MOULTRIE — If it was a shuttle launch, you might say T-minus 17 and counting. Since it isn’t, we can only say, “17 days until school starts!”

As the countdown clock ticks away to that first school bell of 2008-09, both the Colquitt County school system and the State of Georgia are preparing for events that will help parents and students get ready for another year of learning.

Tax holiday

The fun kicks off with the opportunity to save on school supplies, thanks to the Georgia Legislature. Certain items purchased July 31-Aug. 3 will be exempt from both state and local sales taxes, according to the state Department of Revenue’s website, www.dor.ga.gov.

The website includes a list of what products are exempt and what will be taxed, but in summary the exemption applies to:

• Articles of clothing and footwear with a sales price of less than $100 per item. Accessories like jewelry or handbags are generally not exempt.

• Personal computers and accessories. A single purchase of $1,500 or less is exempt.

• General school supplies with a sales price of $20 or less per item.

Some other exclusions apply, and those are described on the website.

Back to School Expo

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 2, the Colquitt County School System will host its third annual Back to School Expo on the Courthouse Square. Free school supplies will be available at the information booth.

Also available will be information on testing, on promotion and retention, on Internet safety, on free and reduced lunch eligibility, on bus safety and routes, on drug awareness and on immunization records.

Free health screenings will be held, and information will be provided on diet, diabetes, blood pressure, weight, height, body fat, Medicaid, fitness and nutrition.