GRANTS — Students attending classes within the Grants-Cibola County Schools will begin their school year virtually.
The GCCS school board met July 14, voting to have the first 30 days of the school year held in a virtual capacity via Google Classroom.
The measure was originally scheduled for a vote July 7, but was tabled until July 14 to provide more time for review.
The board meeting was broadcast on Zoom, a virtual conferencing platform, with employees of the district tuning in.
GCCS services schools in Acoma, Bluewater, Casa Blanca, Cubero, Grants, Milan, San Rafael and Seboyeta.
“The GCCS Reentry Team has been meeting and working carefully for the last few months to make sound and logical approaches to keep the students safe while bringing them back to the school in the best way possible, considering all circumstances,” GCCS superintendent Max Perez said.
“As we move forward into this next school year, I am asking that all parents and community members continue to work with us through the ongoing challenges, and throughout these most unforeseeable times,” he added.
Teachers and support staff will report to their school sites. The learning plan for the district calls for social and emotional learning, where children acquire and apply knowledge, attitudes and skills.
The district will provide meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with meals for two days distributed on Mondays and Wednesdays. The meals will be dispersed at bus stops and are only available to students.
Every school day, staff and students will be screened before they enter the schools. Everyone must wear a face shield or a mask on-site.
“This health crisis is pushing us to our limits to solve it, and for some of us, it has taken a toll. The Grants Cibola County School Board conveys its sympathies for any loss experienced by your families, and we pray for a speedy recovery by those who have taken ill,” Guy Archambeau, the president of the board of education, said.
The school year for the district is set to begin with staff returning to school sites Aug. 5 and students returning virtually Aug. 10.
“If you have any questions feel free to send a message. We realize the plan does not answer all questions. The district Reentry team, along with all administrators, will be working on the details so that students, staff, parents and other stakeholders will be prepared,” The district’s Facebook page said.
“We ask for your patience and support as we continue to move forward with the plan. Please try to project a positive and supportive attitude with your child. Their success could very well be dependent on how well we work together and the attitude we project,” it added.
By Dominic Aragon
Sun Correspondent
