No distance learning offered in fall for Wasco high schools

Distance learning will not be an option for students this fall in the Wasco Union High School District.

Superintendent Rob Cobb outlined a number of changes for the 2021-22 school year in a letter to parents and students last week.

Cobb said all students will return to campus for full, five school days a week. Independent study will be offered on a limited basis when necessary.

He explained schools are considered to be safe places because it has shown to be a low rate of positive cases or transmission. The district will continue with sanitation protocols. The district, Cobb said, anticipates most restrictions will be lifted by the summer. At this time, it is not clear if students and staff will be required to wear masks.

Cobb also said most of the staff has been vaccinated and students may now receive the vaccine and are encouraged to be vaccinated over the summer or prior to the school year. Vaccination is not required, only recommended, Cobb clarified.

“As covid-19 cases continue to decline, we are ever optimistic that life (and school) will soon return to some semblance of normal,” Cobb said. “The Wasco Union High School District has planned for a true in-person summer school and a full return to in-person learning in the fall.”

Students will return to campus on Aug. 11 and there will be no distance learning or hybrid schedule option. WUHSD plans to offer the vaccine to all high school-aged students sometime in June.

“Please continue to do your part in curbing the spread of covid-19 and we look forward to seeing all students return to school in August,” he added.

Cobb also reminded parents due to the limited capacity, Wasco Independent High graduation will be livestreamed at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 28 and will physically be held on the WHS football field.

Wasco High School graduation is at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 28 on the WHS football field.