The Stockton Unified School District logo. Calif. seal (Photo courtesy of the Stockton Unified School District)

Stockton Unified School District announced Wednesday that its reopening plans and COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming school year will include an option for learning from home.

Superintendent John Ramirez Jr. said the 2021-22 school year will begin Aug. 2 with staff and students returning to in-person learning. However, students wanting to learn at home will be given the opportunity to continue a distance learning program.

Ramirez said teachers, students and staff returning to campus will be required to wear masks indoors and the use of masks outdoors will be optional.

People wanting more information on the distance learning program can contact Josh Thom in the district’s Educational Services Department at (209) 933-7040.

The district is recommending that anyone having cold-like symptoms, fever, experiencing a loss of taste and smell or having COVID-19 symptoms stay home.

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.