SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Santa Fe Public Schools is ending a short-lived soft opening of in-person learning as the coronavirus pandemic hobbles the state.
“I am announcing today a hiatus of our volunteer hybrid program due to the rampant rise in COVID-19 cases in Santa Fe County and New Mexico and SFPS’ philosophy to always prioritize the safety and well being of our students and staff,” Superintendent Veronica García said.
The volunteers included 58 teachers who went to work despite the pandemic, enabling around 200 elementary students to attend school in person at least part of the week.
The program started on Oct. 26 and will hold the last day of classes on Nov. 20.
“If parents are able to keep their children home next week, I urge them to do so,” García said
The announcement comes as the state sets records for COVID-19 cases amid dwindling space in hospitals, school districts are suing the state over the coronavirus health order, and students are failing classes at much higher rates.
Half of Santa Fe’s public high and middle school students had at least one failing grade, with rates at more than 60% for freshmen and sophomores and close to 40% among middle-school students.
Around the state, the percentage is as high as 80%.
The problem also affects younger kids. The number of Santa Fe Public School students in grades 3 through 12 failing at least one class has increased 15% over last year, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
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Attanasio is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter.
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