Certain questions come up every school year. Parents wonder how to register their student(s) for classes or what time the bus will come or how to get in touch with their child's teacher.

We can't answer all your questions here, but we can answer some of the more common ones. Let's get ready for a great year!

K-12 Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan
enter code:  984B

Q: When is the first day of school? (2011 - 2012)
A: Monday, August 8 is the first day of school for Barrow County public school students.

Open House Dates (2011 - 2012) are:
All Barrow County Schools will have Open House on Thursday, August 4, 2011.
Elementary Schools: 7:00 am -11:00 am
Middle Schools: 8:00 am- 12:00 noon
High Schools 8:00 am -12:00 noon
Alt/PLC: 8:00a m -12:00 noon

Q: What if I don't know what Barrow County school my student will attend and transportation information?
A: Please click on the link provided to locate information about attendance zones and transportation.  Use the word guest for your user name and password click here.  The web page will also tell you where the bus stop is for your home address.  The school bus driver will be at your Elementary student's "Open House" along with pick up and drop off information.  Visit our Transportation web site click here.

Q: Can I still register my student for school?
A: Yes, our Registration website contains forms to download so you can complete them prior to arriving at the Barrow Professional Development Center.  Registration hours and information click here.

Q: What time should my student show up at school?
A : Please visit our Parent Info page for school hours click here.

Q: What do I do if my student doesn't get off the bus at the end of the day?
A: Please call your student's school or the Transportation Department at 770-867-2783.

Q: What services are available for my student after school?
A : All elementary schools offer after school care until 6:00 PM.  **Space is limited at the schools and sign up is usually complete during open house. Several local day care centers offer pickup services at some schools.  Parents interested in day care centers that provide transportation should call their local school for a list.

Q: Can my student buy lunch on the first day of school?
A: Yes, please visit our Nutrition site for pricing and menus click here.

Q: How can I find out about my student's school?
A: Please visit your student's school web site click here.

Q: I think my student may have a learning disability. What should I do?
A: Please talk with your student's teacher about your concerns. You may also want to consult your pediatrician and request that your student be tested. If your student is found to have a disability, you will likely meet with teachers and others to decide on a plan. Under the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools must provide special services to students with disabilities. Please visit our Special Education web site click here.

Q: My student must pass a test this year to move on to the next grade level. How can I help my student get ready for these high-stakes tests?
A: First, make sure you understand which tests your student is required to take, the material that will be covered and how the results will be used.  You may also want to talk with your student's teacher. Many teachers have sample test questions you and your student can practice with at home. Also, ask the teacher about websites you and your student can visit to complete sample tests. Students are less anxious about a test if they are familiar with the format of the questions. For information on testing click here.

Q:  If I have some questions or concerns about my child's education who do I need to talk with?
A:  First and foremost you should take your questions or concerns to your student's teacher.  He or she is the one who works side-by-side with your student each and every day. It is very important for your student's success to develop good communications from the first day of school with your student's teacher.  Request a meeting or ask the teacher how he or she likes to communicate information home and how they prefer to communicate with you.  Some use e-mail, phone calls, notes home with the student and the Weekly Communication Folder for elementary age students.  If for any reason you don't feel like your questions or concerns are being answered by the teacher then your next step would be to talk with the Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor or other school-level administrator.  If this doesn't provide the answers you are looking for your next step would be to communicate with someone at the Board of Education such as or the Superintendent.