Groups of students to return to the Wasco classrooms

Small groups of students will return to school Oct. 26, Wasco High School Principal Kevin Tallon announced.

Tallon said because the county is now in the red tier, which allows schools to bring students back for in-person instruction, small groups of less than six students can return. Schools have been closed since March 17.

“The first phase focuses on ‘small cohorts’ allowing for prioritizing Special Education and other “at-risk” populations including English learners, homeless, foster youth and the few that have internet connectivity issues,” Tallon said. “A new cohort will be added every 1-2 weeks.”

Tallon said that a modified version of in-person instruction is planned for all students that wish to return “in-person” beginning Jan. 26.

Tallon stated that any family may keep their student on full-time distance learning for the remainder of the year instead of returning to school for “in-person” instruction.

The Community Department of Public Health guidance for COVID-19 will be followed by the schools and students will maintain social distance and wear masks.

Tallon said that athletics conditioning will begin with fall sports on Oct. 26. This includes cross country, football and girls golf teams.

In addition, athletic practices will begin in November and games are planned for early January.