GA School System Closed; Others Delayed, Resume Amid Arctic Airmass

GEORGIA — With a continued threat for near-freezing temperatures Wednesday, some Georgia schools announced they will resume normal operations, while other school systems delayed reopening.

An Arctic airmass brought dangerous wintry weather conditions to the south Monday, forcing several school closures across the state Tuesday.

RELATED: Arctic Airmass Prompts Freezing Temps, Snow And Sleet In GA

However, students are set to return to some classrooms Wednesday.

See below further details regarding Georgia school openings Wednesday. Patch will update as additional school systems release details.

Clarke County School District

Clarke County Schools will open two hours late Wednesday due to "extremely low temperature and wind chill forecasts," school officials said in a Facebook post.

Schools will open at 9:40 a.m. for elementary students and at 10:30 a.m. for middle and high schoolers. Bus riders will be picked up two hours later than usual, per school officials. The Clarke district office will open at 10 a.m.

"Please ensure your child is dressed warmly and protects exposed skin when outside, even for brief amounts of time," school officials said.

Cobb County School District

Per school officials, all Cobb schools and administrative offices are returning to normal operations Wednesday.

"According to the National Weather Service, tomorrow will be extremely cold, and the wind chill temperatures could be a shock to you and your children. Please be sure your children are dressed appropriately, especially if they will be waiting at bus stops," school officials said in a news release.

School officials noted the Here Comes the Bus app, which allows parents to track their students' bus in real time. Students may remain indoors until their buses gets closer to them.

Drivers are asked to use caution on the roads, school officials said.

"Our team looks forward to seeing your children in school on Wednesday," school officials said in the release.

Douglas County School System

While Douglas County School officials say they are monitoring weather conditions, schools are set to return to a normal schedule Wednesday.

"We are committed to maintaining the safety of our students and staff. We will continue to keep a vigilant eye on weather conditions throughout the evening. Should there be any changes, we will promptly notify our school community," school officials said in a Facebook post.

Updates will be shared via email, text, social media and media outlets, school officials said.

"We appreciate your understanding as we continue our focus on the safety and well-being of our school community," school officials said in the post.

Clayton County Public Schools

In an update around 9 p.m. Tuesday, Clayton County Schools announced a virtual learning day for Wednesday due to "severely cold weather."

School officials said members of the Superintendent's Core Cabinet will report to their district locations; however, other staff members and students will remain home.

All athletic events and after-school activities are canceled, school officials said.

"Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the well-being of our students and staff, Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) will pivot to a virtual learning day for all preK-12th grade students and all staff (with the exception of Core Cabinet members) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024," school officials said in a Facebook post.

"This decision is influenced by updated weather advisories describing weather conditions as historically the coldest air in our area in some time with wind chills hovering in the single digits."

While Wednesday will be an asynchronous learning day, teachers will communicate with students via the following learning platforms: Canvas, Class Dojo or Zoom.

"All staff are expected to be available for virtual planning or meetings as instructed by their school principals or departmental supervisors. We must continue to prioritize learning as we ensure the safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff," school officials said.

The following instructional resources are available:

• K-2nd Grade English Language Arts
• K-2nd Grade Math
• 3rd-5th Grade English Language Arts
• 3rd-5th Grade Math
• 6th-8th Grade English Language Arts
• 6th - 8th Grade Math
• 9th- 12th Grade English Language Arts
• 9th - 12th Grade Math

Paulding County School District

Paulding County schools will resume as normal Wednesday, school officials said in a Facebook post.

Due to "extremely cold conditions" through Wednesday morning, school officials ask parents to dress their students appropriately, "especially if they will be walking to and waiting at bus stops."

School officials remind parents of the Here Comes the Bus app, which allows them to track their student's bus in real time.

"Also, please be aware of the potential for isolated spots of ice on the roads. If you or your student will be driving, please use caution. See you at school on Wednesday," school officials said.

Bartow County Schools

Schools in Bartow County will delay reopening by two hours Wednesday due to the cold temperatures forecast in the area, school officials said in a Facebook post.

"The delay will allow time to ensure all buses and facilities are fully operational and warm. For those who ride a bus, please add two hours to the time it normally arrives at your stop. Stay warm, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow," schools officials said.

Decatur City Schools

Decatur schools will open two hours later Wednesday with the College Heights ECLC and Frasier 0-3 programs operating normally, school officials said in a Facebook post. Buses will also be delayed by two hours.

Buses can be tracked via the Here Comes the Bus app.

"These decisions are not taken lightly, as we understand the hardship this places on families. Our top priority will always be student and staff safety," school officials said.

School start times will be as follows:

• Pre-K: 10 a.m.
• K-2: 10:20 a.m.
• 3-5: 9:45 a.m.
• Middle School: 10:45 a.m.
• High School: 10:35 a.m.

Dismissals, after-school activities and programs and athletics will resume as normal with buses running regular afternoon schedules, school officials said.

The Human Resources Department will give staff members a communication separate from the public, school officials said.

"Students should wear winter hats, gloves, scarves, coats, face coverings, layers of loose-fitting clothing and closed-toe shoe," school officials said.

Atlanta Public Schools

Normal operations will resume at Atlanta Public Schools, officials said on Facebook.

"The National Weather Service predicts extreme temperatures during the early morning hours; please dress in layers to minimize exposure to the low temperatures. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we prioritize student and staff safety and well-being while navigating seasonal weather," school officials said in the post.

DeKalb County School District

DeKalb County Schools will reopen as normal Wednesday, school officials said in a Facebook post.

"Today, operation crews and other staff visited schools to ensure they are prepared to receive students and staff and keep everyone warm, safe and dry. As freezing temperatures are expected in the morning, we urge families to ensure their children are dressed warmly for travel to school or while waiting at bus stops," school officials said.

"It is also recommended that families download the free Edulog Parent Portal App to monitor their child's bus location in real-time and stay updated with accurate bus arrival times. ... Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support."