Georgia's largest school district is welcoming students back with new leadership, expanded safety measures and additional learning opportunities as the new school year gets underway.
Gwinnett County Public Schools began classes Wednesday under the direction of a new superintendent while introducing several changes across the district. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are no longer permitted to use cellphones during the school day, and additional school resource officers have been assigned to middle and high schools. The district is also implementing new screening technology at school entrances designed to help prevent prohibited items from entering campuses.
Beyond safety initiatives, Gwinnett is expanding career-focused education by offering more opportunities for students to explore fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and pharmacy, preparing them for careers in growing industries.
Meanwhile, Kennesaw State University celebrated the opening of Summit II, a new residence hall that adds nearly 500 beds for first-year students. The building includes shared outdoor gathering spaces connected to the existing Summit I residence hall. University officials noted that eight KSU architecture students helped design portions of the project, giving students a chance to contribute to the campus they call home.
In Cobb County, National Underwear Day is serving as a reminder that some of the most-needed donations are often the most overlooked. MUST Ministries is collecting new underwear, socks and undershirts for men, women and children through Aug. 8. Donations can be dropped off at any MUST Ministries location to support individuals and families experiencing hardship.
