The Friday Five

Posted Date: 8/16/24 (4:00 PM)

The Friday Five

August 16, 2024

Good afternoon, Cabarrus County Schools families,

Welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Five, five reminders on Friday afternoon to get your next week off to a great start. We hope you've had a great start to the school year!

#1 Get Involved

Welcome Back! Active parent involvement in your child's school fosters a supportive learning environment and strengthens the bond between home and classroom. When parents engage, students thrive—academically and socially. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for our kids! Our schools offer many opportunities to visit campus, volunteer or to get involved in other ways. See the buttons below for links to next week's CCS athletic schedules, the district Fall/Winter Performing Arts schedule, information about becoming a volunteer at your school, ways your business can partner with our CTE programs, and how to become involved with the Cabarrus County Education Foundation.

Next Week in CCS Athletics

CCS Fall/Winter Performing Arts

Volunteer with CCS

Become a CTE Business Partner

Donate to the CCEF

#2 Back to School Transportation Updates

As we begin the school year, we're excited about the new opportunities ahead, but we're also aware of the challenges that come with it. One of the major challenges of starting a new school year is navigating transportation concerns. Our transportation team has been working hard over the first few days to manage logistics, address delays, navigate congested areas, and improve bus routes and response times.

We have heard from many parents who have faced difficulties with bus transportation, and we understand the frustration this can cause. Rest assured; we are committed to resolving your concerns as quickly as possible.

Moving forward, one of our top priorities will be streamlining the Transportation Department’s communications. If you have transportation concerns, please email transportation@cabarrus.k12.nc.us.

We're also looking into ways to address the driver shortage that has contributed to these challenges.

Cabarrus County Schools, like many districts across the country, continues to experience a shortage of drivers. CCS is actively recruiting candidates interested in serving our students as bus drivers. Our district has created opportunities for folks to be employed up to 8 hours per day. Employees who work 30 hours per week are eligible for full benefits, including insurance and North Carolina State Employee retirement. If you are interested in learning more or know someone who may be interested, please visit our hiring website at https://cabarrus.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx or by visiting the district homepage at www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us and clicking on “Employment.” You can also contact the Transportation Human Resources Specialist at 704-260-5500 or by emailing kristi.proctor@cabarrus.k12.nc.us.

Serving our students and community is our highest priority. We appreciate your patience as we work through these challenges and continue to make necessary improvements.

Edulog Parent Portal Tips

1) Be sure to keep your app up to date (Check in Settings)

2) When adding a student, have all your information ready. If you enter everything correctly you should be approved within a minute.

a) School Name

b) First and Last name (as it appears in PowerSchool)

c) Student ID #

d) Date of Birth

3) Set the app to work for you. Student List > Transportation Schedule > Choose your Trip > Notifications are configurable from the top right corner.

4) School Buses are only visible during your runs and a limited time afterwards. Buses can also only be viewed within a set distance around the school and/or your assigned Bus Stop.

5) More Information is available on the Cabarrus County Schools Transportation Webpage.

6) Click here for Edulog FAQs

#3 Important Upcoming Dates

Mon 9/2 • Labor Day Holiday - No School
Mon 9/09, 6-9 pm • Board of Education Work Session
Fri 9/13 • 1st Quarter Progress Reports
Mon 9/16, 6-9 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting
Fri 9/20 • Early Dismissal for CMS, ROSA, RRES, WES, WMIES
Mon 10/07, 6-9 pm • Board of Education Work Session
Fri 10/11 • Early Dismissal ALL except Early Colleges
Fri 10/11 • End of the 1st Quarter
Mon 10/14 • Planning/Staff Development - All
Mon 10/14, 6-9 pm • Board of Education Business Meeting
Tue 10/15 • Planning/Staff Development - Early College
Thu 10/17, 6-8 pm • Futures Fair at Cabarrus Arena
Wed 10/23 • 1st Quarter Report Cards

#4 Back to School Reminders

If you have not done so already, please verify that you have reviewed the 2024-25 online Parent Handbook and Student Code of Conduct. This is a requirement. Review the handbook and complete the verification form here: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/34939622
The application period for Free & Reduced meals remains open. Read more and see how to apply at: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/34394683

#5 Community Engagement

Graphic for Cabarrus County Marching Band preview.

2024 Cabarrus County Marching Band Preview

Mount Pleasant High School will host the 2024 Cabarrus County Schools Marching Band preview on Saturday, September 14th. This preview will feature performances by all CCS high school marching bands at one location. Gates will open at 4:15 P.M. and admission is $10. There will be a special guest performance by the Aurora Colorguard.