Back-to-School News You Can Use

It's back to school for Cobb County School students on Aug. 15, which is less than two weeks away. Here's a rundown of back-to-school news you can use.

CCSD Lip Dub Video Creating a Stir

Many people have mixed reactions to the Cobb County School District's lip sync video welcoming Dr. Michael Hinojosa as superintendent. The video was produced by the broadcast production team at Harrison High School and is attached to this article.

Here's what some are saying on the CCSD Facebook page.

• "I for one am a bit embarrassed. Citizens are going to be upset and perceive as wasted tax money."
• "Looks like they had a fun time!!!!"
• "Cute video, but I'd like to see the math on a few hundred people times their hourly rate and time and money spent on decor and rehearsing. Likley cost take payers $5,000-$10,000 easy to make that video. Was there a cop on duty in that? Not smart."
• "WOW! Love the Video...People please get a sense of humor....the video was 6min long...they could have done that on their lunch break...people can take that while at work you know....ggeesshhh, lighten up! Production team is from one of the best schools in cobb ...look at the positive...SMH!" (SMH means "shaking my head.")

Tell us what you think below in the comments.

New Technology Makes School Buses Safer

New stop-arm cameras have been installed on 100 buses this year. The new technology is used to identify and ticket drivers that bypass stopped school buses or commit other violations. Senate Bill 57, which was recently passed, allows for this technology, which aims to improve the safety of school children who ride school buses. For more information about the Operation Stop Arm initiative, visit http://operationstoparm.info.

School Bus Routes Available Now Online

Also, this year's school bus routes are now available online at the CCSD website athttp://www.cobbk12.org/busroutes.aspx. Just input your address and the grade level of your child or children.  Transportation personnel are also available to assist families and answer questions through the District's Bus Hotline at 678-594-8000.

Immunizations/Sports Physicals Info

Don't forget CCSD requires children entering kindergarten and children entering sixth grade to get immunizations.

Here's what kindergarteners need:

• 3-5 DTaP
• 3-5 IPV
• 3 Hepatitis B
• Two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, one dose of Rubella vaccine OR lab proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• Two doses of Varicella vaccine (chicken pox) or proof of immunity
• Two doses of Hepatitis A

Here's what kids entering sixth grade will need:

• Two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine, one dose of Rubella vaccine OR lab proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• Two doses of Varicella vaccine (chicken pox) or proof of immunity because when these children entered kindergarten only one dose of this vaccine was required.

Sports physicals can be done at your local primary care physician or local clinics and now even at Walgreens. Attached is the form high school athletes in the district need for the physical exam, proof of insurance and CCSD consent.