The Yuma Union High School District Governing Board voted unanimously at Thursday’s special board meeting to approve Superintendent Gina Thompson’s recommendation that the district initiate its hybrid-learning plan.

The first day of hybrid learning will be Monday, Sept. 14 at all six YUHSD campuses.

“[Hybrid] is often referred to as blended learning,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Lisa Anderson said. “Blended learning combines in-person learning days with distance learning days. In the context of schools reopening, the hybrid learning schedule will reduce the number of students on campus.

For students and families who choose hybrid learning, students will be divided into two cohorts based on last name. Those with a last name beginning with A-L will attend school in person on Monday and Tuesday, while students whose last name begins with M-Z will attend school in person on Thursday and Friday. On days that students are not in person they will be working on assignments through the Canvas Learning Management System.

As part of YUHSD’s plan, students may also choose to remain in distance learning through the Canvas. Students who elect to remain in distance learning only, will take part in on-camera sessions with their teachers on Wednesdays. Families who wish to remain in distance learning for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year may wish to consider Yuma Online Distance Academy (YODA) as well.

In addition to the return to hybrid learning, the Board also approved the requirement of a COVID-19 waiver for all students attending school in person. A signed copy of the waiver must be on file at the campus the student attends. To help expedite the process, the waiver was made available through each ParentVUE account. It can also be accessed at yumaunion.org.

Parents who have questions are encouraged to reach out to their campus.