Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Thursday that the 2020-21 school year will start on time, on Aug. 3, on an in-person basis.
But those parents who don’t feel comfortable sending their children to school will be allowed to choose a remote instructional option.
At a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday, Ragsdale said while plans to return to school are still in the works and are always subject to change, “currently there is no calendar modification.”
He said there would be no “hybrid schedule,” where students would come to class for a week, do remote learning at home for a week, and then return to school after that.
“It’s not going to be the same as the last six to eight weeks” of the recently completed school year, referring to when the district began distance learning in March.
The remote option, which Ragsdale said would be detailed and released soon, will require a registration. That option also will have grades, tests and schedules.
Also, Ragsdale said, parents choosing a remote option will be required to commit to that plan for at least one semester.
Ragsdale said that “there are a lot of changes that could potentially be coming” to alter plans in progress to begin the school year, including extracurricular activities.
He said that for now, students will not be eating lunch in their classrooms. Wearing face masks will be “encouraged,” but not required.
Public health guidance “can change in the blink of an eye,” Ragsdale said.
“At the same time, we’ve got to have school.”
Here’s the Cobb schools calendar for 20-21.
What follows below is a message the district sent out Thursday to the “Cobb Schools Family:”
After months of planning and understanding how student and staff needs have changed as a result of COVID-19 closures, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced that Cobb Schools will open for face-to-face instruction with parents being able to choose a traditional classroom or a remote learning classroom.
This format represents the best solution which balances our two most important priorities: the health and safety of our students and staff and flexibility for each student and family.
In preparation for our “face-to-face plus choice” model, we will be asking you to choose the classroom environment which is best for you and your family. If your student is new to the District for the upcoming school year, they must first be registered as a CCSD student, which can be completed here. Once the school approves your registration, your ParentVUE account will automatically be activated. If you already have a student enrolled in the District but do not have an active ParentVUE account, you will need to contact your student’s school for activation.
You will be able to submit your choice beginning on July 2nd but no later than July 10 through ParentVue. Both face-to-face and remote learning options will be available for all students, in all grades K-12. If you choose remote learning, you will be asked to certify that you have access to a device, the internet, and are committed to the remote learning environment for the semester. If you choose face-to-face learning, you will also be asked if you intend for your student(s) to ride the bus.
We also will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our staff and our students.
- Social Distancing will be enforced whenever possible.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided in multiple locations throughout schools.
- Masks are encouraged on buses and in school buildings.
- Daily and rigorous cleaning protocols will be followed.
- Nutritious meals will continue to be served daily.
We will continue to be in regular discussion with state and public health officials as their guidance is updated. We look forward to your input and appreciate your support as we support learning for every student in Cobb County during these unpredictable times.
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