Savannah-Chatham Schools Prepares for Aug. 4 School Start

Key Highlights from the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's Pre-Back-to-School Updates

As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) has shared a variety of updates and preparations to ensure a smooth start for students, families, and staff. Superintendent Denise Watts emphasized that the district is no longer just "new" but is focused on maintaining and enhancing its educational standards.

One of the first announcements was the district’s recent Cognia accreditation approval, which reaffirms the system’s commitment to quality education. Literacy remains a top priority, with the introduction of a new real-time chat assistant called “Let’s Talk” on sccpss.com. This tool is designed to help students and parents stay informed throughout the school year.

Watts also mentioned upcoming ribbon-cutting events for new facilities at Windsor Forest High School and Bloomingdale Elementary School, funded through previous Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) funds. She urged families to prepare for the first day by establishing routines and being patient during the initial weeks, as there may be some delays or technical issues.

Updated Attendance Policy

At the June regular meeting, the school board approved an updated attendance policy that includes clearer definitions of truancy and chronic absenteeism. Truancy is defined as five or more unexcused absences, while chronic absenteeism refers to missing more than 10% of total days enrolled, or 11 or more by the 100th day of school. The policy also outlines remote schooling participation criteria, attendance recovery options, and revised guidelines for parent responsibilities.

Parents and students are encouraged to review the full policy in the SCCPSS Student Code of Conduct under the "Truancy and Attendance" section.

Free School Lunches for All

This year, all students will receive free school lunches through the federal Community Eligibility Program. This initiative will continue for four years, after which the district will need to reapply. The School Nutrition team is continuously evaluating menu items to make them more appealing and efficient for both staff and students. They also aim to educate children about healthy eating habits.

Safety and Security Measures

The Board of Education Police Department (BOEPD) has implemented several safety initiatives, including the use of mobile command units, K-9 officers, teacher wearable duress alarm buttons, and metal detectors. The "see something, say something" mantra is emphasized to keep students and staff safe. BOEPD also supports community volunteers in setting up walking buses—groups of students led by parents and community members who walk to school together.

During the first few weeks of the school year, the BOEPD’s Code Blue initiative will increase officer visibility to assist students and families. Speed enforcement cameras will also be active on the first day of school, and drivers are reminded to exercise caution.

A tragic incident in May highlighted the importance of road safety, as a 17-year-old student was struck while crossing the street near his school. The district continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance and responsibility in ensuring student safety.

Transportation Updates

Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has agreed to provide free student passes for those attending Choice Program and district charter schools. Parents can request these passes through PowerSchool by following a specific process. A pilot program for two choice schools is also planned, though details were not disclosed during Media Day.

Technology and Parent Resources

Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Georgia Parents Bill of Rights and explore the Student and Parent Tools section on sccpss.com. This includes access to PowerSchool, BrightSpace, and ClassLink. While parents currently have limited access to certain platforms, the district is exploring ways to enhance parental involvement in the future.

For younger students, the AMIRA reading screener will be used to assess reading abilities and guide individualized instruction. iReady will also be utilized for progress benchmarks in grades 1-8.

Health, Wellness, and Specialized Learning

Families should complete necessary medical forms and submit them promptly. The Wellness Center offers trauma-informed mental health support for students, faculty, and staff. Students with special learning needs or disabilities should contact their assigned schools directly for assistance.

Additional Resources

The Back to School Hub on the SCCPSS website provides comprehensive information on bus routes, school calendars, bell times, and uniform guidelines. Families are encouraged to visit this resource for all the details they need for the upcoming school year.