There is good news and bad news for school-aged children in Metro Atlanta. The bad news is that summer break is over, but the good news is the schools are air conditioned and parents can finally have their lives back after a long hot summer.
It was an eventful summer for one school system in particular. The Atlanta Public Schools gained national attention for a cheating scandal on standardized tests. Many principals and teachers have lost their jobs and the APS is trying to move on. This will indirectly impact all the other school systems in Georgia as administrators will ramp up new procedures and security measures when these tests are taken.
By August 15, all Metro Atlanta school systems will be back in session. That seems early to most people my age as we didn’t head back to class until around Labor Day.
Why are they back so early? It’s a combination of getting the kids getting out the second week of May and schools getting more generous with weeklong breaks a couple times a year in some counties and long weekends in certain months in counties like Fulton. These breaks are appreciated by teachers and families that might want to take trips during the offseason to many warm destinations. It still remains to be seen how this affects the kids ability to learn and results of standarized test scores as compared to years past.
What I like to call the “Back to School Effect” is alive and well in Atlanta. It impacts more than just the kids heading off to class, it affects everyone.
The supply list
This is the list that comes out each summer telling parents what school supplies will be needed come the first day of school. Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, they are all in the back to school business. I had a manager at a Staples tell me this is their “Black Friday.” Huge sales, and big crowds in line for school supplies. Many schools in counties like Cobb, Fulton, and Dekalb ask local businesses for donations of school supplies and necessities. The high unemployment rate in Atlanta coupled with the bad economy has impacted many families and their schools when it comes to educational materials.
After-school day care
Summer break is over and the after-school programs and day cares will be booming. With both parents working in many families, this is big business in and around Atlanta. I talked with two after-school centers in Roswell, GA and they both have waiting lists for new kids, proving it’s tough to find good day care.
Traffic
If you drive around Atlanta during the weekdays, your summer break from traffic is about to end. School starting means busses and additional cars on the road each morning and afternoon. This applies to interstates like 75,85, 285, and 575, as well as state highways. A tip that can sometimes save you some time is to take the side streets. Many drivers don’t know the short-cuts and back roads. This may be your ticket to avaiding a big traffic jam..Be patient, especially as the school year starts and watch out for kids.
Gadgets galore
There are no hotter items this summer than electronic gadgets. From tablet computers like iPads to ebook readers and all sorts of powerful smartphones. Students can’t go to class anymore without their assortment of gadgets. Remember, gadgets for students should be light and mobile. It should fit in their backpack or shoulder bag with ease. There are electronic big box stores like Best Buy located all over town. Remember to also try Amazon.com for their daily and weekly deals.
School should be fun, but these days it’s a lot of work for everyone involved. Make the most of school and be easy on your teachers.
Rick Limpert covers sports, technoogy and events in and around Atlanta. He thinks it’s great to see all the kids heading back to school.