Distance Learning

Conner Ortez, Sharon Bocanegra and Peyton Evans in front of the San Benito High School administration building. The three students held a protest against distance learning on Feb. 22. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Education / Schools

Three students protest distance learning outside San Benito High School

Two Balers and one HDLA student set up outdoor classroom in front of campus office.

Hollister School District offices on Cienega Road. Photo by Leslie David.

Education / Schools

HSD offers programs to support parents

Series of evening classes aims to support parents and students as they work through the challenges of distance learning and prepare for a return to school.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

News Release

Gov. Newsom unveils California’s Safe Schools for All plan 

State strategy focuses on ensuring implementation and building confidence by bringing back the youngest children (TK-2) and those who are most vulnerable first, then phasing in other grade levels through the spring.

Ladd Lane Elementary School. Photo by Patty Lopez Day.

Education / Schools

HSD considers reopening to small on-campus cohorts in spring

Plan would require willingness of students and teachers to return to in-person instruction.

Students are socially distanced in the classroom. Photo courtesy of Spring Grove.

Education / Schools

Spring Grove School moves two classes to distance learning after student tests positive for COVID-19

Superintendent states the student had not been at school since Dec. 10.

RO Hardin Elementary School in the Hollister School District. Photo by Patty Lopez Day.

News

Hollister School District campuses to remain closed

Trustees will again consider reopening in a January meeting, taking into account positive test rates, new case rates and vaccination availability.

Teacher Kellie Sabaska instructs students from home. Photo courtesy of Kellie Sabaska.

Education / Schools

Distance learning from a teacher’s perspective

Some HSD instructors say they’d rather continue with remote instruction.

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park interpreter Marcos Vizcaino in the Plaza Hotel Saloon with an antique clock. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Education / Schools

SJB State Historic Park turns to virtual lessons for elementary schools

Fourth graders learn about the crafts and skills of 19th-century California.

Ashley Neuman helps daughter Addyson, a second grader at Cerra Vista, with distance learning while her other children look on. Photo courtesy of Ashley Neuman.

Education / Schools

Parents want input on when to reopen Hollister schools

Mothers share how distance learning has impacted their children.

Image provided by Angela Hagins.

Community Opinions

COMMENTARY: Conflicted—the distance learning/safety dilemma

Hollister Elementary School Teachers Association President Angela Hagins writes that HSD teachers support the decision to remain on distance learning despite all of the frustrations it brings.

Tyler Bennedetti, a Cal Poly SLO student from Hollister. Photo courtesy of Tyler Bennedetti.

Schools & Education

Pandemic grounds college students in San Benito County

Despite feeling bored and distracted, they would rather stay home for classes than attend in person.

The Martinez family picks up laptops for distance learning at Rancho San Justo. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Education / Schools

HSD hands out laptops for school year

First day of instruction is Aug. 17.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of San Benito County.

Children and Youth

YMCA of San Benito County program works to support families during distance learning

Excel Beyond the Bell offers lifeline to working parents seeking help with childcare.

RO Hardin Elementary School in the Hollister School District. Photo by Patty Lopez Day.

Education / Schools

HSD board receives report on distance learning plans

District providing 3,500 laptops and over 1,000 hotspots for internet access.

The front office at Calaveras School/AAA displays a "Facilities Closed" banner. Photo by Patty Lopez Day.

Education / Schools

HSD Trustees adopt distance learning model for start of school year

Board has final authority over switching to hybrid or full in-person instruction if San Benito County is removed from the state’s COVID-19 monitoring list.

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