As 14 buses rolled up to the curb, the band played. Cheerleaders lined the sidewalk, and fans gushed as the special guests stepped off the buses. Many of the tiny celebrities held hands with their parents as they made their way into the building. Others bounced ahead, excited for what awaited them inside.

The soon-to-be learning superstars are Cheatham Hill Elementary School’s newest students. The kindergarten and first-grade students took part in the Cobb County School District’s annual bus ride-along, which provides young students and their families with an opportunity to take a test ride on the big yellow bus. This year, about 3,600 students and their families took part in the pre-school test ride across Cobb. 

What is it like to ride on the big yellow bus? Are there rules to follow? Where does the bus stop on the way to school? The kindergarteners and first graders discovered the answers to those questions as they tested out riding the bus ahead of the first day of school. The ride-along emphasizes bus safety for parents and students, ensuring everyone is prepared for a safe and smooth journey. 

The students beamed as they rolled down the road on the big yellow bus for the first time. Their smiles continued as they walked through the welcome line of football players and cheerleaders, toured their new school home, and met their new teachers. The smiles persisted as they boarded the bus to return home, making the ride-along a memorable start to their educational journey. 

At Cheatham Hill, the estimated 178 students and parents had the opportunity to explore the school and meet their teachers before their return trip on the bus. Students from area high schools, including Hillgrove High School, Kennesaw Mountain High School, and Osborne High School, also helped welcome the new students with music and fanfare. 

Board Chair Brad Wheeler was also on hand to help welcome the young learners and their families to the Cheatham Hill sneak-a-peek event that followed the morning bus ride. 

Mr. Wheeler said, “Excitement is the word for the day. The students are excited, their parents are excited, and their teachers are excited! Our schools are the best part of living in Cobb County. It is going to be a great school year!”

Cobb's fleet of over 1,000 big yellow buses remains the safest way for students to get to school and back home. To prepare your students for their bus ride on August 1 and beyond, review the Back-to-School Transportation Checklist. 

Our drivers are looking forward to welcoming your students aboard!