On October 5, roughly 60% of Cobb Schools' elementary students returned to face-to-face learning after a nearly seven-month shutdown. The 67 elementary school buildings around the District were buzzing with activity as teachers, students, and parents participated in the exciting day.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and relying on public health guidance, schools across Cobb have been serving students remotely since August 18. While Cobb teachers and staff have adapted to once-in-a-lifetime challenges and remain committed to providing families with multiple learning options throughout this pandemic, the District continues to believe face-to-face classrooms are the best learning environment for most students.

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale was very pleased with the return to classroom learning for families who made that choice. "It is awesome to see students who have chosen a face to face environment back in our classrooms with our teachers," he said.

"We have the best teachers in the world," Mr. Ragsdale continued, "and I have seen a great level of excitement in our entire team welcoming our students back. We absolutely understand that some families are not yet comfortable with a face to face environment, and we will continue offering a virtual environment as an option for accessing the high level of teaching and learning Cobb has come to expect. Our team will continue to go above and beyond to ensure our students and staff have the safest learning environment possible."

"Our first day (with students who chose face-to-face classrooms) was awesome!" said Clarkdale Elementary principal, Dr. Liss Maynard. "The students did an amazing job with social distancing and keeping their masks on. Teachers were able to social distance in the classrooms and provide quality teaching to students. We were focused on teaching and learning all day."

South Cobb High School students were on hand to welcome students back to Sanders Elementary in Austell. Football players, cheerleaders, and band members woke up early to give the young students encouragement and a memorable start to their day.

While it was another day of learning for both remote and face-to-face students, all over the District, teachers, and administrators were doing everything possible to make the day special for the kids. Balloons, music, lights, and even bubble machines were used in the festivities.

"As the elementary students were arriving, their faces lit up," said South Cobb Assistant Principal Amanda Pittman. "They smiled from ear to ear, seeing the high schoolers and hearing the band play. And the high school students loved getting to support one of their feeder schools!"

To ensure health and safety, masks were required. Schools also installed other safety measures, including protective barriers in classrooms and cafeterias to shield students in large gathering areas. You can read more about Cobb's health and safety protocols along with a variety of detail about Cobb's face-to-face and remote classrooms here.