Education

Gwinnett County Public Schools to require masks based on latest CDC guidance

Published

4 years ago

July 28, 2021

In response to the latest guidance for K-12 schools issued on Tuesday, July 27, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Gwinnett County Public Schools has updated its back-to-school plans to require masks. As of July 28, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all Gwinnett County Public Schools’ facilities and on school buses, regardless of vaccination status. This decision takes into account current conditions, the rise in COVID-19 case rates in Gwinnett County, and the ineligibility of children age 12 and younger for the vaccine.

In announcing the district’s position, CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks affirmed that Gwinnett County Public Schools will follow the CDC’s recommendations. “The facts and recommendations are clear… masks do make a difference and we must do all we can to keep students in school, in person.”

In addition to the CDC’s guidance calling for masks to be worn by everyone in the K-12 environment and recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following considerations also played a role in today’s decision by district leaders:

– GCPS’ primary concern is the health and safety of students and staff.
– It is critical for students to be in school and to benefit from in-person instruction.
– Elementary students and young middle school students currently are not eligible to be vaccinated.
– Many GCPS students and employees who are eligible to be vaccinated are not vaccinated.
– The CDC and other health partners indicate wearing a mask is a key tool, even for vaccinated individuals, in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
– A federal executive order requires all students on school buses to wear masks.
– In the classroom setting, students who are identified as close contacts to a student who is positive for COVID-19 will not have to quarantine if both students are wearing masks. Quarantined individuals could be out of school for up to two weeks.

In light of the latest CDC guidance and the district’s decision to require masks, GCPS will allow families to make a change in their child(ren)’s instructional preference (either in-person or digital) through Monday, August 2. Families should contact their local school should they wish to make a change. In sharing why the district has set this deadline, Mr. Wilbanks explained, “We realize this does not allow families a lot of time to make this decision, but we must have this information by this date to ensure schools are staffed appropriately to serve students and student schedules are finalized prior to the start of school.”

Schools will communicate with their staff members about scheduling mask breaks during the school day, providing times when students can take off their masks. In addition to these breaks and during lunch, children will be allowed to take off their masks while they are outside (on the playground, etc.) Students in band and PE will have times during the day in which they will not wear masks (i.e. cardio exercises, etc.). Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons, for instance, a pulmonary condition such as asthma or sensory issues.

Mr. Wilbanks indicated that, in light of today’s announcement by the CDC and the steady upward trend in cases in Gwinnett, this is the most prudent course of action. He said, “A layered approach is needed to keep our students safe and in school. Masks are one of the tools proven to be effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19. It is time for us to mask up and take advantage of vaccination opportunities to help our community get past the pandemic.”

With this in mind, GCPS is doing its part by placing an emphasis on wearing masks to start the school year more safely and will continue to encourage our GCPS community to get vaccinated. The district is partnering with the Gwinnett Health Department to host a weekly vaccination clinic at Discovery High School every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. through the end of August.

While disappointed that the school year will start with masks, GCPS is very happy that its students will be starting the school year in person. Please know that district leaders will continue to monitor for new guidance from the CDC, health partners, and the state, using it to make updates throughout the 2021–22 school year.

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Community

Simpson Elementary Marks Exceptional Children’s Week

Published

2 weeks ago

May 7, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Four women and one man standing in front of a colorful wall at an elementary school for Exceptional Children's Week

Simpson Elementary School celebrated Exceptional Children’s Week (ECW) last month with five days of special activities to recognize their special needs population and all of their exceptional students.

April 14–18 is set aside each year to celebrate children with disabilities, gifts and talents. This year’s ECW theme was Bridging Gaps and Building Futures, and the school was happy to take part.

They highlighted each day of the week on the morning news with fun facts about notable people in society — and throughout history — who have overcome challenges with their disabilities, including actor Daniel Radcliffe (who has lived with dyspraxia for his entire life), Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Frida Kahlo and Helen Keller.

Simpson Elementary’s technology team also pre-recorded various special needs classes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day of the week.

Guest speaker

To end their ECW with a bang, they invited former Simpson Elementary parent, State Representative Scott Hilton, to come in and speak to their K-2 classes about raising his son, Chase (who is autistic and now a student at Norcross High School), and how being different is okay.

“Showing kindness and being inclusive is the best version of humanity,” said Dr. Taffeta Connery, Simpson Elementary School principal, in a statement about the event.

“Simpson Elementary has a special needs population of 214 (23%) of 946 students. [And] … we strive to ensure that our students are valued, recognized and instilled with high expectations for all.”

For more about Simpson Elementary, visit simpsones.gcpsk12.org.

Education

Paul Duke STEM High School Student Earns CGO Scholarship

Published

3 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Senior portrait of a young white man wearing a black suit, white button up shirt and black bowtie. He has short brown hair parted in the middle, and he's smiling as he sits in front of a muted blue background.

Cobb Global Outreach Inc. (CGO Inc.), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing financial literacy and educational opportunities, recently awarded three scholarships to metro Atlanta high school seniors, including one to Paul Duke STEM student, Baylor M. Brown.

The scholarship initiative underscores CGO Inc.’s commitment to empowering youth through financial education and support.

According to CGO’s social media pages, these outstanding students have shown incredible dedication and resilience in their academic journeys. “We are proud to support their continued success and look forward to seeing all that they will achieve!”

Scholarship details and impact

The scholarships provided by CGO Inc. are designed to alleviate financial barriers and encourage academic excellence among students pursuing higher education. Each scholarship recipient will receive financial assistance to support their educational endeavors, along with resources to enhance their understanding of financial management and literacy.

The scholarship recipients have demonstrated remarkable potential and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their local community and beyond.

Bobby Cobb, CEO and founder of Cobb Global Outreach Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to support the students … . By investing in their education and financial literacy, we aim to equip them with the skills necessary for a successful and financially secure future.”

Looking ahead

Cobb Global Outreach Inc. remains committed to expanding its scholarship programs and financial literacy initiatives. The organization plans to collaborate with additional schools and community partners to further its mission of closing the wealth gap and fostering economic empowerment among youth.

About Cobb Global Outreach Inc.

Founded in January 2021, Cobb Global Outreach Inc. is dedicated to educating middle and high school students about financial literacy. The organization believes that providing students with tools and resources related to financial literacy will help narrow the wealth gap and promote economic empowerment.

For more information, visit cobbglobaloutreachinc.com.

Community

PCBA Announces 2025 Scholarship Winner

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A group of people standing with a young Asian American high school senior. They are holding a large cardboard check made out for $1,000 as a scholarship for the teen.

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded local high school senior, Heidi Chung, a $1,000 scholarship during their April 24 Business After Hours event. Heidi and her family were presented with the scholarship and introduced to the organization’s members and guests at the monthly gathering.

Heidi was accepted by several colleges and has selected the University of Kentucky to continue her education, pursuing a degree in nursing. When asked what lessons she has learned from her experiences volunteering and serving in the community throughout her life, Heidi commented, “I have learned that true leadership is about service, taking initiative and persevering through challenges.”

A group of women from the PCBA standing with an Asian American high school girl and her parents. They are holding a large cardboard check made out for $1,000 for a scholarship for the teen. — Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Sam Chung; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Tenise Chung; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; and Allison Reinert, PCBA Board.

Scholarship Chair Donna Linden and Outreach Director Suzanna Martinez shared that the scholarship committee was impressed with Heidi’s many accomplishments, “whether she was organizing fundraisers, leading performance groups or helping athletes recover from injuries, Heidi demonstrated a positive impact on the community, as well as outstanding academic results.”

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at PCBA’s monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the individuals and organizations.

A group of people from the PCBA standing with a young Asian American, female high school senior. They are presenting her with a scholarship for $1,000. — Allison Reinert, PCBA Board; Suzanna Martinez, PCBA Board; Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Chris McDonald, PCBA Community Outreach; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; Toby Anderson, PCBA Board; and Audrey Boyce, PCBA Community Outreach.

“We are so proud that the PCBA has … awarded 20 scholarships to outstanding future business leaders and donated in excess of $173,000 into our metro Atlanta community over the last 13 years,” stated Lisa Proctor, PCBA board president.

About Peachtree Corners Business Association

“Where Businesses Come to Grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.

The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.

For more information, call 678-969-3385, email membership@peachtreecornersba.com or visit peachtreecornersba.com.