The Inside Scoop

As we approach the end of the academic year, the main concern for parents is ensuring their children finish strong. In this episode, we talk with Cobb's high school counseling consultant, Dr. Brandy Brady, who explains the critical steps parents should undertake during this pivotal period. We emphasize the importance of monitoring academic progress through ParentVue, addressing missing assignments...

With summer quickly approaching, we offer you this "Double Scoop", a previous episode that still contains some key, relevant information! The primary focus of this episode revolves around the multitude of summer learning opportunities available to students in Cobb, aimed at fostering their academic growth and development during the summer months. We explain the various programs designed to cater t...

The primary focus of our discussion today revolves around the concept of assisting students as they conclude the academic year, particularly in the context of spring fever. As the weather warms and the school year nears its end, students often experience heightened excitement coupled with fatigue, which can impede their academic performance. We are privileged to have Elizabeth Hatcher, Cobb's este...

This episode centers on strategies to foster a successful and less daunting testing season for students. We explain the different approaches that parents can employ to alleviate anxiety and enhance their children's confidence during this critical period. By advocating for early preparation, the use of practice tests, and the cultivation of a supportive home environment, we aim to transform the per...

With the partnership of safety and technology more important than ever, we offer you this "Double Scoop", a previous episode that still contains some key, relevant information! This podcast episode explains the significant advancements in student safety within Cobb Schools, facilitated by the innovative applications developed by our coding staff. We delve into the intricate workings of these custo...

The main focus of this podcast episode is the importance of student attendance in fostering academic success and personal development. We delve into the alarming rise of absenteeism, exacerbated by the pandemic, and its detrimental effects on students' educational trajectories. Through insightful discussions with experts from Cobb Schools, we examine the trends, impacts, and legislative measures a...

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of orchestrating a memorable graduation day for students and their families. We explore the meticulous planning that occurs behind the scenes, from ticket allocations and parking logistics to ensuring a seamless ceremony experience. Our esteemed guests, Kendall Aronson and Kyle Giesler from the Events Department, provide invaluable insights into the...

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of Cobb Schools' transportation system, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety in the transportation of students. We engage with Mike Quick, the Senior Executive Director of Transportation, who explains the rigorous protocols in place to ensure that the bus fleet operates securely and efficiently. Among the critical topics discussed are the...

Since FAFSA deadlines are coming up, we offer you this "Double Scoop", a previous episode that still contains some important, relevant information! In this episode, we examine the intricate financial landscape surrounding the pursuit of higher education, be it in college or trade school. The point of our discussion emphasizes the alarming escalation of educational costs, which have surged by appro...

The paramount focus of Cobb Schools is the safety of its students and staff, an endeavor that is significantly enhanced through our collaboration with the Servius Group. This episode explains how this partnership not only embodies a commitment to immediate safety measures, such as the installation of security cameras and the presence of police officers, but also emphasizes a comprehensive, proacti...

The theme of this podcast episode centers on the vital role that sports play in shaping the character and resilience of students in Cobb County. We delve into the multifaceted benefits of athletic participation, emphasizing that the lessons learned in sports extend far beyond mere victories and defeats. Our esteemed guest, Don Baker, Cobb's Director of Athletics, explains how engagement in sports...

This podcast episode was inspired by a recommendation from one of our listeners/viewers. Thank you! The focus of today's episode centers on nurturing young, inquisitive minds, particularly within the field of robotics. We delve into effective strategies that parents and educators can employ to cultivate curiosity and analytical thinking in children, starting from an early age. Our esteemed guests,...

The foundational knowledge that children acquire about reading during their formative years significantly influences their literacy development for the long term. We delve into this critical subject in our discussion with Dr. Jessica Masters, an esteemed early intervention program teacher from Picketts Mill Elementary. Throughout our conversation, we explore the pivotal milestones in reading and l...

Homework often elicits a profound sense of anxiety among students, a phenomenon that we shall explore in depth in today’s discussion. Our esteemed guest, Ramona Russell, a school counselor at Birney Elementary, explains the challenges students face when confronted with homework assignments. She emphasizes that the root causes of this anxiety frequently stem from a lack of understanding regarding t...

This episode explains the importance of math literacy in the formative years of a child's education, positing that such foundational skills serve as reliable predictors of overall academic success. We delve into fostering a positive attitude towards mathematics, emphasizing the necessity for parental involvement and appropriate linguistic framing to mitigate negative self-perceptions that children...

The focus of this episode revolves around imparting financial literacy to students, an endeavor that can significantly influence their future financial well-being. We engage in a comprehensive discussion with Andrea Farmer, a math educator and department chair at South Cobb, who explains the evolution of financial education within the school curriculum. As financial management becomes increasingly...

The financial framework that supports the Cobb County School District is crucial in understanding how our tax dollars help our children's education. Throughout this episode, we explain the distinction between the Cobb County School District and the Cobb County government, emphasizing that each entity operates independently with its own budgetary allocations. A significant portion of the school dis...

This episode features an enlightening dialogue with Ms. Amanda Dillard, the District Teacher of the Year for Cobb County, who shares invaluable insights regarding today's educational landscape. Ms. Dillard, a special education instructor and esports coach at Pope High School, explains the paramount importance of fostering robust relationships with students, emphasizing that today's learners requir...

The important focus of today's episode revolves around the management of blood sugar levels in students, a matter of considerable significance. We delve into the nuances of recognizing the signs of blood sugar irregularities and explain effective strategies for students managing diabetes during the school day. Our esteemed guest, Jennifer Hanlon, the consulting school nurse for Area 5, offers inva...

This podcast episode explores the pressing challenges faced by families in Cobb County during the holiday season, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support to ensure no child or family is left without assistance. As we explore the intricacies of food insecurity, unstable housing, and the lack of essential resources, we engage with Kim Evans, a dedicated school social worker, who explains the...

The Adult Education Program in Cobb County stands as a transformative initiative that empowers over 1,600 adults to pursue their educational aspirations while effectively balancing the myriad responsibilities of work and family life. This program is meticulously designed to dismantle economic barriers, facilitating access to free classes and personalized instruction that cater to the unique needs...

The focus of this podcast episode is the significant role that the Watch D.O.G.S. program plays in enhancing security and fostering parental involvement within our schools, particularly at Varner Elementary. Our guests explain how this initiative encourages fathers and father figures to actively participate in their children's schooling, thereby contributing to a safer and more nurturing environme...

The salient point of our discussion centers on the significant role of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (Ed-SPLOST) in financing the educational infrastructure of Cobb County. This sales tax, which amounts to a mere 1%, serves not only local residents but also contributes to the enhancement of our school facilities through the financial participation of visitors to the area. Th...

Welcome back to The Inside Scoop! This podcast episode elucidates the pivotal role of standardized assessments, specifically the PSAT and SAT, in facilitating students' college and career readiness. We engage with Kevin Maloney from the College Board, who elucidates the myriad benefits these assessments provide, including access to substantial scholarship opportunities and crucial insights into ac...

The discussion centers on the imperative safety measures implemented within Cobb Schools to ensure the well-being of both students and staff. Officer Pete Saxton and Lieutenant Mike Wilson discuss the multifaceted strategies employed by the Cobb Schools Police Department, emphasizing the paramount importance of preparedness in fostering a secure educational environment. They address various challe...