Lemoore students, teachers, begin innovative, untested distance learning program

It was indeed a unique "first day of school" as local educators still conducted classes via distance learning, and the school's entire student body hopefully remained home – glued to laptops and computers.

Lemoore High School students began their school year on August 12, while the seven-campus Lemoore Elementary School District will begin instruction, today, August 11.

Both districts are planning to implement "distance learning" thanks in part to Kings County's placement on a state watch list that mandated that California counties with worsening coronavirus trends must implement distance learning. Kings County has experienced elevated disease transmissions and rising hospitalization rates, factors that put them on the list.

Lemoore High School's electronic sign announces the first day of school as district begins innovate distance learning instruction.

Since Gov. Newsom laid down the law on July 17, mandating distance learning for 33 counties, Lemoore's school districts have ramped up efforts to streamline their distance learning opportunities. Many schools reported difficulties during the pandemic's early stages, but local educational leaders think they may have upped the ante. "Online learning will be more rigorous this time. Teachers will have office hours in order to provide additional instruction and support to students," said Lemoore Union High School District Superintendent Debbie Muro.

Before the governor's order to implement distance learning, Muro told The Leader that school was expected to open on time, and with students. The local high school planned to take steps to screen students and staff before entering campus and require facemasks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing in the classrooms.