Clarkdale-Jerome to remain with in-person classes until Dec. 17

At a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8, the Clarkdale-Jerome School District Governing Board voted 3-2 to end in-person classes on Thursday, Dec. 17, and start Distance Learning on the last day before winter break, Friday, Dec. 18.

The board’s vote delays the return to in-person learning after the winter break by a week. The district will hold classes remotely from Monday, Jan. 4 through Friday Jan. 8 reopen its campus to students for in-person classes on Monday, Jan. 11, and holding the week remotely.

President Jill Zaske and board members Dale William and Chad Backus voted for the change. Clerk Angelina “Angie” Smith and board member Laurie Lozano and voted against.

“As we anticipate the school dashboard metrics to continue to be in the substantial category beginning this Thursday, which will be two weeks in a row, the board felt that once the semester is over at winter break it would be prudent for our school to go back into our distance learning model,” Clarkdale-Jerome School District Superintendent Danny Brown said.

• During Distance Learning, the district will resume some of the activities it began in the spring and fall, including providing Onsite Learning Opportunities for students who need a place to work to campus between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Students can be picked up at noon each day, as most instructional activities will be taught by then or 2:30 p.m., if they need extended time. Students will receive free breakfast and lunch during Distance Learning.
• The CJSD will offer free curbside breakfast and lunch in front of the school every morning between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., communication from teachers daily via Google Classroom, and chromebooks provided for all students before break.
• The district will also work with families who are in need of internet access.
• Bus transportation will not be available during distance learning.
• Students who already enrolled in the CJSD Online Learning Academy will continue with their studies.

Jon Hecht can be reached at 282-7795 or email jhecht@larsonnewspapers.com