NEWMAN - Two Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District classroom staff members recently tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent Randy Fillpot confirmed Tuesday.

NEWMAN - A temporary grading policy for middle school and high school students, approved by the Newman-Crows Landing school board at its Nov. 9 meeting over the objections of numerous teachers, offers a safety net to students who fall behind because they do not turn in assignments.

NEWMAN - As local schools welcome students back to the classroom to resume in-person instruction after a pandemic-induced hiatus of more than seven months, the focal point for custodial crews is one of constantly sanitizing facilities.

GUSTINE - The Gustine Unified School District plans to reopen its campuses for in-person instruction next week, using a “hybrid” model which blends classroom and distance learning.

GUSTINE - Gustine FFA member Madison Woods last week was named the national FFA proficiency winner in sheep production.

NEWMAN - While the vast majority of the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District’s approximately 3,200 students study remotely, small groups of those most at risk are returning to the classroom a few hours each week.

Local high school football players hope to soon join teams in other areas of the United States that have been cleared to play under the Friday night lights.....continuing cherished traditions in small communities such as Gustine and Newman.

GUSTINE - The gymnasium renovation at Gustine High is substantially completed and has come in under budget.

Orestimba’s girls basketball teams are getting the chance to lace up their shoes - but for now are hitting the track for conditioning rather than setting foot in the gym.

GUSTINE - Students in grades K-6 at Our Lady of Miracles Catholic School returned to the classroom for in-person instruction last week.

GUSTINE - Two Gustine High staff members will be among teachers and school employees recognized Oct. 1 in the 2020 Merced County Excellence in Education program.

GUSTINE - Incumbent Loretta Rose brings more than a decade of school board experience to her re-election bid, institutional knowledge which she said has served and will serve the Gustine Unified School District well.

GUSTINE - School board candidate Andrew Bloom is emphasizing the importance of sound fiscal management and accountability.

Gustine FFA member Madison Woods is one of four finalists for the national sheep proficiency award, which will be presented in late October as part of the National FFA Convention.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of stories examining how teachers of subject areas that traditional involve hands-on activities are adapting to the distance learning format. A previous story featured art and music teachers at Orestimba High.

NEWMAN - Candidate Alfredo Esquivez is making a second bid for a seat on the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District’s governing board, pledging in the process to bring an inclusive approach that draws upon his own experiences and cultural background.

NEWMAN - Incumbent Newman-Crows Landing school board member Janice Conforti is stressing the importance of experience in helping guide local schools through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Editor’s note: A two-part series will address how teachers of subjects which typically involve extensive hands-on assignments are conducting instruction in the distance learning environment. Gustine High ag teachers will be featured in an upcoming story.)

GUSTINE - The ASB student leadership team at Gustine High is adapting to the challenge of boosting school spirit while not at school - at least not in the traditional sense.

GUSTINE - Zachery Ramos is hoping to take his involvement in programs which benefit the community’s youth to a higher level as a member of the Gustine school board.

GUSTINE - School board candidate Dennis Brazil said experience is the strong suit he will bring to the Gustine’ Unified School District’s governing board if elected.

As the new school year continues, a new classroom building stands waiting for the arrival of students at Yolo Middle School.

Free meals are now available to children through local schools regardless of whether they are enrolled as students.