Children are ready to see their friends again while parents gear them up for school, which starts back next week.

"(My kids) are excited," said mother and teacher, Tiffany Kohler. "They can't wait to go back and see their friends again, and I have one starting middle school so she's thrilled."

Dawson County schools don't start until Aug. 7, but some schools in Georgia started back as early as July 28.

"I think that is way too early," Kohler said. "It's too hot. Kids don't have enough time to play. It cuts into their time to get their energy out."

Although it seems early, Jadyn Phillips, 6, would have enjoyed going back this past Monday.

"It's so fun and I don't want to miss my friends too much," she said.

However, Jadyn's mom, Brandy Phillips, is glad she has another week with her kids.

"I'm going to miss them during the day, but they'll be happy to be back with their friends," she said.

With school starting back, parents are trying to keep a close eye on their money as they shop.

Leah Goodie said she is trying to keep her spending as low as possible and with three kids to shop for, she hopes to keep school supply purchases below $100.

"We spent right at $200 for their school clothes," Goodie said, and she plans to get more during the sales tax holiday, which is Aug. 1 and 2 this year.

Even though parents look to spend their money wisely, some families still need help from the community.

Eileen Buchner and Sharon Jablonski help the less fortunate by purchasing enough supplies to fill a book bag and donating it to Family Connection.

"Whatever we can do to help people and the kids do well in school," Jablonski said.