Schools turn to distance learning amid closures

Seven months into the school year, Kate Sicklick had her weekday morning routine down pat. She was up at 7 a.m. and, after eating breakfast, was out the door by 8 a.m. to walk to Del Mar Middle School. She’d settle into her seat in Mr. O’Brien’s science class by the time the first bell rang at 8:20 a.m. That all changed March 13, when the Reed Union School District closed its three schools due to concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus. As a result, Kate spent last week adapting to a new routine. Now, she starts the school day by settling into her desk in her room around 9 a.m. She logs into her iPad and spends the next four hours sifting through online assignments, emailing her teachers and arranging virtual study sessions with classmates.

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