East Cobb Schools

Timber Ridge students take part in ‘Courtroom to Classroom’

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Timber Ridge students take part in 'Courtroom to Classroom'

Information and photo submitted by Cobb County Government:

The Cobb Judicial Circuit was thrilled to welcome 88 fifth-grade students from Timber Ridge Elementary School to the Cobb County Superior Court on Friday morning. This initiative is designed to demystify the judicial process for local youth by giving them hands-on experience in the courtroom.

The immersive field trip offered students more than just a tour; it provided a front-row seat to justice in action. Under the guidance of court staff and volunteer local attorneys, the students acted out a full mock trial involving a bicycle theft. The fifth graders stepped into every critical role in the courtroom, serving as the jury, attorneys, witnesses, and defendant.

Judge Kellie S. Hill presided over the mock trial, offering the students real-time feedback and instruction from the bench. “Superior Court is a place where everyone’s voice matters. Through programs like Courtroom to Classroom, we help children see how fairness, listening, and asking questions can make a real difference and inspire the next generation of leaders in our community,” said Judge Hill.

In addition to the mock trial, the students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the judicial complex, including a visit to the holding cells and other secure areas of the courthouse.

The Courtroom to Classroom mock trial program is suitable for fourth- and fifth-grade groups and is offered, space permitting, in the courtroom. Educators interested in scheduling a visit for the 2025 – 2026 school year are encouraged to contact Erin Mendez at Erin.Mendez@cobbcounty.gov for more information.

 

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Simpson Middle School celebrates annual STEAMapalooza

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Simpson Middle School celebrates annual STEAMapalooza

Information and photos submitted by the Cobb County School District:

Simpson Middle School welcomed families, students, and community partners for its annual STEAMapalooza, an interactive event celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics through hands-on learning and collaboration.

Hosted each year at Simpson Middle School, STEAMapalooza is designed as an open-house experience that invites families to explore the school at their own pace. Classrooms and hallways were filled with engaging activities that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving for learners of all ages.

The event is the result of months of planning and a true schoolwide effort. Simpson’s PTSA worked alongside staff leaders and administrators to bring the event to life, with every teacher taking an active role in facilitating activities, supervising students, and supporting setup and breakdown.

“Every single teacher on the Simpson team takes a role in facilitating activities for our guests, supervision, and set up and breakdown of this schoolwide experience,” said Principal D. Cory Stanley. “The coordination and collaboration of the entire neighborhood is truly second to none.”

Throughout the evening, families participated in a wide range of STEAM-focused experiences. Guests experimented with household chemistry by creating slime and lava lamps, while students tackled engineering challenges such as building sleds and spaghetti towers. Additional activities included interactive science demonstrations, hands-on encounters with animals, and introductions to coding and artificial intelligence.

Community partners helped expand learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Experts from Georgia Tech Astronomy and the Ramblin’ Rocket Club shared their passion for space and engineering. Students and sponsors from Wheeler High School’s National Honor Society, Society of Women Engineers, and Robotics programs connected with younger learners, offering inspiration and mentorship. Representatives from Cobb County GIS and the Watershed Departments highlighted how STEAM-related careers connect directly to the local community.

Parents and local businesses also supported the event as exhibitors and contributors to a silent auction, helping fund future programs and reinforcing the strong partnership between the school and its community.

“The result of this all-hands-on-deck effort is a building full of hundreds of smiling faces, learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics in the best way possible — hands on,” Stanley said.

STEAMapalooza continues to be a highlight of the school year at Simpson Middle School, strengthening connections with families and feeder schools while showcasing Cobb Schools’ commitment to engaging students through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

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East Cobb high school athletes make college commitments

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East Cobb high school athletes make college commitments
Photo: Cobb County School District

High school athletes from around the country made their college commitments this week in what’s known as National Signing Day.

That’s when the officially sign scholarship offers to continue their sports careers at the next level.

According to the Cobb County School District, Sprayberry High School had 14 athletes sign, the most for any school in the district. They included five football players as well as the first Yellow Jacket athlete to sign a college commitment in flag football.

The district compiled the following names and schools (this is only a partial list):

Kell High School

  • Jacob Carroll (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Kennedy Deese (Basketball/Howard)
  • Anabel Gonzalez (Lacrosse/Life)
  • Alexander Jean (Football/Shorter)
  • Myles Jones (Football/Arkansas at Monticello)
  • Chase Lewandowski (Football/Miles)
  • David Ornelas (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Jaziah Owens (Football/Muskingum)
  • Leah Wetherington (Soccer/Kennesaw State)

Pope High School

  • Jaxson Griffin (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Mathews Lago (Football/Newberry)

Sprayberry High School

  • Josh Alequin (Baseball/Brewton-Parker Christian)
  • Colton Clearman (Baseball/Paradise Valley C.C.)
  • Luke Hopkins (Baseball/Truett-McConnell)
  • Kobe Lewis (Football/Drake)
  • Lenai Louie (Basketball/Montreat)
  • Graci Pederson (Softball/Shorter)
  • Isabella Puleo (Softball/Reinhardt)
  • Payton Ramsay (Soccer/West Georgia)
  • Jordan Simpson (Softball/West Georgia)
  • Brock Trout (Football/Berry)
  • Jack Trout (Football/Berry College)
  • Judah Williams (Football/Central Georgia Tech)
  • Mikyla Wilson (Flag Football/Alabama State)
  • Ashton Wright (Football/Andrew)

Walton High School

  • Christian Andrews (Football/Reinhardt)
  • Ethan Baker (Football/Berry)
  • Cooper Bowles (Football/Johns Hopkins)
  • Bryant Gunnels (Football/University of the South)
  • Max McRaney (Football/Anderson)
  • Sam Strickland (Football/Furman)
  • Nick Thorner (Football/Kennesaw State)

Wheeler High School

  • Khalil Bullock (Football/Muskingum)
  • Jemar Mitchell (Football/Benedict)
  • Jashawn Sanders (Football/Huntingdon)
  • Greg Kendrick (Football/Miles)

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Cobb students earn national honors at 4-H championships

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Cobb students earn national honors at 4-H championships

Submitted information and photo:

Four Cobb County high school students earned top national honors after representing Cobb 4-H and Georgia 4-H at the 4-H Family and Consumer Science National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Prayushi Padhi (Campbell High School), Aarsheya Gunjal (Sprayberry High School), Naitik Maheshwari (Wheeler High School), and Shubham Badve (Wheeler High School) competed against teams from across the country and returned home with an impressive slate of awards.

As a team, the students earned Champion Team Overall, Champion Team for Placings, Champion Team for Group Think, and Reserve Champion Team for Reasons.

Individually, students were also recognized for outstanding performance:

  • Prayushi Padhi: Third High Individual for Reasons; Fourth High Overall

  • Aarsheya Gunjal: Fifth High Individual for Reasons

  • Naitik Maheshwari: Fourth High Individual for Placings

  • Shubham Badve: First High Individual Overall; First High Individual for Reasons; Fifth High Individual for Placings; earned perfect scores for both sets of reasons, a rare national achievement

The students’ success reflects years of dedication. Each has participated in the Georgia 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Competition since fourth grade. Consumer Judging teaches students how to evaluate products and services based on quality, cost, and value, while building critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking skills that translate to academic and career success.

Congratulations to Prayushi, Aarsheya, Naitik, and Shubham for representing Cobb County with excellence. Their achievements highlight the impact of long-term commitment, strong mentorship, and supportive learning communities.

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East Cobb Middle School talent show continues long tradition

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East Cobb Middle School talent show

Submitted information, photo and videos:

For more than 25 years, the talent show at East Cobb Middle School has been a staple within Cobb Schools, an event hundreds look forward to each year.

This year, the talent show brought out brave 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who showcased a wide range of talents they had spent weeks and months preparing to perform.

“My favorite part is seeing the joy all the students have,” said longtime East Cobb teacher and event organizer Hope Onyeukwu. 

People in attendance saw everything from inspiring piano performances and energetic dance routines to heartfelt singing and even a unique yo-yo performance.

“I feel like I unite with my team when we do it, and it’s all about unity when we dance,” said 8th grader Adrienne.

According to the talented East Cobb students, the event provided more than the fun of showcasing their talent. They also learned more about their fellow classmates through shared interests and made new friends.

“I hope that they get out of this that no matter what you do, you have to have courage. These kids are so inspiring because the amount of courage they have to get up there at such a young age inspires not only the young but the older people as well,” said ELA teacher Andrew Trowers, who helps host the event every year.

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Students walk out at Sprayberry and Wheeler to protest ICE

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Students walk out at Sprayberry and Wheeler to protest ICE
A still photo of Sprayberry HS students protesting ICE from video shot by Andrew Register.

Students at a number of Cobb County high schools walked out of classes and other school activities Friday afternoon to protest federal immigration operations in Minnesota that havd galvanized opposition across the country.

Dozens of students at Sprayberry High School in East Cobb gathered at the intersection of Sandy Plains Road and Piedmont Road, across from the school, holding signs and getting motorists to honk in support.

Local videographer Andrew Register sent us the footage below and the photos in this post from the Sprayberry protest that included interviews with some students.

A smaller group of students gathered outside Wheeler High School on Holt Road in East Cobb on Friday afternoon as well, as students around Georgia coordinated protests agains the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency raids in the Minneapolis area.

Sprayberry Principal David Church

Two protesters there were shot and killed in recent weeks by U.S. Border Patrol agents involved in activities to remove illegal immigrants.

The Cobb County School District issued a statement early this week saying that students who disrupted class activities would be subject to its student code of conduct, including out-of-school suspension and “the potential loss of parking privileges, sports, and extracurricular privileges. Each has long-lasting impacts that could be taken into account by college admission offices and future employers.”

Students organizing the walkouts complained that threatened their free-speech rights, and Cobb students published an open letter demanding mental-health services due to “immigration-related stress” but the school district did not respond.

On Wednesday Sprayberry principal David Church wrote an open letter to the school community saying that he and his staff met with students and staff, as well as parents, “to help students find ways to share their voice, support causes they care about and express their views, all while staying within the guidelines of the school district.

“I am proud of our students for having the courage to come forward with their ideas and questions.”

Church added in his letter that proceeds from the Sprayberry Student-Principal Advisory Committee’s winter dance on Thursday will be used “to support a group benefitting local families and children.”

A message posted by a Wheeler student protest organizer after the walkout Friday expressed disappointment with the turnout, “as this morning, admin had threatened students again through announcements, and many felt scared to walk out—but we would advise you not to be discouraged.

“We see all of you, and we are so grateful to have members of our community that have the compassion and motivation to speak up for what is right,” said the message, which did not include any names.

“Today’s events should not be seen as signs of failure, but rather as an increasingly evident fact that there is still so much work to do, and that we have to realize we have more power than we think.”

The Wheeler student message said that Principal Sara Fetterman “has spoken about other opportunities and alternatives that we can pursue to be civically engaged, and we encourage students to work together to find out more ways to stand up for this cause.”

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ICE walkout group responds to Cobb school district statement

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ICE walkout group responds to Cobb school district statement
Wheeler is one of three East Cobb high schools with student walkouts announced for Friday.

The organizers of a campaign to conduct immigration-related walkouts at public high schools in metro Atlanta on Friday said that the Cobb County School District is being asked to refuse to cooperate with any enforcement efforts that may take place on campuses.

The group known as abolish.ice.georgia also said the district is being requested to provide “access to counseling and mental health support for students affected by immigration-related stress, as well as staff training on students’ rights and how to respond appropriately if immigration officials appear at school.”

The walkouts are in response to two shooting deaths of civilians and related violence in recent weeks in Minneapolis, where federal immigration authorities—including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, or ICE—have been carrying out enforcement activities.

The abolish.ice.georgia group—which has been posting anonymously but claims it’s run by students—also said that “if these concerns are not addressed by Thursday, students will proceed with a peaceful walkout on Friday.”

The message was addressed to “Dear Cobb County School District” and signed by “All Cobb County Students” but no names were included (see below).

The message, posted Wednesday on the group’s Instagram account, is in response to a statement from the Cobb County School District on Tuesday that students who violate its code of conduct will be facing disciplinary action.

The district said that walkouts during the class day would “disrupt school operations and distract students and teachers.”

Walkouts have been announced at several Cobb high schools, including Lassiter, Sprayberry and Wheeler in East Cobb.

All are tentatively scheduled to be held after class periods or blocks, either at main entrances or in the case of Sprayberry, on the football field.

Updated, Thursday, 3:30 p.m.:

In a request for comment from East Cobb News, abolish.ice.georgia said it consists of a small group of three student organizers, and that it is relaying messages from individual school walkout organizers on a social media channel.

“Our role is to help share information, amplify student voices, and promote peaceful protest. We are not a formal organization, nor do we claim to represent every student in the Cobb County School District.”

The response from abolish.ice.georgia—whose individuals are not named—said it could not identify those students at the school level.

“Many of the students involved are minors and have explicitly requested that their identities remain private for safety and personal reasons. We take that responsibility seriously.”

Original story resumes:

In its statement Tuesday, the Cobb school district said that the code of conduct includes “disrupting the instructional day,” and that the consequences include out-of-school suspensions, as well as “the potential loss of parking privileges, sports, and extracurricular privileges. Each has long-lasting impacts that could be taken into account by college admission offices and future employers.”

The district encouraged “families to speak with their children about appropriate civic engagement and the importance of not disrupting school.”

On Wednesday, abolish.ice.georgia claimed that “attempting to silence voices through threats or intimidation do not create safety or trust. They only show who you choose to side with and that student voices are not being heard.”

East Cobb News has left a message with the Cobb school district seeking a response to Wednesday’s abolish.ice.georgia statement.

In its statement to East Cobb News, abolish.ice.georgia said that “at this time, we are not in direct contact with Cobb County School District officials. No formal discussions are taking place regarding calling off the walkouts. Students are making individual decisions about participation, understanding that consequences may apply, and many have expressed that they are prepared for that in order to raise awareness and speak out peacefully.”

ICE has been in Minneapolis in recent weeks as part of a 3,000-troop federal effort to detain illegal immigrants, including the involvement of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Two U.S. Border Patrol agents involved in the fatal shootings have been placed on administrative leave as the Trump Administration is changing leadership for its Minnesota operations.

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Cobb school district warns students about Friday ICE walkout

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Cobb school district warns students about Friday ICE walkout

The Cobb County School District said Tuesday that students who take part in a planned walkout to protest U.S. immigration actions in Minnesota later this week will be subject to suspension and other disciplinary measures.

The planned protests include Lassiter, Wheeler and Sprayberry high schools in East Cobb, according to abolish.ice.georgia.

It bills itself as a student-run organization that is encouraging students to walk out of their classes Friday to protest the controversy in Minneapolis, where two protesters have been shot and killed in recent weeks by federal agents.

ICE is the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, which has been in Minneapolis in recent weeks as part of a 3,000-troop federal effort to detain illegal immigrants, and whose ranks include the U.S. Border Patrol.

On Saturday, an intensive-care nurse, Alex Pretti, was killed by a Border Patrol officer, two weeks after Renee Good was shot and killed in her vehicle while blocking Border Patrol officers in a Minneapolis street.

Abolish.ICE.Georgia says it’s “not here to cause chaos or disrespect anyone — we are here to stand together as one voice, one community, and one generation that refuses to stay silent.

“When we walk out, we are not skipping class for no reason; we are raising awareness, speaking up for what is right, and showing that we care about the lives and futures of our people. We are stronger when we unite, and our power comes from our unity.”

In a statement issued at its website, the Cobb school district said that any students walking out would be in violation of the district’s student conduct policy.

“Your teachers and principal are focused on teaching and learning,” the district statement said.

“While we respect the right of students to express their views in a non-disruptive way, students are expected to be in class and engaged in learning throughout the school day.”

In addition to suspensions, the punishments listed include “the potential loss of parking privileges, sports, and extracurricular privileges. Each has long-lasting impacts that could be taken into account by college admission offices and future employers.”

Students around the country have been marching to protest the ICE actions in Minnesota. On Monday, President Donald Trump spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey about de-escalating tensions and revamping the federal presence there.

Some school students in DeKalb County conducted walkouts on Friday, including more than 600 at Druid Hills High School.

The abolish.ice.georgia Instagram page includes a graphic indicating that protests are being planned at a number of Cobb high schools.

Among them is Lassiter High School, with a walkout planned after the 4th period Friday at the main school entrance.

At Sprayberry, the protest is slated after thd 3rd block at the football field. The Wheeler protest is also scheduled after the 3rd block at the main school entrance.

Other schools that may have protests in Cobb are at Harrison, Kennesaw Mountain, Allatoona, Campbell, Osborne, South Cobb, McEachern and Marietta high schools.

“This is not about hate it’s about justice, dignity, and human rights,” abolish.ice.georgia said. “We will not let fear control us, and we will not let threats silence us. We are the new generation, and we are awake. We will speak, we will stand, and we will be heard. If they try to divide us, we will stay united. If they try to ignore us, we will become louder. We are here, we are united, and we will not be silenced.”

Cobb Board of Education member John Cristadoro, who represents Post 5 in East Cobb and whose children attend Walton High School, said on his Facebook page late Tuesday that “as a parent of two high school students, I am extremely concerned about messages that have been circulated to children in our county.”

In 2018, the Cobb school district suspended students who walked out to protest a deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Those included students at Walton, Pope, Wheeler and Lassiter high schools in East Cobb. During that school day, the district closed off public access and in some cases had law enforcement block entrances to school campuses.

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Weather update: Cobb school district cancels weekend events

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Updated: More cancellations/closures in the East Cobb area.

Original post:

Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Thursday that weekend extracurricular events have been cancelled or postponed due to approaching Winter Storm Fern.Campbell High School lockdown

During a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday afternoon, Ragsdale said that a decision on whether to cancel classes and activities on Monday will be made by no later than mid-afternoon Sunday.

Ragsdale said communications have gone out to Cobb school district parties that had sporting events and other activities scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

The cancelled events this weekend have been rescheduled, the district said in a statement, and “over the weekend, staff will continue preparing our schools for severe weather and will be in constant communication with the state, county offices, neighboring school districts, and weather experts.”

Cobb County was added to a winter storm watch earlier Thursday that begins at 1 a.m. Saturday and continues through 10 a.m. Monday.

That forecast includes a strong chance of ice accumulations throughout North and Central Georgia, with as much as a half-inch in some places.

The latest prediction for Cobb and metro Atlanta is as much as a quarter-inch of ice.

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency through Thursday to mobilize crews to begin preparations for road closures and power outages.

A detailed forecast is still emerging, and Ragsdale said that “nobody really knows what we don’t know.”

The major storm is expected to leave what forecasters are calling “crippling” amounts of ice through the lower Midwest and into the Mid-Atlantic region.

Georgia and Alabama are at the Southern edige of storm, which will bring snow and high winds through the weekend.

The chance of precipitation is near 100 percent Saturday evening and Sunday, and 80 percent into Monday morning, with temperatures dropping into the high teens for the return to school.

Cobb DOT will brief the public Friday with further details about its plans to address road conditions.

“Hopefully we won’t have to make any call,” Ragsdale said about the possibility of delaying or cancelling classes and activities on Monday.

The Cobb school district is updating its weather information at this link.

 

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Walton Chess Club finishes in third place in MLK tournament

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Walton Chess Club finishes in third place in MLK tournament

Submitted information and photos:

Walton High School earned 3rd Place Overall at the MLK Tournament, competing against 26 teams.

Tournament Details:
MLK Tournament – Sunday, January 18, 2026

Team Walton (Marietta, GA):
Sarvesh Prabhu — 3.0
Ritvik Rachamallu — 3.0
Logiit Mugunthan — 2.5
Shreyas Rachamallu — 2.0
Aaryan Sheikh — 2.0

Walton Chess Club finishes in third place in MLK tournament

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Ga. bill would mandate airing school board public comments

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Editor's Note: Whither public comments in an age of rage?
Critics of the Cobb school district, including former school counselor Jennifer Susko, lashed out last summer when their public comments were no longer aired.

Several Cobb County lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Georgia General Assembly that would require public school districts to air or record public comments at school board meetings that are broadcast to their communities.

Six legislators, including Democratic State Rep. Solomon Adesanya of East Cobb, introduced the bill on Friday. HB 989 (you can read it here) would add to an existing state law that requires school boards to provide public comment periods.

Last July the Cobb Board of Education voted on a 4-3 partisan basis to bar the airing of public comments, with the Republican majority and Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale saying it was for legal reasons and to ensure more people get to comment.

Critics said it’s the latest attempt by the Cobb school district and the GOP members to silence their dissenting voices during public comment periods, and follows several years of highly charged partisan rhetoric over a number of controversial issues and events in the district.

Since then, the district no longer shows or records what citizens say before the board and superintendent at public meetings. Viewers see a black screen saying the board is hearing public comment, but there is no audio or video.

The Cobb County Courier local news site has been streaming the public comments on-site, but must do so from a seat in the audience.

State law requires school boards to set aside time for public comment but they’re not required to air their meetings.

The proposed bill includes language that states that “any public comment period provided for in this subsection shall be recorded or broadcast by the local board of education in the same manner and to the same extent as the remainder of the public portions of the meeting are recorded or broadcast.”

East Cobb News has left a message with Randy Scamihorn, the Republican Cobb school board chairman, seeking comment.

The other co-sponsors of HB 989 include Democrats David Wilkerson, the Cobb legislative delegation chairman, Mekyah McQueen, Mary Frances Williams and Lisa Campbell.

The lone Republican co-sponsor is Rep. Jordan Ridley of Woodstock, whose district includes the Bells Ferry Elementary School area in Northeast Cobb.

The bill has had a first reading and has been assigned to the Georgia House Education Committee, but a hearing has not been scheduled.

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New East Side ES playground on Cobb school board agenda

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East Side ES playground

The Cobb Board of Education will be asked Thursday to spend $218,892 to build a new playground at East Side Elementary School.

That’s one of the action items on the board’s agenda that will be discussed at an afternoon work session and considered during an evening business meeting.

The board will hold a work session Thursday at 3 p.m., followed by a voting session Thursday at 7 p.m.

All meetings take place in the board room of the Cobb County School District Central Office, at 514 Glover St. in Marietta. An executive session will follow the work session.

The public meetings will be streamed live and you can watch on Comcast Cable or on a livestream on the district’s Boxcast Channel.

You can find agendas for both public meetings by clicking here.

The East Side playground has been in use since the replacement school opened on Roswell Road at Indian Hills Parkway in 2011.

According to the East Side agenda item, most of the funding for the new playground—$215,000—has been raised privately by the school’s foundation. The remaining $3,892 would come from East Side’s district-budgeted after-school program account.

The recommended vendor is Playworld Preferred Systems, which the Cobb County School District said in the agenda item is “the designated standard for the District’s playscapes.”

At the work session Thursday, the board will hear an independent audit of district finances and will be presented with a request to accept bids for an issuer of $100 million in short-term construction notes.

The board in recent years has annually borrowed Cobb Education Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax VI (SPLOST) funds in advance to begin construction and maintenance projects at the beginning of the calendar year, then repaying them by the the end of the year.

This is done, according to an agenda item, due to rising construction cost and that bidding on projects earlier enables the district to projects to be bid earlier and “[capture] savings in the current construction market.”

A recommended bidder will be brought back to the board in a separate vote.

At the Thursday evening meeting, two Pope High School girls sports state championship teams will be recognized—cross country and flag football—along with Pope’Aislynn Dunn, the Georgia High School Association Class 5A girls individual cross country champion.

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Mt. Bethel Christian Academy STAR student and teacher named

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Mt. Bethel Christian Academy STAR student and teacher named

Submitted information and photos:

Jackson Sparrow of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Upper School has been named the school’s 2026 PAGE STAR Student. Dr. Eric Pratt, MBCA Upper School Head announced the honor on January 20, 2026. Jackson selected John Whitehurst, English teacher at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, as his STAR Teacher.

Jackson Sparrow, the son of Chuck and Missy Sparrow of Marietta, earned the recognition for academic achievement and performance on the SAT.

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its inception in 1958 the STAR program has honored nearly 30,000 students and the teachers selected as the most influential to their academic achievement. High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for STAR nomination.Mt. Bethel Christian Academy STAR student and teacher named

STAR begins each year in participating Georgia high schools when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 170 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

“We are very proud of Jackson and Mr. Whitehurst and the academic excellence they exemplify at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy,” said Dr. Pratt.

PAGE and the PAGE Foundation honor outstanding students and educators and encourage academic excellence through competitive academic programs such as PAGE STAR, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is a statewide professional association of more than 93,000 educators, administrators, and support personnel. PAGE provides professional learning to enhance competence and confidence, build leadership and increase student achievement while providing the best in membership, legal services, and legislative support.

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Cobb schools financial watchdog group launches website

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Cobb schools financial watchdog group launches website

A watchdog group that began scrutinizing Cobb County School District finances five years ago on Facebook has launched a website.

Watching the Funds—Cobb announced Friday that its new website is designed to make it easier for citizens to track district budgeting and spending, retrieve agendas and reports, watch meetings, file open records requests and provide tips.

“For five years, we’ve tracked your tax dollars and supported our schools. Now we’ve built a one-stop resource hub for YOU by putting everything you need to hold the school board accountable in one place,” the group stated on its Facebook page, which has more than 3,000 followers.

The group also has posted a link to signup for its newsletter, and has linked to official district and other related financial pages.

Watching the Funds-Cobb began in 2021 over spending issues related to the district’s efforts to mitigate against COVID-19 (our initial post on the group is here).

Since then, group members have been active in speaking out during public comment at Cobb Board of Education meetings, and have been critical of other district spending initiatives.

Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb

In 2024, the Cobb school cancelled a previously approved $50 million special events center after Watching the Funds-Cobb revealed blueprints and other details the Cobb school district had not disclosed.

A new feature on the Watching the Funds-Cobb website is an anonymous tip and story function.

“A citizen tip helped us kill the $50 million event center,” Watching the Funds-Cobb said in announcing the website. “We’ve NEVER identified a source. Ever. The form asks for your name for follow-up questions, but you can type ‘anonymous.’ We never share sources or identifying details. We protect you because your story matters.”

Late last year, the group also revealed that school board member John Cristadoro of East Cobb was being sued in a business matter in Fulton State Court that he and his client wanted sealed from the public.

Then-board chairman David Chastain said the board had no authority to look into the matter, in which Cristadoro was accused of misusing $250,000 of client money.

Cristadoro, who settled the suit, accused his critics of “trying to tear down Cobb schools.”

Watching the Funds-Cobb leader Heather Tolley-Bauer of East Cobb said the group is a “a grassroots organization and is not formally organized.”

It’s officially non-partisan, although two former leaders have delved into politics: East Cobb residents Laura Judge, who ran against Cristadoro in 2024, and Stacy Efrat, an appointed member of the Cobb Board of Elections. Both are Democrats.

Tolley-Bauer said Watching the Funds-Cobb includes “three core leaders,” herself, Jamie Mohr and Jessica Killcreas, as well a few dozen go‑to volunteers and stakeholders we can tap for projects.”

They’re asking for non-tax-deductible donations for their work, which includes building a searchable archive as well as continuing to obtain information about school district finances through open records requests in particular.

“Donations will be used in a variety of ways, but open records requests have been our single biggest expense,” she said.

“Since the district often makes basic information hard to get, we end up filing Open Records Act requests that are delayed and come with price tags that are designed to make people give up.”

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Wheeler Theatre to present ‘SpongeBob’ musical youth edition

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Submitted information:Wheeler Theatre to present 'SpongeBob' musical youth edition

Wheeler High School Theatre Department presents “The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition” January 30 – February 1, 2026. 

This hour-long musical is a high energy stage adaptation of the animated TV series, set in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom. When scientists discover that a massive volcano is about to erupt and destroy the city, panic spreads among the residents. As chaos grows, SpongeBob teams up with his best friend Patrick and the practical Sandy Cheeks to find a way to stop the eruption. Along the way, the story explores how fear can divide people. Through a series of adventures, setbacks, and songs, SpongeBob proves that courage, teamwork, and belief in one another can make a difference.

The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition runs January 30 – February 1, 2026. Friday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 5:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00. 

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

NICKELODEON, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, AND ALL RELATED TITLES, LOGOS AND CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.

TICKETS: WHEELERHS.BOOKTIX.COM 

Adult Tickets:  $20 

Student Tickets:  $10 / with student ID or children attending with an adult

CCSD Faculty and Staff receive ONE Complimentary Ticket with CCSD ID.

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Cobb school district 2026-27 transfer window to open

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Submitted information:Campbell High School lockdown

Parents/guardians of a student zoned to attend a District school may apply for a School Choice transfer under Georgia law (HB 251) and the District Administrative Rule JBCD-R to request placement at a school other than the one to which the student is zoned. Available space at a school is based on permanent classroom space. If the number of transfer requests exceeds available capacity, the District will conduct a random lottery.

Important 2026–2027 Application Windows

HB 251 School Choice Transfer Applications 

Application Window: January 22 – February 13, 2026

The application window for HB 251 School Choice Transfers for the 2026–2027 school year is scheduled from January 22 to February 13, 2026. No late applications will be accepted after these established dates. 

For more information about this program, including instructions on how to apply, please visit our School Choice Transfers page. 

Sibling Transfer Applications

Application Window: January 5 – January 16, 2026

Parents/guardians of a student who has a sibling already enrolled in a District school through an approved transfer may apply for the younger sibling to attend the same school in accordance with District Administrative Rule JBCD-R. This provision attempts to address siblings enrolled in different schools at the same time due to an approved transfer. The application window for siblings of currently enrolled transfer students for the 2026–2027 school year is scheduled from January 5 to January 16, 2026. 

Children of Employees Transfer

Application Window: December 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026

Cobb County School District employees may apply for a Children of Employees Transfer for the 2026–2027 school year in accordance with District Administrative Rule JBCD-R. The application window is scheduled from December 1, 2025, to January 16, 2026. Students currently attending their school of choice through this option are not required to reapply unless they are changing school levels (elementary to middle or middle to high). Applications submitted after January 16, 2026, will only be accepted for qualifying events, such as new employment or a job location change, and available school options may be limited based on space.

Learn More: Understanding School Choice

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Addison ES principal charged with DUI, traffic violations

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Addison ES principal charged with DUI

The principal of Addison Elementary School in East Cobb has been charged with driving under the influence and other traffic violations.

According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, Jill Spiva was charged with one misdemeanor count of DUI and separate counts of an open container violation and failure to maintain a lane, also misdemeanors.

The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon at Ebenezer Road and Sandy Plains Road, close to the school, according to the booking report.

She was booked into the Cobb Adult Detention Center around 5 p.m. Thursday, and was released the following day after posting a $1,980 bond, the booking report states.

A report from WSB-TV states that Spiva caused a crash near the school, and that officers discovered a plastic bag with vodka near a console when they approached her vehicle. When she refused a blood test, according to the report, a judge signed a search warrant ordering her to give blood.

Her status as principal is unclear; a Cobb County School District spokesperson told East Cobb News the following:

“The district recently became aware of an incident which we have verified happened off-campus and after school hours. Because the investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further. We are happy to hear everyone involved is safe.”

Spiva, who lives in Milton, has been with the district for more than 20 years, and is in her fourth year at Addison. She is a Lassiter High School graduate and has been an assistant principal at Shallowford Falls Elementary School and Davis Elementary School.

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East Side ES students take part in Cobb court mock trial

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East Side ES students take part in Cobb court mock trial series

Submitted information and photos:

The Cobb Judicial Circuit continued its commitment to community outreach this Friday, turning the courthouse into a classroom for 230 fifth-grade students from East Side Elementary School. As part of the ongoing “Courtroom to Classroom” initiative, students traded their textbooks for a real-life legal experience.

Friday’s session was a collaborative effort from the bench, featuring Superior Court Judges Jason D. Marbutt and Sonja N. Brown and Probate Court Chief Judge Kelli L. Wolk and Judge Tara C. Riddle. The program bridges the gap between the community and the judiciary by allowing students to participate directly in the legal process. Guided by court staff and local attorneys, the East Side students took on the responsibilities of the justice system — serving as prosecutors, defense counsel, witnesses, and jurors — during a mock trial centered on a bicycle theft case.

Judge Marbutt, a former educator, emphasized the impact of seeing the justice system up close. “As a former teacher, I enjoy the opportunity to educate students about the courts,” Judge Marbutt said. “The Courtroom to Classroom program is a great and fun way to get kids experience with the justice system.”

Judge Sonja Brown noted how the experience transforms abstract lessons into reality. “It is wonderful to see the law come to life for these students,” Judge Sonja Brown said. “They aren’t just reading about a trial; they are living it, and that experience fosters a deeper understanding of fairness that textbooks alone cannot provide.”

Beyond the verdict, the field trip offered students a comprehensive look at courthouse operations. The group explored the infrastructure of the judicial complex, including a visit to the secure holding areas, providing a stark and memorable reality of the justice system.

Judge Wolk highlighted the importance of transparency and judicial interaction with the community. “Hosting East Side Elementary was a reminder of why we serve,” Judge Wolk added. “By inviting the community in, especially our students, we build trust in our institutions and show them that the courtroom is a place for justice.”

For Judge Riddle, the event was an opportunity to foster early respect for civic duty. “These fifth graders asked insightful questions and took their roles seriously,” said Judge Riddle. “Programs like this are essential because they plant the seeds of good citizenship and show our youth that the justice system is accessible to them.”

The “Courtroom to Classroom” mock trial program is available for fourth- and fifth-grade classes, subject to docket availability. Schools and educators interested in participating in future sessions during the 2025-2026 school year should contact Erin Mendez at Erin.Mendez@cobbcounty.gov.

East Side ES students take part in Cobb court mock trial series

 

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Mt. Bethel ES teacher recognized for mathematics excellence

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Mt. Bethel ES teacher recognized for mathematics excellence

Submitted information and photo:

As teachers in Cobb Schools continue to go above and beyond to provide students the best learning environment possible, one educator in particular stands out. 

Heather Mullins of Mount Bethel Elementary recently earned the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics award from the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Every year, one teacher from the elementary, middle, and high school levels is selected, and this year, Cobb Schools was proudly represented thanks to Mullins’s hard work. 

“One of Heather’s strengths is her ability to create a safe classroom environment where all students feel important and loved. She encourages active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Her passion for mathematics is infectious and has led other teachers across the county to have a joy for math when they visit her classroom, said the Georgia Council of Teachers in Mathematics.

To be eligible for this award, educators must have taught math for at least three years in Georgia, show evidence of growth in the teaching of mathematics, have a strong content foundation in mathematics appropriate for the teaching level, and be a member of the GCTM.

Due to her state achievement, Mullins was recognized by Cobb’s Board of Education during the December meeting.

With 13 awardees, Cobb Schools has the most recipients in the history of this award across elementary, middle, and high school, dating back to 2006 when the award first began. 

To learn more about the award and how to nominate a teacher for next year, click HERE for more information. 

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Republicans to continue leadership of Cobb school board

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Cobb school board chairman Randy Scamihorn
Randy Scamihorn

In predictable 4-3 partisan votes Tuesday, the Cobb Board of Education will once again have two Republican members in leadership roles in 2026.

During an organizational meeting that took less than 10 minues, the four GOP members voted for Randy Scamihorn to serve as chair and outgoing chair David Chastain to serve as vice chair.

The elections are required at the start of every calendar year and any board member can be nominated for either role. But the chair cannot serve successive terms.

Democratic board member Tre’ Hutchins was nominated for both posts by fellow Democratic member Becky Sayler, but he received only three votes each.

Hutchins nominated Republican Brad Wheeler to serve as chair, but Wheeler declined.

There was no discussion before the votes were cast. The board also approved the 2026 meeting calendar (click here).

Scamihorn, a Republican from Post 1 in Northwest Cobb, is a retired Cobb school teacher and administrator, and will be serving as chairman for the fifth time since he was first elected in 2012.

Republican John Cristadoro of Post 5 in East Cobb, who served as vice chair last year in his first year on the board, nominated Scamihorn to serve as chair but was not nominated for a leadership post.

In October, Cristadoro and his marketing company settled a lawsuit in Fulton County with a former client who alleged he misused $250,000 meant and advertising campaign.

Sayler had asked for a hearing to determine to determine if Cristadoro violated the school board’s code of ethics. But as chairman, Chastain said the board had no authority to take any action.

Scamihorn was last chairman in 2024, and has been a vocal and at times combative supporter of decisions made by the Republican majority and the leadership of Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.

Two years ago, as he faced re-election, Scamihorn pushed back against critics who claimed the district wasn’t doing enough to tighten security in wake of the deadly shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder.

The chair controls the meetings and has the power, along with the superintendent, to unilaterally place items on the meeting agendas. Other board members must get a majority of their colleagues to approve agenda items.

That’s been a flashpoint of partisan contention on the school board in recent years. Republicans held a 6-1 majority until 2018, when their margins were reduced to 4-3.

Since then, the GOP members have voted to change board policies to prohibit board members from offering comment at meetings. Board members also have squabbled over school board redistricting and accreditation along the same partisan lines.

Last July, the board voted to discontinue airing public comment from citizens in a measure proposed by Ragsdale, who did not consult board members beforehand, and that prompted critics to complain was an attempt to quash dissenting views.

Chastain, from Post 4 in Northeast Cobb, is one of three board members—and the only Republican—whose terms expire at the end of this year.

He has indicated he will be seeking a fourth term. Michael Garza, a frequent critic of the board’s leadership, is the only Democrat thus far who has announced he will be running for that seat.

The school board will hold its first regular meetings of 2026 on Jan. 22.

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