First Day of School Photo Gallery
Staff from bus drivers to custodians to cafeteria workers to educators and administrators extended warm welcomes to 25,187 students enrolled across the district's school campuses.
Students attending the LEAP special education preschool were welcomed to their classes on
August 7.
“The first day of school was nothing short of phenomenal,” said new Factory Shoals Middle School Principal LaVar Hickerson.
New Manchester Elementary Principal Tanyia Clagette said families, faculty and staff lined her school’s entrances to cheer on students as they stepped into the 2025-2026 school year.
Students at FSMS and New Manchester Elementary were also greeted by smiles and high-fives from the 100 Black Men of Douglasville.
“The first day is always special, but today was truly unforgettable,” said Clagette. “Having our families, staff, and the 100 Black Men of Douglasville here to support our students shows the power of community. Together, we are building a culture here at New Manchester where every child feels seen, valued and ready to succeed.”
At Dorsett Shoals Elementary, Principal Kelly Brown echoed those sentiments.
“We had a great first day at DSES!” she said. ”It was wonderful seeing all of the smiling faces of our returning Panthers and getting to meet so many students who are new to our school. Everyone arrived ready to learn and ready to kick off the new year!”
New Manchester High School seniors in the Class of 2026 paraded through the school as part of the annual senior walk.
"The whole school participated in the parade and it gave us all great joy to celebrate with our seniors on their Last First Day of High School,” NMHS Principal Casey Bethel said. “Their smiles and excitement about what they could accomplish in the next 10 months absolutely lit up the hallways."
New Yeager Middle School Principal Tameka Bonner said the first day began with a warm 
welcome from administrators, reinforcing Yeager’s commitment to safety, respect and academic excellence.
“From the moment students arrived, there was an undeniable energy throughout the building,” Bonner said. “Staff members lined the halls to welcome students, ensuring every Mustang felt supported and excited to begin a new year. The transition between classes ran smoothly, and students quickly settled into their routines.”
At Winston Elementary, Principal Heather George said the new year got off to a fantastic start.
“Classrooms were filled with excitement as students met their teachers, learned classroom routines, and immediately began learning,” she said. “Our staff did an excellent job creating a safe, engaging, and positive environment for all. From our morning arrival, to joyful recess, our Wildcats are ready to represent the Winston Way.”
Chapel Hill Elementary Principal Bianca Turner said she was impressed by the positive energy and enthusiasm filling the hallways at her school.
“Seeing children back in the building made us feel complete,” Turner said, adding: “It was wonderful to see our returning students reconnecting with friends and teachers, and I was especially proud of how our students welcomed our new students with smiles and offers of assistance.”
New Chestnut Log Middle Principal Daryl Holman said positive energy filled his school’s hallways
as part of a great first day that was marked by “happy reunions between classmates and engaging first lessons.”
CLMS students were introduced to the new school-wide theme, "Innovate, Elevate, Excel," which will serve as a focus for the community, Holman said.
Holman added that teachers were instrumental in the day’s success, welcoming students warmly into well-prepared classrooms, creating an environment ready for learning from the start.
“The great start has laid a strong foundation for a successful and engaging school year ahead,” Holman said.
Back at Factory Shoals Middle, Hickerson added that the cafeteria staff served students 
breakfast and lunch with cheerful attitudes, creating a positive atmosphere that set the tone for the day.
Even as a downpour hit right at dismissal time, Hickerson said the commitment and teamwork from his staff as they guided students to their buses in the rain were “nothing short of heroic.”
“The first day of school was a powerful example of what it means to work together as a school family,” he said. “It was a proud day to be principal.”
