Whether you're sending your little one to kindergarten or preparing your teen for another school year, this guide has everything you need in one convenient place—from school calendars and supply lists to local events, after-school care, lunch ideas, haircuts, teacher resources, and more.
Bookmark this page! I'll continue adding new events and resources throughout the summer.
2026/2027 School Calendars + Important Dates
Athens-Clarke County 🏫 First day of school: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 📅 Clarke-County Academic Calendar 🖍️ School Supplies Lists 🍎 CCSD Open House |
Oconee County 🏫 First day of school: Monday, August 3, 2026 📅 Oconee Academic Calendar 🖍️ School Supplies Lists 🍎 Oconee County Meet the Teacher |
Back to School Events
Save the dates for these events put together by our amazing local organizations to help parents, students, and teachers reconnect and prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Got one you'd like to add? Submit it to the Mac KID Athens Events Calendar here.
Empower Pinewoods Community Resource Fair
📍 1465 Hwy 29 North Lot F-14 Athens, GA
📅 Thursday, July 23 | 10:00am - 1:00pm
Bringing essential resources and support services together in one convenient location. Come out to connect with healthcare professionals, community resources, and each other!
Learn more
Back to School Jam at Georgia Square Mall
📍 3700 Atlanta Hwy Athens, GA
📅 Saturday, July 25 | 11:00am - 2:00pm
Stop by for games and activities for all ages, face painting, raffles and prizes, free food, live entertainment, a resource fair, plus bookbag giveaways, while supplies last.
Learn more
Summer Jam and National Night out at Walker Park Splash Pad
📍 200 Trail Creek Street Athens, GA
📅 Thursday, July 30 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Bring the kids out for an evening full of inflatables, games, back-to-school resources, food, and more. Please note: After the first 50 children, there will be a $1 charge per child.
Learn more
6th Annual CCSO Back to School Haircut Bash (Registration Required)
📍 2900 County Farm Rd Athens, GA
📅 Saturday, August 1 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
A free community event for students to receive complimentary haircuts and simple braids, along with school supplies, food, and access to community resources.
Learn more
Back to School Extravaganza, Hosted by Athens Area Vendors Group and Jittery Joes
📍 3195 S. Barnett Shoals Rd Athens, GA
📅 Saturday, August 1 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
A free community event that will feature food trucks, bounce houses and face painting for kids, community resources, and backpack + school supplies giveaways.
Learn more
6th Annual Back to School Event Hosted by GTI Athens
📍 3195 S. Barnett Shoals Rd Athens, GA
📅 Saturday, August 1 | 11:00am - 1:00pm
Families can enjoy sweet treats and family fun while collecting free school supplies and food, while supplies last.
Learn more
After School Programming
Local after-school programs provide a safe and structured environment for children once the school day ends. These programs can also help support working parents by offering reliable care before their work day is over.
Athens-Clarke County
- Athens YMCA
Fall programming is available for children ages 5 to 12 and serves students in Clarke, Jackson, and Oconee Counties. Bus transportation is available for select school locations. Ask your child's school for details! - Clarke County School District
CCSD offers the After-School Program (ASP) at all 14 elementary schools as well as 21st Century Community Learning Centers at all four middle schools and three federal grant-approved elementary schools – Fowler Drive, Gaines, and J.J. Harris. Click the link above for more information. View School Coordinator information here. - Heard Park, Lay Park, and Rocksprings Park
Programming is free for ACC families and is designed for ages 6 to 12. Registration is required. Click the link above to learn more and secure your child's enrollment.
Oconee County
- YWCO
On-site afterschool program at all seven of Oconee's primary/elementary schools: High Shoals, Rocky Branch, Dove Creek Elementary, Colham Ferry, Malcom Bridge, Oconee Elementary, and Oconee Primary.
Recipes to Help Make the Year Easier
Easy recipes can make the back-to-school transition smoother for busy families. Simple, nutritious dishes can help to reduce stress during those hectic mornings and evenings!rust more than a mom recommendEasy recipes can make the back-to-school transition smoother for busy families.
Quick Breakfast Ideas
- Tips for Making Breakfast Easy on Busy School Mornings
- Easy Egg Muffins Are The Perfect Solution for Hectic Mornings
- 4 Delicious and Nutricious Breakfast Ideas On Those Busy Mornings
Snack Ideas
Lunch Box Ideas
Easy Dinner Ideas
- Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Three Ways
- Nacho Night Done Right: Easy & Delicious Sheet Pan Nachos
- 5 Easy Dinners to Make With a Rotisserie Chicken
- Taco Night Twist! Easy Taco Lettuce Wraps
Local Kid-Friendly Salons
There's nothing I trust more than a mom recommendation. Here are a handful of nearby salons that have been bragged on my local parents on social media for how well they interact with children of all needs.
Do you know of a great kid-friendly salon? Let me know! jessicasweeney@macaronikid.com
- Barbers and the Salon, located on Baxter Street and Epps Bridge Parkway, Athens
- Hair Sessions, located on W Broad Street, Athens
- Mr. Haircut, located on E Broad Street, Athens
- Rinse Beauty Salon, located on Prince Avenue, Athens
Local Consignment Shops & Sales
Support our locally-owned shops while saving a buck or two! Be sure to note their upcoming fall sales to help you with your back-to-school shopping:- A Child's Closet, located on Capital Avenue, Watkinsville
- Athens Consignment Sale: Fall Sale July 30 - August 1
- Brightpaths Family Resource Closet, located on Barnett Shoals Road, Athens
- Fairytale Finds: Fall/Winter Sale October 28 - November 2
- Jack and Dots Boutique Consignment: Fall Sale August 21 - August 23
Teacher Resources- Athens Area Reuse Store (Free Supplies!)
The Teacher Reuse Store provides a variety of school supplies, materials, and other items to local educators for FREE and is open to ANY teacher or educator! All teachers must provide official documentation to verify teaching status- a school district photo I.D., a letter on school letterhead signed by the principal and/or letter of intent to homeschool will be accepted for entry.
Please note that only teachers will be admitted into the store; no helpers or children of any age are allowed in the Reuse Store.
Click the link above to view store location and hours.
The Teacher Reuse Store provides a variety of school supplies, materials, and other items to local educators for FREE and is open to ANY teacher or educator! All teachers must provide official documentation to verify teaching status- a school district photo I.D., a letter on school letterhead signed by the principal and/or letter of intent to homeschool will be accepted for entry.
Please note that only teachers will be admitted into the store; no helpers or children of any age are allowed in the Reuse Store.
Click the link above to view store location and hours.
Special Education Resources
Athens-Clarke County
- Department of Exceptional Programs
CCSD's Department of Exceptional Programs includes the district's Special Education programs, Gifted and Advanced Programming, and English Learner programs.
Oconee County
- Special Education Documents and Links
Access Oconee's portal to answer FAQ, detailed information, and forms.
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship
"The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) program provides scholarships for qualifying Georgia public school students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan in specified areas during the previous school year who meet the requirements to qualify for an award." Learn more about the GSNS here.
Helpful Links for Parents
- 5 Teacher-Approved Tips to Make Back-to-School Time Great
- Conquer Test Taking Anxiety: 7 Books for Kids That Ease the Pressure
- Teach Kids to Tie Shoes in Less Than A Minute
- 3 Ways to Pack Your Kid's Lunch with Love
- 10 Books to Ease Back to School Fears
- 5 Ways Parents Can Support Their Neurodivergent Children in School
Free First Day Printables
Check out these first-day-of-school photo props you can print out and use for FREE! A fun way to create a memory for your new student!
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