Salinas Union High School District reopens Tuesday for all grades
One of Monterey County's largest high school district is reopening Tuesday. After being closed for more than a year Salinas Union High School District will welcome back all their grades.
Students can expect to follow COVID-19 protocols the moment they enter the school, and throughout the day in classes. Salinas Union High School District said it's been challenging figuring out how kids are going to be welcomed back but are glad to finally do so. Parents and students are expressing their thoughts as well.
"Pretty risky but everyone should be getting safer now," said Harry Navarro, a Salinas Union High School District parent.
Navarro is willing to give in-person a shot for his 9th and 10th graders. He has mixed emotions but his teens are tired of being home.
Navarro said, "They are pretty nervous and anxious at the same time because they want to go back with their friends, different point of view, playing sports."
KSBW took a tour of Washington Middle School in Salinas. The school sets the example for how all schools will look district-wide starting Tuesday. COVID-19 safety protocols include temperature checks, one-way hallways, plexiglass around desks and six feet markers.
"We can't make a hurry decision when we talk about putting students back in school, in an environment where people are going to interact with them in small spaces," said Dan Burns, Salinas Union High School District Superintendent.
The district has around 16,500 students in its middle and high schools. 40% or roughly 5,000 students have opted to be back on campus. They'll be split into three groups. Group A will go to school Tuesday and Wednesday in the morning. Group B will be on campus for morning sessions on Thursday and Friday.
Group C will continue distance learning give days a week. 11th grader Isabella Fusanotti is one of them.
"I prefer to stay in distance learning, but I applaud the kids who are going back just for me it's not the right decision at the time," said Isabella Fusanotti, 11th grader in the Salinas Union High School District.
The junior says she wants to see how in-person learning goes for her peers. In the meantime, she is enjoying distance learning.
"I find it better because you don't have teachers hovering over you which for me is stressful for me personally and I like to work at my own pace which is nice," said Fusanotti.
The superintendent also recognizes differences in comfortability.
"So we'd like to extend that opportunity for them to come visit the school, take a look around, see the protocols in place and judge for themselves if they're ready to bring their children back to school," Burns said.
The district plans to take things one step at a time, in terms of more in-person events. They are looking at senior types of events such as the in-person graduation that will happen. Along with other events students are starting to plan.