Yucca returning to remote learning for two weeks

CLOVIS -- Yucca Middle School will shift to remote learning mode starting Wednesday, in what Clovis Municipal Schools cites as a preventative measure to avoid an involuntary closure by the state.

The remote learning period will run from Wednesday through May 18, with in-person instruction to resume May 19.

According to a release from the district:

• Students and staff were instructed to take Chromebooks and other necessary items home at dismissal Tuesday, and parents were asked not to pick up students early unless absolutely necessary.

• Grab & Go meals will continue to be provided at Yucca for students affected by the closure from 9 a.m.-noon weekdays.

• Accommodations are being made for students receiving special services or participating in extracurricular programs. Families will be contacted by the school with additional information.

The school is currently on the state's rapid response watchlist with three positive COVID-19 cases reported in the last two weeks. A fourth in a two-week period would subject the school to a possible state-mandated two-week closure and no local discretion on when in-person learning would resume.

"Returning to remote instruction is not taken lightly by district leadership," a district release said. "However the district maintains the position that retaining the ability to make its own decisions regarding these issues, without the imposition of unscheduled state mandates, is the best way to navigate an already unfortunate situation."