Classes resume  this Tuesday at the Ripon Unified School District.

For the exception of those in Careers Technical Education at Ripon High along with the special education Tier 3 classes, students will receive instructions via distance learning.

“This allows for a period of self-isolating after the holidays prior to returning to full instruction for all schools on Jan. 11,” said Superintendent Ziggy Robeson in her letter to district staff and families prior to the winter break.

That’s the plan as of now with the fear that holiday gatherings (Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations) can result into super spreader events as COVID-19 cases in the San Joaquin Valley region continue to be on the rise.

“Please remember the importance of continuing our efforts to keep our community safe – per the California Department of Public Health guidelines – remember to wear a face mask, do your best to social distance, wash hands frequently, and stay home when you feel sick,” Robeson said.

Along with distance learning, RUSD students can still pick up their meals on that first week back. For those in kindergarten through eighth grades, they can go to Ripon Elementary School from 7 a.m. until 8:30.

Ripon High students can pick up their meals on campus from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

Distance learning will continue to be an option for seventh- through- 12th- grade students.

“Again, since March, it has been our desire to have all of our students return to all school campuses as soon as it is safely possible,” said Robeson.

More information is available online at www.riponusd.net.

Colony Oak outdoor

play equipment work

is now completed

The renovation efforts for Colony Oak Elementary School were completed in 2019.

A dedication ceremony was held at the beginning of the school year for the voter-approved Measure G project with state-of-the-arts classrooms along with new restrooms, parking expansion, new outdoor improvements, and new water systems.

However, some of the outdoor playground features were just completed.

“The basketball and volleyball courts were poured during the Thanksgiving break,” said Andy Strickland at the December Ripon Unified school board meeting.

That was indicated on his “Operations & Transportation Report.” Strickland is RUSD’s Director of Facilities Operations & Safety Services.

Speaking of safety, his crew installed Plexiglas in several areas at Ripon High in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“We just purchased five pallets of personal protective equipment and received 5,000 facemasks from The Health Plan of San Joaquin,” he added.