Gilmer County students and parents will have the opportunity to see what lies ahead for the upcoming school year.
The Gilmer County School System will hold open house at its six schools next Tuesday, Aug. 2. The event allows those in attendance to meet new teachers, see where classes are located and get reacquainted with friends.
“Open houses are pretty well attended all the way through,” said superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley. “The high school kids always want to come in and see each other and the teachers. Middle school and elementary school parents want to get in there and meet their kid’s teacher. I would say our largest crowds are at our elementary schools.”
Ellijay Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary and Mountain View Elementary are open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Clear Creek Middle will be open to parents and students from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gilmer High’s open house is split into two sessions. Sophomores, juniors and seniors may stop by from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Open house for incoming freshmen is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
All pre-K parents are required to attend orientation, which will take place, Monday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Ellijay Elementary auditorium. Open house will take place the following day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“This is a great event for everyone to come out and get in the spirit of the new school year,” Ridley said. “It’s always a good opportunity for kids who are new to a school like those going into sixth grade, ninth grade or kindergarten or new transfers into the system.”
Parents are encouraged to sign up for an Infinite Campus account at open house, which is a portal that allows them to see their child’s grades, assignments, attendance, announcements and schedules.
“We really encourage every parent to take advantage and sign up,” Ridley said. “They can ask their school’s teacher about it. We want to get all parents where they can see their child’s grades, attendance and basically keep track with their child’s progress a little easier. There’s also an app they can put on their phones so it’s very convenient for parents.”
The new school year beings next Thursday, Aug. 4. Those new to the system are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The system typically registers between 300 and 400 new students each year, and only 200 have registered thus far.