Middle and high school students will return to Carlsbad Unified campuses this week, school officials announced.
The California Department of Public Health approved the district's Safety Review Request Friday after first denying a more ambitious plan, the officials said.
Students can essentially be on campus in groups or cohorts two days a week on Monday and Tuesday, or Thursday and Friday, and the grades and classes will be phased in beginning Monday.
Devika Blasi, the mom of a middle schooler at Valley Middle School says even this limited hybrid schedule brings some relief.
“I’m not a teacher and I can't replace what he's missing by being in a classroom with a teacher who can give the proper instructions and that social piece," said Blasi.
Sixth-graders start Monday at Aviara Oaks Middle School, Calavera Hills Middle School and Valley Middle School. Seventh-graders start Tuesday and eighth-graders start Thursday. Cohort A meets on Monday and Tuesday, and Cohort B meets Thursday and Friday.
Ninth and 10th grade students at Carlsbad High School and Sage Creek High School return starting Monday, while 11th and 12th graders begin their phased return Thursday.
Wednesdays for high school students will be for distance learning, officials said.
“Two days is better than nothing in my opinion. I'm just glad to go to school," said Ben Blasi, a Valley Middle School student.
Blasi said the road to this partial opening has been frustrating and it won't be a reality until he’s actually there.
“I'm not really getting my hopes up until I’m actually at school because it's been cancelled a lot after they emailed but I'm starting to get more and more excited," he said.
Carlsbad Unified noted San Diego County was expected to gain red-tier status next week, so some restrictions will be relaxed for schools beginning Wednesday.
