Summer vacation will end for Ceres Unified School District K-12 students when they return to their respective campuses this fall.

Classrooms will be less crowded though as the district is offering an alternative to learning in the form of independent study due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“We are planning on welcoming students on Aug. 12 in person with precautions in place to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff,” said Beth Jimenez, communications specialist for CUSD. “For families that aren’t comfortable with that option, they may preregister for our CUSD Custom Classroom K-12 program. It’s our independent study option.”

A total of 427 preregistration forms, including 311 for K-8 students and 116 for high schoolers, had been submitted as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Our Educational Options team is reaching out to those families to help them with the enrollment process,” Jimenez said. “Any questions they have will be answered.”

CUSD Custom Classroom K-12 will provide online access to grade-level curriculum with learning supported by credential teachers.

“Obviously, we believe students learn best when they’re in the classroom,” Jimenez said. “But we also respect our families’ decisions to do what they believe is in the best interests of their children.”

Numerous safety measures will be in place for students attending school in person.

“These measures would include social distancing as possible, frequent disinfecting of surfaces, handwashing/hand-sanitizing protocols, face masks if recommended, and much more,” CUSD Superintendent Scott Siegel stated on the district’s Coronavirus Info webpage. “If circumstances do not allow us to open with all students, we are also planning and preparing for either fully remote learning or a combination of in-person and distance learning.”