In a press release Friday afternoon the Cobb County School District announced an updated opening plan.

The basics of the plan still remain the same, with a face-to-face traditional classroom option and a remote learning option to choose from.

Also, masks for students are recommended “when social distancing is not possible,” and face covering for staff “is expected.”

The CCSD has also created a set of web pages explaining the two options in greater detail.

The press release in reprinted in its entirety below:

From sample learning schedules, lunch, transportation, after school programs, and overall health and safety protocols, Cobb Schools has launched an informational site completely dedicated to the 2020-2021 School Year, which starts on August 17.  

Building a plan that works for nearly 19,000 employees, 113,000 students, and 750,000 residents in our county has been and will continue to be a tremendous task as COVID-19 continues to evolve. Our team of educators is thankful for the school community’s patience and continued support as we navigate these unprecedented times together.  

For the last three months a team of more than 100 district leaders – including principals, assistant principals, teachers, and district employees – have been working around-the-clock to develop solutions that are both practical in school settings and in line with public health guidance, even as that guidance continues to change.  

“It is more important than ever that our team comes together to serve students, they need us more than ever. This year will be like none other, and I am confident the plan to start the 2020-2021 school year is based on the needs of students and gives parents the flexibility to make the choice that is best for them,” said Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. 

At Superintendent Ragsdale’s direction the new site details the two classroom environments Cobb is offering this school year: Face-to-Face and Fully Remote.  

After visiting the new site, parents will know what to expect if they choose the Face-to-Face classroom, including the health and safety precautions, which are currently in place to ensure that Cobb facilities remain as sanitized and safe as possible. They will also find details on each learning model and expectations for both students and teachers.  

The Cobb team will continue to provide updates via email, the District website, and social media channels as public health guidance changes. 

Between Monday, July 13, and Wednesday, July 22, parents should log in to ParentVue to choose the learning model that works best for their family for the fall semester of 2020. Students who are new to the District must first register as a Cobb student here. Once the school approves the registration, a  ParentVue account will automatically be activated. If parents already have a student enrolled in the District but do not have an active ParentVue account, the registering parent will need to contact the student’s school for activation. 

“COVID-19 has brought more complications to schools than I have ever seen in over 30 years in Cobb County,” said Cobb Schools Board Chair Brad Wheeler. “The beliefs that have made our schools some of the best in the country will keep us that way. All students will have the opportunity to learn, and all students will see what a community can do when we use our differences to make us stronger.”