Getting ready for school year starting this week

Cheerleaders lead the way into the Exhibition Hall during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Janelle Ricks (left) and Rakiyyah Dozier, 9, explore the exhibits during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Students and their families select backpacks during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Katrina and Peyton Stevens, 7, work their way through the various booths during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Students and their families navigate the exhibits during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Malaya Madison, 11, gets her caricature drawn by Lash LeRoux during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Students and their families line up for Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

A family stops for a photo at the Harper Archer booth during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Students and their families gather in the Exhibition Hall during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Israella Beresh stands by to give away book bags during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Volunteers stand by to give out hundreds of backpacks during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Students and their families select backpacks during Students and their families line up for Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

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Credit: Bob Andres

Cheerleaders lead the way into the Exhibition Hall during Atlanta Public Schools' annual Back to School Bash at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, July 30, 2022. APS students return to school Monday. (Photo: Bob Andres for The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

July 31, 2022

As a new school year begins across parts of metro Atlanta this week, districts are facing a number of challenges: persistent COVID-19 cases, increased political pressure, concerns about safety and a shortage of staff as teachers leave the profession.

However, starting Monday teachers and students continue their annual rite of passage as classes resume. Here are some things to know:

SCHEDULE

Here’s when some of metro Atlanta’s largest school districts will begin their first day of school:

Atlanta Public Schools: Monday

Cherokee County: Monday

Cobb County: Monday

Clayton County: Wednesday

Gwinnett County: Wednesday and Thursday

Henry County: Wednesday

Fayette County: Thursday

DeKalb County: Aug. 8

Fulton County: Aug. 8

COVID risk triggers staff mask requirement in Gwinnett schools

MASK MANDATES

Gwinnett requires school employees to wear masks; students and visitors are “strongly encouraged.”

Clayton requires school employees and visitors to wear masks.

In March, Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation that allows parents who don’t want their children wearing masks to opt out of any school district mandates.

Teachers wary as schools brace for new laws about race, obscenity

GEORGIA SCHOOL NEWS

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