More than 35,000 Cabarrus County students head back to class Wednesday, Aug. 12, and the week leading up to it is packed with milestones for families across Concord and Harrisburg.

Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki's district holds its last Board of Education business meeting before school starts at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at the CCS Education Center, 4401 Old Airport Road in Concord. A closed session will follow, the district announced on X on Thursday, Aug. 6. The specific agenda has not been released publicly.

Elementary school open houses are also scheduled for Monday evening, giving parents one final chance to meet teachers and pick up bus passes before the first bell.

First day and kindergarten staggered entry

All students except kindergarteners report Wednesday, Aug. 12. Kindergarteners begin a staggered entry schedule running Aug. 12 through Aug. 14 and Aug. 17, with the full class reporting together for the first time Tuesday, Aug. 18. Parents of rising kindergarteners will be notified of their child's specific start date by Monday, Aug. 10, according to the district's Friday Five newsletter.

Bus route information is available on the Edulog Parent Portal, where routes were uploaded beginning Aug. 3. Families can find supply lists, transportation details and other resources at cabarrus.k12.nc.us/backtoschool.

Football Jamboree brings all eight high schools together

The 2026 Cabarrus County Football Jamboree kicks off Friday, Aug. 14, at Jay M. Robinson High School, with all eight traditional CCS high schools squaring off in four back-to-back games:

  • 5 p.m. — Northwest Cabarrus vs. Cox Mill
  • 6 p.m. — Mount Pleasant vs. West Cabarrus
  • 7 p.m. — Concord vs. Central Cabarrus
  • 8 p.m. — Jay M. Robinson vs. Hickory Ridge

Admission is $10 per person, purchased in advance through GoFan only. No cash at the gate. CCS Gold Cards and teacher ID badges are honored. The district's No Bags safety protocol will be in effect, and the event will not be streamed.

Volunteers needed for 2026-27

More than 3,000 volunteers supported CCS students and schools during the 2025-26 year, the district said in its July 31 newsletter. The district is recruiting again for field trip chaperones, classroom helpers and enrichment volunteers.

A background check through Human Resources is required before serving. Parents attending school activities open to all families do not need a background check. The volunteer process starts at cabarrus.k12.nc.us/volunteer or by calling 704-260-5741.

Back-to-school calendar:

  • Monday, Aug. 10 — Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m., CCS Education Center; elementary open houses
  • Wednesday, Aug. 12 — First day of school (grades 1–12)
  • Aug. 12–17 — Kindergarten staggered entry
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18 — All kindergarteners report
  • Friday, Aug. 14 — Football Jamboree, Jay M. Robinson High School, 5 p.m.