Thomas said they are much more concerned about spikes in preventable diseases. Especially those that can be much more dangerous for children than COVID-19.

The new start date is Wednesday, August 12.

We’re hearing from people in Thomas County, after Governor Kemp’s most recent executive order.

You may still be deciding whether you want to send your kids back to school for in-person learning this fall. Dougherty County School leaders said big changes will be made in classrooms this fall.

Students will return Sept. 8.

A mother who has a son with special needs spoke with WALB News 10 about her concerns about sending him back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the school year slowly approaches, some children may feel unsure about how to handle changes with COVID-19.

Valdosta City School parents will be able to choose what kind of instruction they want for their children for the upcoming school year.

The system will not host an open house this year.

Sumter County High School could have new health features thanks to COVID-19.

Students and staff at Valdosta State University (VSU) said they’re ready for their big student move-in days later this week.

GWS President Neal Weaver says over 400 freshmen are on campus this year.

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind parents about potentially dangerous apps that may be accessible to kids.

As ninth graders headed back to school Friday, they were already thinking four years ahead.

There were only a few tears shed Friday as Sherwood Christian Academy parents dropped their pre-K student off.

Early Thursday morning, thousands of students across Valdosta returned school.

When they got to their desk and opened up their lockers, they all had personalized sticky notes that had encouraging words on them written by faculty.

The rising temperatures have raised many questions for many families with children going out for recess.

Students returning to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) next week may see a new, friendly face.

A Monroe High School teacher and cheerleading coach is getting students excited to go back to school with a rap video that has gone viral on Facebook.

Lee County High School Principal Dr. Karen Hancock discussed the school’s clear backpack policy and how it’s been working for students since it started.

School started back and two former Lee County students returned, this time as teachers.

Lee County Superintendent Jason Miller said 6,639 students were in classrooms Wednesday morning for the start of school.

An exciting day today for Lee County students as they headed back to the classroom.

On Tuesday morning, students at Eighth Street Middle School in Tifton were walking from class to class, still trying to figure out their daily schedules.

Mitchell County Primary School's motto this year is "Diving into Learning."

Students at J.T. Reddick Elementary were anxious to return to their studies after what some said was a long summer.

Backpacks and classrooms were filled Monday in Sumter County.

Pelham City School Charter System will use new safety grant funds to enhance security at all schools, according to district leaders.

On Monday, thousands of Thomas County students went back in the classroom for the start of the 2019-20 school year.

This weekend Mims Kids Inc.'s will host it’s 8th Annual Stay in School rally.

Tift County school social workers gathered to prepare for their annual Stuff the Bus event that gives school supplies to students in need.

Record breaking enrollment numbers! Pelham City Schools Charter System leaders said that’s what they’re expecting after their first day!

First responders and officials from one South Georgia city rallied their community Thursday, working to help prepare students to head back to school.

Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta is offering specials for students and teachers going back to school.

Crisp County Schools gave special recognition to a teacher at Crisp County Elementary.

Over 1,500 teachers, students and faculty members all joined together at the UGA conference center in Tifton to show school spirit, among other things.

School is back in session in Dougherty County and health leaders said some students still need to get their shots.

Students were excited to be heading back to school in Dougherty County and faculty said they are looking forward to an excellent school year.

Students said they were excited to head back for several reasons.

Halls that were quiet Wednesday, were full of students and teachers Thursday. Hugs were shared between people who haven’t seen each other in months.

Crisp County Elementary School, teachers and staff members are getting kids ready for this upcoming school year with catchy tunes and more.

Next week, students will fill the hallways of Sumter County Schools.

Sumter County Schools are in the middle of hosting town hall educational meetings.

Students are in store for school supplies at the department’s upcoming National Night Out.

Buses were loaded and anticipation was high as several South Georgia counties started class Monday.

Terrell County first responders helped teachers welcome back students Monday by giving them hugs, high fives and encouraging words.

The test scores are in for South Georgia.

Valdosta Community Church is planning to give away 150 book bags full of school supplies.

WALB talked to several area school superintendents, and their interviews are posted here.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants to encourage you to beat the rush for back to school.

Dougherty County Schools have a new program to help beat language barriers.

Second Harvest is in the process of giving basket-loads of school supplies to more than 1,800 public school teachers across South Georgia.

Dougherty County School System leaders said they’re setting the tone now for the new school year.

Construction to modernize Pelham Elementary is just weeks from starting.

WALB has compiled a list of Back to School bashes across Southwest Georgia.

Employers across South Georgia met at Albany Technical College Wednesday to learn about apprenticeship programs.

The City of Valdosta wants to make sure that more than 600 kids are ready to start their school year off right.