CatoosaCONNECTS

Back to School Newsletter Message from Superintendent Nix
Dear CCPS Family,
When our girls were little, one of our favorite movies was Finding Nemo. Each new school year, I think about Nemo’s first day of school. Nemo woke up so excited for school, but his dad, Marlin, woke up a nervous wreck! My favorite line is when Marlin told Nemo to hold his fin and wait to cross the traffic. When Nemo said, " Dad, you’re not going to freak out like you did at the petting zoo, are you?” Marlin replied that the snail was about to charge!
As we begin the new year, you may feel both excited and nervous. Here is a little secret: many teachers feel the same way. They are excited to see their new students, but their high expectations make them a little nervous. Don’t worry, by the end of the week, you’ll have it down, swimmingly!
Below are some tips and links to help you get started on the right “fin”:
- Please make sure you are signed up for ParentSquare, our new and improved communication tool. Your child’s school is happy to help if you need assistance.
- ParentSquare - Getting Started for Parents (English)
- ParentSquare - Getting Started for Parents (Spanish)
- Ensure you know your kid’s teachers’, principals’, and district leaders’ contact information. They’re on the school’s and district’s websites.
- Bookmark your school’s and district’s websites.
- Ensure all your contact information is up to date in Infinite Campus. Your child’s school can help you with this.
- Download the Parent Portal app: Please click for instructions on downloading the Parent Portal App.
- Download the school bus app: Please click for instructions on downloading the MyRide App
- Check your emails regularly.
Parents, teachers, and students can be a little nervous about starting a new school year. One excellent way to reduce that stress is to establish open communication. By using these tips, you’ll be swimming in no time!
First Day of School August 7th, 2026
Spotlight on Catoosa County Schools
Welcome New Teachers
As we kick off the 2026–2027 school year, Catoosa County Public Schools is proud to welcome a talented group of new teachers and staff to our CCPS family! Our new educators bring fresh energy, diverse experience, and a strong commitment to keeping our school system's mission at the heart of their classrooms: "Every child, every day, without exception!" Please join us in giving a warm Catoosa County welcome to our newest teachers when you see them at orientation, open houses, and around our schools! Here's to a fantastic school year ahead.
Important Announcement for Pre-K and Kindergarten Parents
Important information for parents of Pre-K and Kindergarten students. August 7th, 10th, and 11th, 2026: Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 11:30 am. Transportation will not be provided. This adjustment will allow for a smooth transition to a full school day starting August 12th.
Kids Day 2026
CCPS was so proud to partner with so many wonderful community organizations at the annual Kids Day event at The Colonnade. From essential school supplies to valuable local resources, this event helps ensure our families have everything they need to start the upcoming school year off right. A massive THANK YOU to all of the amazing organizations, volunteers, and partners who participated and made this day such a success.
Please click on the ParentSquare logo to sign up!
Parent Square
Catoosa County Public Schools (CCPS) is excited to announce a major upgrade to district-wide communications. Starting July 1, 2026, the district will transition to ParentSquare, a unified platform designed to streamline communication between schools and families, students, and staff.
Families will receive messages through email, app, voice, or text, helping everyone stay informed and involved!
An account is automatically created for each parent or guardian using the contact information in our student information system. We encourage you to activate your account to download the free mobile app, set your language preferences, and choose how and when you’d like to receive messages.
What you can do with ParentSquare:
1) Receive updates from your school via email, app, or text notification
2) Choose to get posts as they’re shared or bundled in a daily digest
3) View posts, photos, calendars, and important announcements
4) Communicate in your preferred language with automatic translation
5) Send direct messages to teachers and staff
6) Sign up for conferences and school events
7) Fill out forms, sign permission slips, and sign up to volunteer
—all in one place
State of the System 2026 Video
CCPS 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Video
Traversa MyRide K-12 Parent App
CCPS is excited to begin the 2026-2027 school year. CCPS offers a bus-tracking app called Traversa MyRide K-12. Please scan the QR code shown in this article with your smartphone's camera to download and sign up for our new CCPS Bus app.
Traversa offers a more advanced and user-friendly platform designed to improve the safety and efficiency of our student transportation. Key benefits include:
Improved Efficiency: Streamlined processes and real-time updates.
- Enhanced Safety: Advanced features to ensure student safety.
- Better Communication: Timely notifications and updates through the MyRide K-12 Parent App, allowing you to track your child’s bus with:
- Estimated arrival times
- Potential delays or route changes
- Notifications for specific events (e.g., bus approaching)
- Data Privacy: Rest assured that student data is protected, and the app adheres to all privacy regulations.
After scanning the QR code, you will be directed to download the app and create an account using your student ID.
Please click here for directions to download MyRide K-12 App
We encourage all CCPS Bus rider families to participate in the new bus app program. We are particularly interested in your comments regarding the accuracy of bus pick-up and drop-off times displayed in the app. You will be able to track your student 30 minutes prior to and post pick-up time.
Please share your thoughts and suggestions with:
Mrs. Mary Lanham, CCPS Transportation Manager: mlanham@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Or call our Transportation Office @ 706-965-2913
All comments are welcomed and appreciated. We look forward to our new MyRide K-12 Program and all it can offer by way of accuracy. We look forward to partnering with you to make our transportation system the best it can be.
Parent ProTech Monthly Newsletter Message
The start of the school year is a great time to set screen-time boundaries that help your child thrive online. Parent ProTech is an excellent resource to help determine what apps are safe for your child as well.
Cyber Safety Tips for Parents and Guardians
CCPS Screen Smart Newsletter
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Click on the photo to Navigate to the Child Nutrition Meal Payment System Site
Important New School Year Information from the CCPS Child Nutrition Department
Free & Reduced Meal Application Information for the 2026 School Year
As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, the free and reduced-price meal application process restarts.
Should My Family Apply?
If you believe your family qualifies and you have at least one child enrolled at a school not designated as CEP (Community Eligibility Provision), you should complete an application.
Note: If you received a letter or email stating that your student qualifies for free meals during the 2025-2026 school year through SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or other qualifying programs, you do not need to apply.
How to Apply
You have two options to submit your application:
Online Application:
Complete the application quickly and securely by clicking here.
Paper Application:
Request a paper application from your student’s school.
Important Reminders
Applications must be completed every school year in order to receive meal benefits. Families are responsible for paying for student meals until they receive an official approval notification.
Meal Payment System
To add funds to your student’s meal account, please click here.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Child Nutrition Office at 706-965-2414.
For additional information, please visit the Child Nutrition page on the CCPS site by clicking here.
Please click here to watch a video tutorial about how to apply for meals
Important Links for our Parents and Community
Every child, every day, without exception.
We value your input. If you would like to ask us a question, please use the email address provided below in our contact information.
Email: questions@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Website: www.catoosa.k12.ga.us

