Etowah County and Gadsden City students head back to class Aug. 12

GADSDEN — Summer break is almost over. Students in Etowah County Schools and Gadsden City Schools return to class Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Before students arrive, teachers and staff report earlier in the month. Etowah County Schools lists staff professional development beginning Thursday, Aug. 6, giving campuses time to prepare classrooms, finalize schedules and complete training ahead of opening day.

The first-day date lands in the middle of a busy stretch for families. Over the next week and a half, parents will need to finish registration, attend open houses, review school supply lists, submit meal applications and turn in any required medicine or health forms. Bus routes and pickup times are typically posted in the days just before school starts, so families who ride should watch each system’s website and social media pages.

The new year also brings a change at the top of the county system. Julie Talton began work Saturday, Aug. 1, as Etowah County’s new superintendent, succeeding the retired Dr. Alan Cosby.

Drivers should be ready for the return of school-zone speed limits, slower morning and afternoon traffic near campuses, and stopped school buses with flashing lights. Alabama law requires drivers to stop for a bus that is loading or unloading children.

Families with questions about registration, transportation or open-house dates can contact Etowah County Schools at ecboe.org or Gadsden City Schools at gadsdencityschools.org. GadsdenThrive will publish a back-to-school guide with key dates and contacts as the systems release them.