Cherokee County closing in-person learning at Etowah High School until August 31

More than 800 students under quarantine in Cherokee after possible COVID-19 exposures Seniors at Etowah High School in Cherokee County posed for the traditional color-coordinated senior photo on Aug, 3, 2020, the first day back to classes in the COVID era. The photo went viral because the students are not wearing masks and crowded together for the shot. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

August 11, 2020 at 6:53 p.m. UTC

By 95.5 WSB

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — The Cherokee County School District announced Tuesday afternoon that Etowah High School will shut down until August 31, with all students moving to digital learning for the remainder of the month, Superintendent Brian Hightower said.

“We are temporarily closing in-person learning at Etowah High School effective at the end of classes today (Aug. 11, 2020). It is our hope to restart in-person classes at Etowah HS on Monday, Aug. 31. This decision was not made lightly; it was made with the support of School Board Members, and was determined, as all of our quarantine decisions are made, in consideration with the Department of Public Health,” Hightower said.