House students to begin with remote learning

Students in House Municipal Schools will begin the school year Monday with remote learning only except for students in kindergarten through third grade whose parents opt to have their children start the year in classes.

Students in K-3 grades who attend in person will be taught in groups of no more than five per teacher, House Superintendent Bonnie Lightfoot said.

Parents have the option of using remote learning for these students, as well, Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot learned Friday the New Mexico Public Education Department had rejected the district’s plan to allow students meeting “at risk” criteria to begin the school year in the classroom, she said.

Pre-kindergarten students were not scheduled to start until after Labor Day, Lightfoot said.

The day after Labor Day also is when students may be allowed to attend live classes under conditions that allow social distancing, require mask wearing, frequent hand washing, enhanced sanitation and daily health checks, among other precautions, according to current education department guidelines.