August 1, 2025—Back-to-school is here, and this checklist is to help you feel ready for Day One. From our classrooms to our cafeterias, buses to front offices, every member of Cobb's One Team is ready to support your student with a safe and welcoming start to the 2025–2026 school year. 

No matter which of our 112 schools your child attends, this checklist will help your family kick off a successful school year. Your family is one of the reasons Cobb continues to be the best place to teach, lead, and learn. Thank you for being part of our Cobb team! 

STEP 1: Start with the Family Information Guide. 

Each year, the Cobb County School District provides families with a variety of information regarding specific District policies, rules, and programs. The Family Information Guide (Guide) contains a wealth of information about the District, including the Student Code of Conduct, as well as information about privacy rights, important dates, and more. 

STEP 2: Check your bus schedule. 

Each day, Cobb bus drivers safely transport more than 72,000 students to and from school across 870 routes and 37,000+ bus stops—making Cobb's Transportation Department one of the largest and most efficient in the nation. 

• 🚌 Download the Here Comes the Bus app to make your family's mornings easier. The app allows you to track your child's bus in real time, just like an Uber ride. 
• 📘This information guide includes everything you need to know about riding the bus in Cobb. 
• 🚗 Walking, carpooling, or driving? The transportation guide also includes helpful safety tips for families using other methods to get to school. 

STEP 3: What's for Lunch? 

Cobb's Food & Nutrition team serves over 75,000 healthy meals daily using fresh, local ingredients and menus kids enjoy. New items based on student feedback make it easier than ever to choose nutritious options. 

• The 2025-2026 Back-to-School Meal Checklist includes all the food and nutrition details your family needs. Learn how to review menus, pay for meals, get support for special dietary needs, and plan classroom celebrations. 

STEP 4: Check CTLS. 

Teachers, schools, and the District share critical information in CTLS throughout the year. Now is the time to make sure you have downloaded the app and any updates and reviewed any notifications your student's school has already shared. 

STEP 5: Learn How Cobb Keeps Students Safe

Student safety is the top priority every day in Cobb Schools. Safety comes first. The District uses a layered and prevention-focused approach to keep students and staff safe. 

Visit Cobb Shield to learn how the District ensures our schools are among the safest locations in the community. Cobb Shield will help you:

• 🐾 Learn how Vapor Wake canines are trained to detect threats in crowded areas. 
• 🛑 See how Evolv technology helps screen for prohibited items quickly and discreetly. 
• 🚨 Know that the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert is the fastest and easiest way for teachers and staff to call for help in emergencies.
• 📞 Report concerns anonymously using Cobb's 24/7 Tip Line—if you see something, say something. 

STEP 6: Get the Inside Scoop. 

Parents of new kindergarteners, sixth graders, or freshmen may have many questions about the school transition. The Inside the Scoop podcast has episodes dedicated to each. Watch for episodes throughout the school year on various topics to help families support their students. 

• The Inside Scoop: Leveling Up to Kindergarten 
• The Inside Scoop: Leveling Up to Middle School 
• The Inside Scoop: Leveling Up to High School 
• Understanding Special Ed Services with George Morgan 
• The Inside Scoop: Safety Through Software (including GoSafe student dismissal system) 
• The Inside Scoop: Getting the Most Out of ACTs & SATs 

STEP 7: Catch Up on Cobb's Summer Highlights. 

It was a busy summer across Cobb Schools! Take a moment to catch up on highlights from around the District, including inspiring student achievements, staff and District achievements, and other information you may have missed. 

• Cobb's 2025-26 Level Teachers of the Year Revealed 
• Cobb Schools Raise Nearly $1 Million to Support Heart Health for Kids and Adults 
• Cobb's Second Career Academy at Allatoona Officially Underway 
• North Cobb Hurdler Wins Gatorade Player of the Year 
• Kennesaw Mountain AP Biology Teacher Wins Service Award 
• Mabry Student Recognized as Hero for Saving His Grandma's Life 
• Inspiring Young Leaders from Hightower Trail Shine in SoCal 
• Cobb Has Strong Showing at Positive Athlete Awards Banquet 
• Five Elementary Schools Recognized as GaDOE John Hancock Award Winners
• 125 Adults Graduate in Record-Breaking Class of 2025 

STEP 8: Meet Cobb's New School Leaders for 2025–2026. 

• Dr. Jennifer Anthony-Young, Griffin Middle School 
• David Bell, North Cobb High School 
• Pamela Cain, Dowell Elementary School 
• Mike Cappucci, Mableton Elementary School 
• Dr. David Church, Sprayberry High School 
• Sara Fetterman, Wheeler High School 
• Michelle Gillham, Mount Bethel Elementary School 
• Principal Paul Gillihan, Campbell High School 
• Tiffany Hourigan, Acworth Elementary School 
• Beth Lair, Kennesaw Elementary School 
• Karen Osterhoudt, Still Elementary School 
• Amy Shannon, McClure Middle School 
• Meghan Smith, Compton Elementary School 
• D. Cory Stanley, Simpson Middle School 
• Dr. Vanessa Watkins, Betty Gray Middle School 
• Krystal Wattley, McEachern High School 

STEP 9: Plan Ahead. 

Check your school's calendar and the District's calendar. Go ahead and add essential school dates to your calendar. The District calendar highlights Digital Learning Dates, school conference week, testing days, fall break, winter break, spring break, and other school holidays. 

Also, check your local school calendar for important dates specific to your school community. 

Take a glance at some facts about the Cobb Schools in the graphic below. Thank you for choosing Cobb Schools—we're grateful to partner with your family this year and proud to support your child's success every step of the way. 

See you Monday!