Pittsboro, NC – On Monday, August 23, 8,452 pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students returned to in-person instruction for their first day of classes for the 2021-2022 academic year. Instruction also began for the 210 students enrolled in CCS Virtual Academies at Bennett Elementary and Chatham Central High schools. They joined the 98 students that were already in school since early August at the Chatham School of Science & Engineering Early College.
Students arrived with their bookbags, face coverings, and other school supplies, ready and eager to begin work for the new school year. School administrators, teachers, and staff, who worked hard last week to prepare for their return, were eager to welcome them to the new school year. Safety measures that are in place to deter the spread of COVID-19 for students and employees include universal face coverings in buildings, social distancing measures, and cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Superintendent Anthony Jackson continued his personal tradition of meeting and accompanying a kindergarten student to class on the first day of school, a practice he initiated in 2009 during his first year as a school superintendent. This event allows him to interact with students directly and connect with them from a different perspective. Prior to the pandemic, Dr. Jackson would board the bus with the kindergartener at their home stop and ride with the student to school. Although the bus ride did not occur this year due to health and safety protocols, he greeted North Chatham Elementary School student Jaedynn Evans as she arrived at school, helped her adjust her bookbag, walked her to class, and was there as she located her desk and examined all her cool school supplies.
“There is nothing quite like experiencing the opening of school and seeing the first day of school through the eyes of a kindergarten student. I want to thank Jaedynn’s parents for allowing me to share this day with them.” said Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent.
Additional back-to-school information, including important dates, policy updates, athletic requirements, school nutrition prices and bus schedules, are posted on the district website, directly accessible at: https://bit.ly/BackToSchoolToolkit2122. Families with back-to-school questions are encouraged to contact their child’s school.