GRANTS, N.M. – The Grants/Cibola County School District board held lengthy discussions about how the coronavirus is affecting academic skills. The district implemented the hybrid-learning format on Oct. 19. All schools had operated entirely on the distancelearning format since the start of this academic year until the district opted to offer the hybrid format, which included 50 percent online instruction and 50 percent in-person classes. Families retained the option of distance-learning only, according to G/CCSD officials. The Navajo Nation issued a Nov. 16 order to close all schools and businesses on the Navajo Reservation. The Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna have been closed by order of their respective Governors. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order does not change current school protocols said Superintendent Max Perez.
Superintendent report
Superintendent Perez explained that approximately 40 percent of New Mexico school districts have announced plans to rely entirely on virtual instruction through the remainder of the calendar year. He added that several will continue distance learning through mid-January.
Superintendent Perez stated that several employees and some students have tested positive for COVID-19 since the end of October.
Perez identified the benefits of remote learning, which include higher levels of safety for students and staff, a decreased possibility of cross-contamination and a reduction in instances of spreading the coronavirus, students and instructional staff are much better equipped for virtual learning and have developed more proficiency with the online format. He added that virtual instruction also means that providing childcare is less of an issue for staff.
Possible adverse consequences include the social and emotional effects on students and teachers, an increased potential for depression for students and staff in addition to the possible negative impact on students who may not live in healthy home situations. Internet and reliable connectivity remain a challenge for some households. He acknowledged that student engagement and behavior are not as easily addressed.
Specific structures remain in place with both the Hybrid and Remote (Virtual) formats. These include the Standard Aligned Learning System, the Professional Learning Communities, addressing student needs through examining each individual’s academic performance, ongoing professional development opportunities for staff, student academic support, continuing engagement with students and their families, and the Staff Taking Action to keep Students Rising (STAR) Team initiatives, according to the superintendent.
A teacher comments
Jennifer Kincaid, San Rafael Elementary School third/fourth grade teacher, expressed “concerns about the risks we are all facing due to participating with inperson instruction.” She said that several families of students who attend San Rafael have tested positive or have lost a family member to COVID-19 in recent weeks.
“Because our school is very small, the impact is huge when there are staff that are having to quarantine if they are having symptoms and/or waiting for the results of a COVID test. We simply don’t have enough staff to cover lunches and breaks when this happens. Another concern is that students are going out and participating in high-risk activities such as visiting with non-household members, which is something that the Governor has asked people to avoid,” said the teacher who urged the district to return to virtualonly instruction because staff and students are proficient in using the technology.
“I think that having our classes return to a virtualonly model immediately is the only option that keeps everyone safe while maintaining our students’ educational needs during this latest surge,” Kincaid told the board.
Instructional decisions
The superintendent presented two options: Remain in the current Hybrid instructional format or return to total Remote instruction until January 25, 2021. (The board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and again on Jan. 19, 2021.)
The five-member board voted to return all students to distance learning as of Nov. 30 and to continue using that format until Jan. 25.
(President Guy Archambeau made the motion to approve returning to total remote instruction; Vice President Emily Hunt-Dailey seconded; Secretary Ron Ortiz and member Dion Sandoval voted “aye” and member Richard Jones voted “nay,” according to the draft minutes.)
Large audience
District staff and an audience of more than 110 people utilized electronic communication for the Nov. 17 meeting, which lasted almost four hours. The meeting included an executive session, 6:45 – 9:10 p.m., to discuss the regularly scheduled evaluation of the superintendent’s performance.
G/CCSD has utilized technology since March to provide community members with access to the twicemonthly board meetings.
Upcoming meetings and holiday closures
The G/CCDS board meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
• The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15.
• Winter break for students, Dec. 21, 2020 - Jan. 3, 2021
• District closed, December 24-25
Visit https://www.gccs.k12.nm.us/ or call 505-285-2603 for more information.