CUSD Announces Reopening of Secondary Schools

CUSD announced they have received the green light to phase in secondary schools on Friday, Feb. 12. (Clovis High School Facebook)

Middle school and high school students are returning to school for in-person learning.

This Friday afternoon, Clovis Unified School District held a press conference via Zoom announcing they were given the green light from the Fresno County Department of Public Health to phase in secondary students.

Superintendent Eimear O’Farrell stated CUSD is working on finalizing logistics and plans to have students return on February 22.

“It inspires confidence in me, as now we contemplate bringing our secondary students back that we will be successful with this,” said O’Farrell.

1,900 students have already opted for in-person learning. The remaining students who have not enrolled will continue distance learning.

Prior to being postponed, the original date for reopening was January 5. CUSD sent video instructions to students and parents, educating them on safety protocols and what it would look like for specific schools.

CUSD stated they have a contact tracing team in place. If there are elevated temperatures, there is a criteria in place for dealing with the matter in a case by case process. Data will also be sent back to the Fresno County Department of Public Health.

“We do recognize that this is a big day. It is a day we have been working towards. Although our journey isn’t over…It really is an exciting day for us, and we look forward to seeing more of our kids back on our campuses,” said Kelly Avants, Chief Communications Officer at CUSD.

Tori Lavon is a Multimedia Journalist from Reedley, California. She received her Bachelor's in Mass Communications and Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcasting from California State University, Fresno. Currently, she is a radio intern at One Putt Broadcasting. On occasion, Tori has the opportunity to be on-air with talent. She is getting her start in media. She has a passion for reporting, photography, and videography. Tori also has a love for art; she loves to draw, paint, and does pottery on the side. One day she hopes she can be on-air talent at a radio station as well.