Cobb Classrooms To Reopen Oct. 5 But You Must Wear A Mask

MARIETTA, GA — Cobb County’s classrooms will begin to reopen on Oct. 5, with some families given the option of in-person learning if they want it — but almost everyone must wear a mask.

Phase one will allow all pre-k through fifth grade students — along with pre-k through 12th grade special-education low-incidence students — to return to class for full-day, in person instruction if they want it.

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale made the announcement Thursday on the district’s website and through its social media channels.

Ragsdale said that the three parameters that affect in-person instruction — community spread, contact tracing and efficient testing — have all been trending “in the right direction,” allowing the district to bring students back to their school buildings.

One thing that’s changed from earlier plans is that masks are now mandatory for staff and students, both in school buildings as well as on buses.

Teachers will also be required to wear masks “whenever possible,” according to the announcement. Social distancing will be expected wherever possible.

Parents will be allowed to choose in-person or continued remote learning via the ParentVue portal, starting at 8 a.m. Monday and continuing through Sept. 20.

Ragsdale also announced dates for phases two and three — Oct. 19 and Nov. 5, respectively — but both are contingent on “public health data and guidance for Cobb County.”

Further details for reopening will be available Friday at cobblearningeverywhere.com.