Update to School Plan: August 4. 2020
There have been a number of recent significant changes made to the plan for the upcoming school year, following the Governor’s update from a few weeks ago. If you haven’t checked recently, it is recommended that you revisit the school district’s online FAQ for an update. The school district is doing a great job communicating.
Carlsbad Municipal Schools is planning to begin the school year on Aug. 24 in remote format. All students returning to the district will begin an online learning program on that date. A previous Jumpstart program has been removed from back to school programming due to the Governor’s orders.
From that point, students will begin physically going to school in a hybrid model (meaning students either physically go to school on Monday and Tuesday or on Thursday and Friday) when the district is approved to make such a change. The state has previously said that a phased approach to the hybrid will begin after Labor Day, but dates may vary based on the spread of COVID-19.
Some families have opted into a 100% online option for the entire school year for their students. These students will be notified by their schools with instructions and login credentials.
According to the school district, school meals will be made available during the remote, hybrid and full entry models.
All students will be issued a Chromebook this year at some point in August. It is recommended that students use these Chromebooks even if they have another option to make things easier for teachers.
We know there are many other questions about how this process will take place. Please visit www.carlsbadschools.net for more information.
As a reminder, a new talk line has been established for those facing challenges or anxiety during the pandemic. According to the state, trained staff will be available 24/7 for anyone who calls. The campaign is aimed at a wide variety of people experiencing stress right now, including older individuals.
Anyone needing assistance or someone to talk to is asked to call the Talk Helpline at 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474). There is also a peer-to-peer line that offers connections at 1-855 4NM-7100 (466-7100).
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant has reported that a Nuclear Waste Partnership employee who works at the WIPP site tested positive for COVID-19 after becoming ill. WIPP contact tracing and sanitation protocols have been followed. WIPP also reported that it continues to work with all contractors to ensure Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD) guidelines are followed. We appreciate WIPP providing us with this update.
On Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court listened to arguments on both sides concerning the state’s authority to enforce certain public health order measures.
We are getting a legal interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling and will do our best to explain at a later date.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway