Schools dealing with virus

Schools in the Richland School District closed on March 18, but they still continue to serve the children of Shafter, be it with free meals or packets of learning.

New learning packets were made available online May 5, updating the learning materials to be completed for credit. Included in the packets are English and math assignments, activity sheets and exercise models.

There also is assistance available for students and parents online. Links are available on the district's homepage leading to each school's website and learning tools, with teachers and advisors there to help.

An updated schedule for the free meal program is there, too. Meals are available Monday-Thursday at different locations throughout the city. Students in the Smith's Corner area can get their meals at Richland and Shafter Avenues between 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. The Colony bus stop at Big John Road is the site for students in the La Colonia area between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Golden Oak Elementary and Redwood Elementary have meals available from 10-11:30 a.m. at their valet areas.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., meals are available at S&A Market, 861 Central Valley Highway, Grimmway Academy Shafter and Shafter High School.

If a child has a food allergy on file with Richland School District and wants to participate in the program, parents are asked to call 661-746-8640 or email mhollingsworth@rdshafter.org by 2 p.m. the day prior to picking up a meal.