Rio Rancho Public Schools prepares to offer hybrid learning for more grade levels

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Rio Rancho Public Schools is expanding hybrid learning.

Seventh, eighth and ninth grade students can begin in-person learning starting March 8.

Students in sixth and twelfth began in the hybrid model this week.

"It’s going really well. Our students are super excited to be back at school our families are excited to have them back," said Beth Pendergrass, spokesperson for Rio Rancho Public Schools. "We’re finding that a lot of those challenges that we were concerned about are working out."

The phased in approach was designed to help ease concern about a lack of teachers, custodians and transporation.

Pendergrass said they are making accommodations for those who need them.

"It doesn’t look the same. Certainly not school as we know it," she said. "There might be classes of students go into where the teacher is teaching virtually, and we have another adult in there, like a substitute or something, for those who have received the accommodations."

Right now, there is no timeline for when students in tenth and eleventh grade will return to class.

Pendergrass said they will evaluate when to bring back more students if everything goes well.