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Elementary Schools Plan For November Opening
K Class 1
This is an example of how some teachers are setting up the classrooms for the return of students on campus, with shields surrounding desks. Photo Contributed
K Class 2
The students will have their own individual school materials as there will be no sharing of supplies as part of the safety precautions for elementary kids returning to the classroom. Photo Contributed

Riverbank Unified School District (RUSD) has a plan to open classrooms at Mesa Verde Elementary and California Avenue Elementary. Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten students will return to the classroom with a new look, new schedule and safety protocols in place for a smooth return on Monday, Nov. 2.

“We pushed back our opening date in order to be well prepared with plans and safety protocols,” stated RUSD Superintendent Christine Facella. “Teachers are preparing individual school materials for students as there will be no sharing of supplies.”

The return to school campuses will continue for first through third graders on Nov. 9 and fourth and fifth graders on Nov. 30. Facella explained that bus routes are being set up for those that ride the bus. Cardozo Middle School may see the return of their sixth graders on campus and in classrooms on Nov. 30 as well, dependent on the approval at the regular board meeting on Nov. 3.

All schools in Stanislaus County shut down in March as COVID-19 spread throughout the country. Families have been adjusting to COVID life since then and have had to get creative and wear many hats.

“I can imagine that it has been difficult for families without technological experiences, working with multiple children of varying grades in the home and parents trying to work while assisting their children with their schoolwork,” added Facella.

The schedule for the students’ return will be at half capacity with some students attending classes on Monday and Thursday and the other half on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Although there has been controversy on whether schools should reopen or not, the fact remains that there have been challenges and adjustments for all involved during this pandemic and, for many, moving on from COVID and gaining some normalcy sounds like a bright future for all.