It’s back to school time, which means thousands of children and teens will head back into the classroom in days ahead.

If you’re wondering when the first day of school is for a local school district, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of first-day-of-school dates for metro Atlanta school districts.

Back To School Dates: Metro Atlanta School Districts

• Public Schools, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and Newton, start on August 4, 2025.
• Charter Schools: Some charter schools, such as Atlanta Heights, may start earlier (e.g., July 31, 2025). Always verify with the specific school.
• Dates are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with individual school districts or schools for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Below is a table listing the first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year for major school districts in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area.

Back To School: How To Prepare

Organize School Supplies and Materials

• Check School Supply Lists: Visit your school’s website (e.g., atlantapublicschools.us, fultonschools.org, or dekalbschoolsga.org) for specific supply lists. Common items include notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, and backpacks. Some schools, like those in Fulton County, may provide tablets or laptops, so confirm tech requirements.
• Shop Smart: Take advantage of Georgia’s tax-free weekend (typically early August) for school supplies, clothing, and electronics under set price limits (e.g., $100 for clothing, $1,500 for computers). Stores like Walmart, Target, or local shops in Atlanta have back-to-school deals.
• Label Everything: Use permanent markers or labels for your child’s belongings to prevent loss.

2. Update Clothing and Uniforms

• Review Dress Codes: Check if your school (e.g., Atlanta Public Schools or DeKalb County) requires uniforms or has specific dress codes. Purchase uniforms early from local vendors or retailers like Old Navy or Lands’ End.
• Ensure Proper Fit: Buy clothes and shoes that fit comfortably, accounting for growth. Atlanta’s warm August weather calls for lightweight, breathable fabrics.

3. Establish Routines Early

• Adjust Sleep Schedules: Start shifting bedtime and wake-up times 1-2 weeks before August 4 to align with school hours (e.g., 7:30 AM for many APS elementary schools). Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep for kids.
• Practice Morning Routines: Simulate school mornings, including breakfast and getting dressed, to ease the transition.
• Plan Meals: Prepare a list of quick, healthy breakfasts and lunches. If your child uses school meals, check district websites for menus and free/reduced lunch applications (common in Clayton and DeKalb County schools).

Final Word

School is in session, or will be soon. Make sure you confirm bus routes on district websites or arrange carpool schedules. For example, Cobb County Schools provide bus route finders online. If walking or biking in areas like Decatur, review safe routes with your child.

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Tamika Newhouse says even as a preteen she knew her destiny. She was going to be a famous author. She was 12. “I have always told stories through the written word since I learned how to write,” she said.

Once she was published at the age of 20, she began to look for ways to generate excitement around her work by creating event-filled book signings.

Meet Tamika Newhouse: Founder Of Black Writers Weekend

“There’s where my concepts of books, music, food, and fun came into play,” she says. “No one was doing it like that then so I began to brand them and invite other authors in a collaborative effort to bring more readers in. I eventually utilized my book club to create an award show for underrepresented authors and it expanded into a three-day festival.”

That festival is Black Writers Weekend, a refreshing event to celebrate black writers in film and publishing. The event takes place this year from July 31-August 2, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Experience the only weekend where you’ll meet your favorite author, screenwriter, podcaster, artists, and film & television stars,” she says.

In addition to getting the opportunity to network with like-minded literary minds, you can also expect:

• Meet up with friends at one of the Lit crawl locations which boast several authors in collaborative book signings.
• Intimate book chats with literary rock stars.
• Vibrant panels featuring Black male authors and screenwriters.
• Indulge in rooftop parties and socials so that readers can party with their favorite writers.
• Movie screenings, masterclasses, parties and more!

“Black Writers Weekend was explicitly created for creatives and culture lovers,” she says.

Newhouse says the event, now in its 14th year, is just one of many concepts she’s devised to showcase her work as well as that of other black authors.

“Today, I have elevated well over 10,000 writers and worked with every major studio and publishing house you can think of all because of my unique approach to book signings. It has been a blessing to bless others,” she says.

Although school systems are under duress these days from multiple issues,

Newhouse says reading should be especially important to the black diaspora, which has historically been prevented from educating their descendants.

“Think about our history, how our ancestors could not talk in their language, and they were forbidden to learn and to write,” she says. “Our bloodline, our culture, our sounds, our stories, our looks, and our energies have influenced every culture on this planet, and we must celebrate ourselves by telling our stories through written words, music, movies, and fashion.”

As a black writer, Newhouse says it’s important for scribes to make space for themselves, especially in a world where the history of African people and their descendants has been deliberately hidden.

“It is important to me because we are the mecca of everything, and I refuse to allow them to silence us,” she says. “So, I will be the platform that helps make us loud and proud! Go Black King! Go Black Queen!”

Black Authors You Should Read

Newhouse says if you want to check out some of the best authors in the diaspora, here are her top picks. We’ve included some notable works of each author.

• Terry McMillan: Getting to Happy, Who Asked You?, Disappearing Acts
• Eric Jerome Dickey: The Son of Mr. Suleman: A Novel, The Other Woman, Pleasure
• Mary Monroe: Empty Vows, The Book Woman’s Daughter: A Novel, Mrs. Wiggins
• Octavia Butler: Kindred, Parable of the Sower, Clay’s Ark: Patternist, Book 3
• And of course, Tamika Newhouse: The Words I Didn’t Say, The Ultimate No-No, Cookie: A Fort Worth Story

When Is Black Writers Weekend?

Black Writers Weekend is set for July 31-August 2, 2025. Learn more here.

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The Black Writers Weekend, hosted by AAMBC Inc., is taking place this weekend in Atlanta. The three-day event is built around a vibrant, community-focused festival designed by Creatives for Creatives and culture enthusiasts. It also celebrates and elevates Black literary voices in publishing and film.

When Is Black Writers Weekend?

Black Writers Weekend takes place this year Thursday, July 31 through Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Come on out and immerse yourself in book signings, film screenings, dynamic conversations with writers & filmmakers, captivating live podcasts, vibrant art shows, and unforgettable parties.

Now in its 17th year, Black Writers Weekend, promises an activity-filled three days that will focus on a range of events and activities:

Black Writers Weekend 2025: What Are Some Top Events To Attend?

Black Writers Weekend attendees can expect:

• Day 1: Welcome Mixer @ Buckhead Art and Company
• THURSDAY 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Meet and greet our hosts and featured speakers. This is your opportunity to network and be social!
• Day 2: Artists Talks , Workshops, and Panels @ Auburn Ave Library
• FRIDAY 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Immerse yourself in our Pitch Fest at the resource room + author and writers lounge. We’ll have 6 workshops for you to choose from, food trucks, and 2 panel discussions.
• Day 3: Artist Talks, Workshops, and Marketplace @ Loudermilk
• SATURDAY 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Explore our marketplace, 3 panel discussions, 2 workshops, I Am Creative talk, and an evening mixer.

Check out the full schedule at BlackWritersWeekend.com.

Tamika Newhouse, the founder of Black Writers Weekend, told AtlantaFi.com that she created the event to honor the cultural contributions that black people have made and continue to make.

“Think about our history, how our ancestors could not talk in their language, and they were forbidden to learn and to write,” Newhouse says. “Our bloodline, our culture, our sounds, our stories, our looks, and our energies have influenced every culture on this planet, and we must celebrate ourselves by telling our stories through written words, music, movies, and fashion.”

Where Is Black Writers Weekend Being Held In Atlanta?

Because Black Writers Weekend is a multi-day event, held unless otherwise noted, at the Loudermilk Conference Center or Comedy Hype Studios.

Learn more about Black Writers Weekend here.

How To Get Tickets To Black Writers Weekend?

If you want to attend Black Writers Weekend, click here for tickets.

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Severe turbulence struck Delta Flight DL56 en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, forcing an emergency landing in Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Wednesday, July 29.
The turbulence, likely encountered over southwestern Wyoming, sent service carts and unbelted passengers into the air, leaving some terrified and one seasoned traveler describing it as the roughest flight he’d ever experienced.

A passenger, Joseph Carbone, gripped his wife’s hand, fearing the plane would crash, while witnessing a flight attendant nearly hit the ceiling.

Twenty-five people were taken to local hospitals for evaluation, with Delta confirming that all seven crew members and passengers who shared their status were released by Thursday morning.

The flight carried 275 passengers and 13 crew members. Medical teams and fire rescue vehicles were on standby as the plane landed safely.

HealthPartners and Allina Health reported assessing and treating passengers, with most released after evaluation.

The incident comes after several aerial mishaps involving Delta and other airlines this year.

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