GREENFIELD — Small groups of students will return to elementary campuses within Greenfield Union School District on Nov. 16, a delay from the earlier approved date of Nov. 2 by the district’s school board.
Superintendent Zandra Galvan said in an Oct. 30 update the delay would allow for additional time to plan and prepare for the return of students. California has allowed small cohort groups of 12 or fewer students to return to campuses when distance learning does not work for the educational needs of some youth.
“We continue to meet with our preschool, TK and special day class team members to plan for small groups to safely return for in-person instruction with a focus on health, safety, instruction, nutrition, family engagement and social-emotional wellness,” Galvan said. “At this time, all other students will remain in distance learning for quarter two awaiting their opportunity to transition back to school during this 2020-21 school year.”
The district has achieved 100% wireless internet availability for students, Galvan noted in her update. The access to connectivity for students who remain in indefinite online learning is made possible by more than 60 access points providing broadband around the clock.
“Our technology teams are available during the day and evenings Monday to Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., so you can visit any school for support with Wi-Fi, logging in and device repair,” Galvan said.
With connectivity made widely available, the district has averaged between 95% and 99% daily attendance, she said.
Meanwhile, the reopening schools task force continues to plan for the eventual return to in-person instruction and refine practices.
“Our task force meets weekly and works diligently to ensure that all health, safety, instruction, nutrition, family engagement and social-emotional wellness supports are in place so that this school year continues to be successful,” Galvan said.
While in distance learning, area schools have continue to provide free meals to youth without need for proof of school attendance. Galvan said 5,300 meals were distributed to Greenfield community members within the week of Oct. 26 to 30.
Meanwhile, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital’s Mobile Clinic has been offering flu shots on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school district’s Family Resource Center at 493 El Camino Real.
