July 30, 2026 — At Mountain View Elementary, like elementary schools across Cobb County, families got the opportunity to help their young students feel comfortable and prepared for the new school year.

Using the new Edulog technology, bus drivers went through their routes bright and early to pick up students at each designated stop. Students boarded with their families, giving everyone a preview of what the new experience would be like on one of Cobb's big yellow buses.

The experience was designed to ease the nerves of kindergarten and first-grade students—and their families—who may be riding a school bus or attending school for the first time.

"I like it so they can kind of get familiar with walking onto the bus and just sitting down and riding, and they kind of get to see like, what they're supposed to do, so they're not walking on the first day shaking and nervous," said parent Deanna Anderson.

After the early morning bus ride to school, the Mountain View families and young learners stepped off the bus to a warm welcome from members of the Pope High School marching band, Lassiter High School cheerleaders, and Mountain View teachers. Cobb Schools Board Member David Chastain also greeted bus riders before they entered the school to learn what awaits them this school year.

"It was so wonderful to welcome our newest families back to Mountain View for the first time," said Mountain View principal, Dr. Katie Derman.

Inside the school, students and parents met their teachers, explored the building and classrooms, and connected with other students and families before the first day of school.

The event gave families an opportunity to ease first-day jitters and help students transition smoothly into the school year.

"We got all our supplies set, and their stations are set, so we're super pumped for next week," said parent Chelsea Juris. 

Before the first day of school, be sure to check out the back-to-school guide, which has important information on what's new this year and refreshers on what to expect this school year. Click HERE for those important details.