Commerce City Schools

Commerce City Schools is proud to celebrate Gavan Welchel and Lily Sears for officially graduating with the Junior Leadership Jackson Class of 2025! Junior Leadership Jackson, powered by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, is a prestigious leadership initiative designed to equip juniors and seniors with the skills and experiences to become future leaders in our community. Gavan and Lily have represented Commerce with excellence, and we are thrilled to recognize their hard work, dedication, and leadership.

Congratulations to Will Bowen! Will has been named the Overall Low Medalist for the entire area! His hard work, focus, and dedication to the game have truly paid off

New Student Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year We're excited to announce that new student registration for the upcoming school year will open on May 5th! Register here: https://commercecityschoolsga.sites.thrillshare.com/page/student-registration Important Requirements: Please refer to the graphic below for all the necessary documentation and information needed for registration. Current Students: Current students will receive detailed instructions on existing student registration through the Parent Portal and Thrillshare. Please contact Dawn Gary: dawn.gary@commercecityschools.org with any questions.

Congratulations to Tysean Wiggins, the Georgia High School High Tech Computer Competition Winner! He received a brand-new laptop to support his future goals. We’re so proud of his hard work, creativity, and vision for the future.

Our 7th-grade FACS students have been busy learning a valuable life skill — sewing! They practiced stitching by creating small fabric projects and did an amazing job.

CCSS Teacher Feature: Mr. Kris Patel, CMS Business Education Teacher Mr. Kris Patel is in his seventh year of teaching and his second year with Commerce City Schools. Throughout his career, he has taught both middle and high school business education, coached baseball and softball, and served as an Athletic Director. A proud graduate of Berry College, Mr. Patel earned his B.S. in Business Management while playing baseball for four years. He later earned his M.A.T. from the University of West Georgia. Currently, Mr. Patel serves as the Business Education teacher at Commerce Middle School, but he’s preparing for an exciting transition—next year, he will step into the role of Assistant Principal at Commerce Elementary School. “I love being able to impact kids and help them realize their potential,” he says. “I’m excited to reach even more students in my new role.” What Mr. Patel loves most about being in Commerce is the strong sense of community. “Being a part of something bigger than myself—living here, teaching and coaching kids and their siblings, and getting to know the families—has quickly made Commerce feel like home.”

CCSS Celebrates National Picnic Day! Today, our schools enjoyed a BBQ lunch in the cafés to celebrate National Picnic Day. A big thank you to our amazing café staff, our dedicated School Nutrition Director, and everyone who pitched in to make the day special—including the behind-the-scenes help at the grill from Mr. Kirk. We’re grateful for the teamwork that brings these moments to life for our school community!

Coach Lenny Gregory Reflects on Coaching NFL Draft Prospect Travis Hunter Coach Gregory, who led Collins Hill High School to a historic 2021 state championship, recently shared insights about coaching Travis Hunter, a standout two-way player now entering the NFL Draft. In a recent interview with Fox 5 News, Gregory recounted Hunter's immediate impact upon joining the team, highlighting his exceptional athleticism and work ethic. Gregory's mentorship played a significant role in Hunter's development, fostering a competitive spirit and versatility that have become his trademarks. As Hunter prepares for the NFL, Gregory's reflections underscore the foundational support and guidance that have propelled Hunter to this stage in his career. Coach Gregory's leadership and dedication to his players are a tremendous asset to Commerce City Schools. His ability to inspire, mentor, and bring out the best in his athletes not only shapes them into outstanding players but also prepares them for success beyond the field. We are proud and thankful to have such a passionate and experienced coach guiding our students!

We are excited to offer our 2025 CCSS Summer Sports Camp Programs! This summer, students will have the opportunity to improve their skills, learn teamwork, and have fun participating in a variety of sports camps. Plus, golf enthusiasts can join the Double Oaks Junior Golf Program, with divisions available for ages 10 and under and 11-18. For any questions or more information, please contact our Athletic Director, Kendall Love, at kendall.love@commercecityschools.org.

Today was a special day for our CES and CPS students as they gathered with their mentors for a fun-filled Legacy Youth Mentoring Picnic! It was the perfect afternoon—complete with crafts, games, and quality time together. We are so grateful for our incredible mentors and our continued partnership with Legacy Youth Mentoring. Thank you for investing in our students and helping them grow through meaningful relationships!

Mr. Massey’s class had a special visitor today who brought each student a Walmart gift card! We are so thankful for a community that so willingly includes and provides for all students. The class is excited for a special trip next week where each student will have the chance to pick out something of their choice.

Our softball team is gearing up for an exciting season! We will have a Panda Express Day on April 18th from 11am-9pm at the new Commerce location. The softball team will earn 50% of event sales! Please plan for lunch or dinner and show our team some love! Thank you for your generosity and support – we couldn’t do it without you! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE ATTACHED FLYER. PLEASE LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR COMMERCE SOFTBALL. Online Orders: Enter 3837960 in the fundraiser code box. In Person: Show on your smartphone

Today, our CPS /CES Tigers proudly participated in the Special Olympics! We are so proud of their hard work, determination, and team spirit. Watching them give their all and celebrate their achievements is truly inspiring. A huge thank you to everyone who supported and cheered them on. The Commerce community is truly one-of-a-kind, always coming together to uplift and celebrate one another.

CHS Adulting Day was a success for the Class of 2025! A big thank you to Cameron Shirley for organizing this amazing event. After a day filled with valuable guest speakers and real-world lessons, students wrapped things up with an etiquette luncheon led by Natalie Thomas, Director of Downtown Development for the City of Commerce.

Our CPS and CES Tigers are all set for the Special Olympics! They were cheered on with a fun school-wide parade and with lots of support from students and staff. We’re proud of our athletes—go Tigers!

CCSS Teacher Feature: Mrs. Rashada Anderson, 3rd Grade Teacher at CES Mrs. Rashada Anderson is in her 22nd year of teaching and currently serves as a third grade teacher at Commerce Elementary School. She’s taught first and second grades in the past, but third grade has truly captured her heart. “They’re at the perfect age for learning independence and responsibility,” she says. “I love seeing their curiosity, dedication, and unique personalities grow.” Mrs. Anderson holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Georgia State University and a Specialist’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. She also has her Educational Leadership Certificate, and is certified in ESOL, Gifted education, and Reading. In 2016–2017, she was honored as Teacher of the Year for both CES and the entire Commerce City School System. Born and raised in Commerce, Mrs. Anderson takes pride in giving back to the community that shaped her. “It’s an honor to teach in the same system that made me who I am today,” she shares.

What an incredible day at the Special Olympics for CMS and CHS! We are so proud of all our Tigers who participated, supported, and cheered one another on. A special shoutout to CMS student James Wood for his beautiful performance of the National Anthem and to our CMS students who proudly led the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off the event. Your leadership and spirit made the day even more memorable! Thank you to our families, staff, and community members for your continued support. It’s days like this that remind us why we are so proud to be Tigers.

Our CMS team is off to the Special Olympics! They were sent off with a parade with smiles, cheers, and school spirit. A big thank‑you to our talented CMS band—your spirited performance had everyone marching and dancing along! We’re so proud of these incredible athletes and can’t wait to cheer them on as they shine!

Our CMS team is off to the Special Olympics! They were sent off with a parade with smiles, cheers, and school spirit. A big thank‑you to our talented CMS band—your spirited performance had everyone marching and dancing along! We’re so proud of these incredible athletes and can’t wait to cheer them on as they shine!

🚛 TOUCH A TRUCK is BACK in COMMERCE! 🚒 Join the City of Commerce for a fun-filled evening at the Commerce Administrative Complex on Tuesday, April 22nd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM! Bring the whole family out to see and touch real city vehicles — from big trucks and tractors to firetrucks, police cars, garbage trucks, and more! 🚓🚜🔥 🎉 FREE Kona Ice and awesome prizes for the kiddos! 📍 110 State Street, Commerce, GA 💥 FREE event — Everyone is welcome! Don’t miss your chance to get up close with the cool machines that keep our city running! 👷‍♂️🚧