Town Hall has distance learning for students through the Idyllwild Community Center (ICC). Currently, the program has 12 students and can take up to 14.

ICC worked with Riverside County to make sure all parameters were in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Initially, there were 6-foot tables, requiring plexiglass dividers between the students. Will Steichen, ICC’s director, made the dividers by himself over one weekend, significantly reducing the cost of the dividers, which would have been about $1,000. Steichen was able to make them for a tenth of the cost.

“It has been a lot, but I feel like we are doing something positive for the community, and I feel fortunate to be able to do that,” Steichen said.

When Idyllwild School recently received new desks, the school donated the old desks to Town Hall. Students are now able to be distanced so they no longer need the dividers.

The current 12 students are first through fourth grade and are separated into two cohorts: first and second grades and third and fourth grades. One teacher works with each of the two groups on the main floor of Town Hall. The county has approved the program to have 14 students total.

When the weather is bad, the students go downstairs for breaks and lunch, and when the weather is good, they go outside.

Students are required to wear a mask when moving around the main floor room but can take the mask off when at their desk. Students do need to wear a mask when they are outside.

The program is really strict on COVID protocols, according to Steichen. If a child is sick at all, they cannot return unless they are symptom-free for 24 hours. This protocol also applies to staff.

Every day, students and staff temperatures are taken at the breezeway of Town Hall. If anyone’s temperature is over 99.6 F, they go home immediately. So far, they have not had any exposures or had anyone out.

The cost is $10 per day and ICC asks parents to commit to one week at a time. This way it is easier for the program to work with the school so teachers can help out if needed.

ICC did apply for a state grant but they have not heard back as of press time. If the program receives the grant, then distance learning can be free for the rest of the year.

Lunch is not offered with the program, but ICC provides snacks and water for the students.

The program hours are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Holidays and snow days are the same as those observed by Idyllwild School and the district.

To register, send an email to info@idyllwildcommunitycenter.org.