More private schools in Stanislaus County welcome children back to in-person learning
Several private schools in Stanislaus County, including Modesto Christian, Big Valley Christian and Sacred Heart in Turlock, resumed in-person instruction Monday for transitional-kindergarten through sixth-grade students. A few others brought students back last week, immediately after having their reopening plans approved by the state.
“It is a blessing to have our students back on campus. They are the reason we’re here,” Modesto Christian K-8 Principal Victoria Ollson said in an email.
Unhealthy air quality has thrown a wrench into some reopening plans. For example, Modesto Christian’s blueprint includes prioritizing outdoor activities, restricting singing to outdoor chapel only, and keeping classroom doors open as much as possible.
“With the poor air quality, we have chosen to keep our students indoors,” Ollson said. “They wash their hands as soon as they enter, clean their desks any time they move, and use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting a room. Students are also physically distanced apart and wear masks in grades 3-5. K-2 grade, the masks are optional. All teachers, aides, administration, maintenance, wear masks or face shields.”
Common protocols among the reopening plans have been taking staff and student temperatures, the wearing of face coverings by staff and students at least in third grade and up, having students stay in small, stable learning cohorts, sanitizing hands and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
Monday, Turlock Christian became the ninth private school in the county to have its reopening plan approved by the state Department of Public Health. No public school districts in the county have had plans approved. Of the 25, only six have submitted plans: Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Valley Home, Roberts Ferry, Chatom and Paradise.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 12:57 PM.
