Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Click here for the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard.
Assistance with Food Resources for Families
We recognize that due to the current federal government shutdown, some families in your districts will be facing increased food insecurity. The below resources are available to help:
- FoodFinder: Search for the closest available food resources using geolocation.
- Feeding Georgia: Find local food banks in your area.
- Find Help Georgia: Find food pantries and other community resources.
For personalized assistance in locating local food resources for students and families, GaDOE’s Office of Whole Child Supports is here to help. Please contact us via email at wholechild@doe.k12.ga.us. Include your district name and “food resources” in the subject line, and a member of our team will reach out to you within 24 hours.
For School Meal Resources and Access for Students
School Nutrition Directors received an email from GaDOE School Nutrition Office on October 31 sharing resources and guidance regarding school meal access. Continue to promote and encourage access to school breakfast and school lunch for all students. The GaDOE School Nutrition team will continue to provide just-in-time updates to School Nutrition Directors.
AI Guidance and Innovation in Georgia School Districts
The AI Guidance and Innovation in Georgia School Districts survey is designed to gather insights on how districts are adopting and implementing artificial intelligence in education. It focuses on current practices, local AI policies, and innovative applications to support teaching, learning, and operations. The survey aims to inform statewide strategies and promote ethical, effective AI integration across Georgia schools.
- Additional Information: AI Guidance and Innovation Survey
- Contact: Russell Paine, russell.paine@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: Saturday, November 29, 2025
2025-2026 Military Flagship School Award
The 2025-2026 Military Flagship School Award applications are open. The Military Flagship School Award recognizes schools that exceed expectations in providing a supportive environment for military students and their families. These schools specifically reach out to military families and recognize and accommodate their unique needs.
- Additional Information:
- Contact: Rachale LaVoie, rachale.lavoie@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: January 15, 2026
New Child Health Referral Form is Live
The new Child Health Referral Form (an updated version of the previous Children 1st Referral Form) is now live. The updated form is simpler, shorter, and more comprehensive, making it easier to connect families with the services they need. It serves numerous programs, including Babies Can’t Wait; Children 1st; Children’s Medical Services; Early Hearing Detection and Intervention; and Maternal, Infant, & Early Childhood Home Visiting.
- Additional Information:
Reminder: 2025-2026 Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness Application Due Nov. 17
GaDOE, in collaboration with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, is releasing the application for the 2025-2026 Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness. Created as a recognition to commend schools going above and beyond to increase school safety and minimize risk factors, the Seal of Preparedness will be awarded to all schools who apply and meet specific safety planning criteria.
The window for applications is September 17 through November 17, 2025.
- Additional Information:
- Deadline: November 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.
- Contact: Mark Muma, mark.muma@doe.k12.ga.us