Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K Program is beginning its 34th year, and for children in Chattooga County, the school year is already underway.
As students return to classrooms for the new school year, the Chattooga County School District has activated a new panic alert badge system designed to improve campus safety and speed emergency response.
According to Chattooga County Schools Superintendent Michelle Helie, the district has completed implementation of the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system after beginning work on the project last fall.
“We started working on it last fall and began the implementation phase and onboarding all in the spring, but come this year, it is active, it’s live and ready to go,” Helie said.
The CENTEGIX system is required under Georgia law and provides every school employee with a wearable badge equipped with a panic alert button. Teachers, office staff, custodians, cafeteria workers and other employees throughout the district have been issued the devices.
If an emergency occurs, staff members can press the button on the badge to immediately notify school administrators, 911 and emergency responders through the system’s alarm network.
Helie said district employees completed training on the system last week before receiving their badges. Staff members will wear the panic alert badge alongside their regular school identification badge. One side displays the employee’s identification, while the reverse side contains the emergency alert button.
The badges became active with the start of the new school year, adding another layer of security for students, staff and visitors across all Chattooga County schools.
All students enrolled in the Chattooga County School District will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
The Chattooga County School System is asking parents and students to prepare for several transportation changes as the new school year begins, including bus detours caused by bridge restrictions and repairs.
With the first day of school just days away, motorists are being reminded to slow down, stay alert and obey Georgia’s school bus laws as Chattooga County students return to class on Friday, July 24.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Gore community will hold its annual school prayer walk on Sunday, July 26, inviting families, educators, students, community members and other churches to take part.
The prayer walk will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the CCEC Center and Chattooga County Schools Bus Garage.
The group will then visit the following schools:
Leroy Massey Elementary School — 5:45 p.m.
Trion City Schools — 6:10 p.m.
Summerville Middle School and the CO/AGC area — 6:40 p.m.
Chattooga High School — 7 p.m.
Lyerly Elementary School — 7:25 p.m.
Menlo Elementary School — approximately 7:56 p.m.
Organizers said all times are approximate, but the group plans to arrive as close as possible to the listed schedule.
Community members are welcome to join the prayer walk at their local school or travel with the group to each stop. Other churches are also invited to participate.
Families across Chattooga County will have an opportunity to meet teachers and prepare for the upcoming school year during Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, July 23.
The event will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Menlo Elementary School, Lyerly Elementary School, Leroy Massey School, Summerville Middle School, and Chattooga High School.
Students and their families are encouraged to visit their schools, meet teachers, tour classrooms, drop off school supplies, and learn more about the year ahead before classes begin.
School officials say Meet the Teacher Night is a great opportunity for students to become familiar with their learning environment and start the new school year with confidence.
Georgia DPH Urges Parents to Make Sure Students Are Up to Date on Immunizations Before School Starts
With the first day of school approaching for Chattooga County students, the Georgia Department of Public Health is encouraging parents to make sure their children’s immunizations and required health records are up to date before classes begin.
Students in the Chattooga County School System will have access to a wide range of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs during the 2026-2027 school year, preparing them for college, technical education and careers in high-demand fields.
The CTAE program is offered at Chattooga High School, Summerville Middle School, Lyerly Middle School and Menlo Middle School. School officials say the courses are available to all students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or limited English proficiency.
Available pathways include agriculture, allied health, certified nursing assistant, carpentry, cloud computing, criminal investigations, electrical, automotive technology, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal, welding, sports nutrition, patient care, plant science, work-based learning and youth apprenticeship programs.
For more information about Chattooga County’s CTAE programs, contact Angie Culbert, CTAE Director and Assistant Principal, at aculbert@chattooga.k12.ga.us.
The annual Back to School Bash is happening today, Thursday, July 16, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Chattooga High School.
Coordinator Maisha Ludy says organizers are ready to welcome students and families for an afternoon of free activities, food and back-to-school resources.
Students attending the event can receive free backpacks and school supplies. Free hot dogs and shaved ice will also be available, along with music provided by DJ Marty Mar.
Four local barbers will offer free simple haircuts, while Primary Health Care will provide school-required Form 3300 paperwork. High for Sight will also offer free vision screenings for children ages 8 through 18.
Organizers emphasize that children must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies.
The Back to School Bash is open to students who attend Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.
Ludy thanked the community, volunteers and participating organizations for helping make the event possible as local students prepare for the beginning of another school year.