ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – As more than 1.7 million students and 125,000 teachers return to classrooms across Georgia, education leaders say this school year will be about more than just test scores.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods said the Georgia Department of Education is emphasizing literacy, teacher support, mental health and equity across districts.

“I’m excited about being able to make a difference in a student’s life,” Woods said.

Investing in literacy

This year, the department is investing over $14 million in literacy efforts. That includes expanding access to reading coaches and training teachers in a curriculum model called the “Science of Reading,” which focuses on decoding and phonics to improve comprehension.

Woods said 60 coaches were sent to underperforming schools last year and helped boost reading performance by 15 points.

“I think that if a kid can read, then every door opens up,” he said.

Teacher retention, recruitment

Georgia’s investment in teacher pay raises in recent years has led to a teacher retention rate that now exceeds the national average. Still, recruitment remains a challenge in some areas.

The state is partnering with colleges and universities to offer incentives for hard-to-fill teaching positions.

“Georgia is known as the Peach State. Well, we want to be known as the ‘Teach State’ as well,” Woods said.

Mental health and student support

The state has increased funding for school counselors and mental health resources, with a new focus on reaching rural students.

Through partnerships with outside agencies, telehealth services are being introduced to provide access to care in underserved communities.

“You’ve got to feel safe before you’re worried about ABCs and 123s,” Woods said. “It’s a comprehensive plan to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Addressing equity

For the first time, Georgia’s education funding formula includes additional support for districts with high numbers of low-income students. Woods said the change is intended to bridge long-standing equity gaps.

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It’s go time for Greater Cincinnati high school sports athletes primed to compete in the fall 2025 season.

Most sports teams begin practicing Aug. 1, though Ohio golf season already started and some Kentucky teams have been practicing.

The Cincinnati Enquirer high school sport staff, however, never really let up the gas after the 2024-2025 school season ended, providing fall preview content throughout July.

Writers James Weber, Brendan Connelly, Alex Harrison and Jack Schmelzinger, with an assist from Xavier University beat writer Shelby Dermer, have been churning out by-position lists for football, soccer and volleyball as well as some features and league/sport previews in between vacations and, in Shelby’s case, a wedding.

Our roster of preseason content planned for August is strong from start to finish. Our athlete of the week voting is expected to begin Aug. 25, after the first Friday/Saturday Night football weekend.

Here are links to all of our stories so far. The Enquirer will update this file throughout August as content is published.

General

Cross country

Coming in August.

Golf

Field hockey

Coming in August.

Football

Features

League previews

Positional lists

Soccer

Positional lists

Tennis

Volleyball

Features

Positional lists

Water polo

Click here if you’re having trouble seeing scores on the 10 News app.

Unfortunately, this page doesn’t auto-refresh. To get updates, you’ll need to refresh.

Click italicized scores to watch that game’s highlights!

We do our best to keep up with all the changes in the schedule this season. If you see anything wrong, please contact jotey@wsls.com.

GWINNETT COUNTY — As Gwinnett County students head back to class this week, State Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, who represents District 100, highlighted Georgia’s continued investment in education, teacher pay, student safety and literacy initiatives.

While students may lament the end of summer break, Clark said the start of the school year offers families a welcome return to routine and renewed opportunities for academic success.

“For many parents, the start of school brings a welcome return to routine and the reassurance that their children are stepping into classrooms filled with opportunity,” Clark said.

Among this year’s legislative accomplishments, Clark pointed to the state’s full funding of public education and an increase in teacher salaries. “Our teachers are now the highest paid in the Southeast,” he said. Salaries for Georgia’s pre-kindergarten teachers are also being raised to help attract and retain top educators as the state expands early learning access.

Clark said early literacy remains a top priority. “It’s critical that students learn to read by third grade so they can transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” he said.

To support this, the state has added literacy specialists in schools, implemented the Science of Reading in instructional practices and expanded early screenings for processing disorders such as dyslexia.

Clark also noted a new statewide law that will ban cellphone use in classrooms through eighth grade, starting in the 2026-27 school year. The measure, he said, is designed to minimize distractions and has been widely supported by parents and educators. Schools are already preparing for the transition.

The state is also continuing its focus on student safety through ongoing school security grants and new mental health initiatives. Every public school will receive funding to implement or upgrade security features, and the state will continue to support school resource officers.

To address root causes of school violence, lawmakers have expanded access to mental health services and approved measures to ensure that critical behavioral health information follows students when they transfer between schools or districts. Clark said the goal is to ensure students receive consistent care while protecting the broader school community.

“As your state representative, I’m committed to ensuring our children have every advantage and opportunity in a safe learning environment,” Clark said. “If you have any questions or ideas, I’d welcome your call.”

Clark closed with best wishes to all families for a successful 2025-26 school year.

Starting this Friday, Deer Park’s Settlers Day weekend features many old and new events to keep you hopping around town. People can see a lively parade, rodeo, fire station demonstrations, youth baseball tournaments, and a farm swap. Food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the town. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to give back at a Special Olympics fundraiser, complete with water fights involving local fire and law enforcement personnel.