ELIZABETHTON â The Elizabethton City School System has issued its plans for returning to school for the new school year. Students will return on Thursday, Aug. 5. âOur number one priority continues to be the health and safety of our students while being able to provide appropriate academic instruction and meet studentsâ social-emotional needs,â the school administration said in issuing the plan. The administration also reminded the public that modifications to the plan may be required, based on conditions in the city or in response to information from state and local health officials. Here are the guidelines for the beginning of the 2021-22 school year: