makes a big difference; we get so excited! It gives us momentum to go into the classroom and really set our instruction and our assessments for the year," said longtime Kell Spanish teacher, Kathryn Virnich.

Kell was recently named a 2026 AP Honor School. It's a distinction that only 316 schools across all of Georgia received.

"Teachers are the ones who do everything for our kids. They're the front lines. They're the ones building those relationships with students," said Kell principal Dr. Peter Giles.

Vice Chair of the Cobb School Board, David Chastain, was also there to speak with teachers and staff as they prepare for another exciting school year. 

Chastain said it was important to make sure teachers felt appreciated because he knows exactly what it takes to provide the top-quality education that happens within Cobb Schools.

"I can appreciate what all of our teachers are going through. I have a daughter who's one of our teachers at one of our middle highs, and this is the week when everything has to be lined up just right, so the rest of the year flows well," Chastain said. 

For the latest information on what you should know before heading back to school, click HERE to learn more.