By Elysse James
Capistrano Unified’s campuses saw an increase in students starting April 26 and 27 as the district ended a hybrid program that was implemented as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Capistrano Unified opened back up to on-campus learning in September — the largest school district in the state of California to open its doors to students at that time. Many districts of similar size, such as Santa Ana Unified, remain virtual only.
With the ending of the hybrid program that allowed students to split time between online learning and on-campus learning, students in Capistrano Unified are now with their teachers 100% of the week.
“It’s similar to what you see on a first day of school, although we’ve been open since late September/October in hybrid two days a week,” said Capistrano Valley High Principal John Misustin. “We cheerfully bid our cohorts adieu and were able to bring everybody back.”
“You see hugs and see smiles and hear kids saying, ‘I’m so glad to see you.’ We’re so happy and excited to see that joy come back and that energy start to return to campus,” he said.
CUSD Insider joined students on three campuses for the return to full days for many students — Capistrano Valley High School, San Juan Hills High School, and Aliso Viejo Middle School.
Click on the photos below to view the full photo slideshows from the hybrid students’ celebrated return to campus.
Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer
