Producer Dee Daniels interviews Heather DiTommaso, SCCPSS senior director of student information systems and an 18-year district employee, about preparing families for school registration.

DiTommaso explains that summer is a busy behind-the-scenes time to close out the year and set up transportation and other services, and notes that all SCCPSS students receive free breakfast and lunch. Registration for the 2026–27 school year is open now for new families and returning families with a break in enrollment, including pre-K students re-registering for kindergarten, and can be completed online at sccpss.com via Find It Fast > Registration, with in-person help available at 400 East Broad Street. Currently enrolled families should update address changes in the PowerSchool parent portal; residency affidavits must be renewed with a new proof of address before school ends.

Transportation routes can be viewed in the Here Comes the Bus app, and parents can request a PowerSchool account online to access attendance, grades, assignments, contact updates, absence notes, and report cards.

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:30 Meet Heather DiTommaso

01:13 Why Register Early

02:13 Free Meals Highlight

02:49 Online Registration Steps

04:25 In Person Help Options

05:02 Address Changes Explained

05:33 Residency Affidavit Rules

06:09 Transportation and Bus App

06:56 PowerSchool Account Setup

07:30 PowerSchool Parent Portal Benefits

08:40 First Day Feelings and Memories

10:20 Final Registration Advice

11:56 Wrap Up and Thanks

On this episode of After The Bell, producer Dee Daniels talks with SCCPSS Student Senate members Shrila Patel, Senior at Savannah Early College and Elliot Smith, Junior at Islands High School about how the districtwide student leadership group elevates student voice by identifying problems and seeking solutions across schools.

They discuss key focus areas including mental health and stress supports, communication of available resources, and making policies more consistent across schools. The students share impacts already made, including changes to uniform/dress code rules such as allowing certain hoodies and spirit wear, and note the benefit of remote learning/mental health days.

They also address ongoing concerns like bullying and discipline, future work on cell phone, grading, and discipline policies, and the need to integrate technology and AI responsibly into learning rather than banning it. They encourage more student participation and explain how to apply via flyers, QR codes, and the SCCPSS website.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome and Guests

00:41 What Student Senate Does

01:46 Why Students Join

02:11 Goals and Priorities

03:15 Dress Code Wins

05:09 Next Policy Targets

05:40 Big Issues Students Share

06:56 Mental Health and Stress

09:20 How to Get Involved

11:30 Real Impact Moments

12:39 Bullying and Discipline

14:04 Phones and AI in School

16:08 Advice and Shoutouts

18:09 Future Plans and Wrap Up

"After the Bell" the official podcast of Savannah - Chatham County Public School System. This episode, producer Dee Daniels talks with Kimberly McGuire, Executive Director of Student Support Services, and Dr. Douglas Simmons, Director of Counseling Services, about graduation season and celebrating the class of 2026 in Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

They discuss what graduation represents for students, families, and the entire school community, and share behind-the-scenes planning details at Enmarket Arena, including rehearsals, cap-and-gown coordination, security and clear bag policy, nursing/EMS support, and diploma logistics. They explain ticketing (15 tickets per graduate via Enmarket-specific Ticketmaster access), arrival timing, seating and accessibility, free parking, hydration, and that ceremonies are livestreamed with replays on YouTube via the district graduation page.

They also offer guidance for families supporting graduates emotionally and practically through postsecondary transitions, emphasizing self-advocacy, persistence, and using available resources.

QUICK LINKS:

Contact Us - Main Page

District Calendar

Lunch Menus

Literacy is Our North Star

Engagement and Outreach

Map of Schools

Athletics Department

Career Opportunities

Meet the Production Team behind "After the Bell"

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to After the Bell

00:41 Meet the Graduation Team

01:54 Why Graduation Matters

03:29 Behind the Scenes Planning

06:39 Speeches and Student Moments

07:22 Tickets Timing and Entry Tips

12:19 Livestream and Replays

12:50 Supporting Graduation Emotions

16:27 Advice for the Class

19:18 Looking Ahead and Final Congrats