NSCISD and GISD return to remote learning Nov. 30, WISD extends winter break

Following increases in COVID-19 cases and exposures, Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District and Gonzales Independent School District will return to remote learning, while Waelder Independent School District is extending its Winter Break. 

NSCISD and GISD will return to remote learning after students leave for Thanksgiving Break Nov. 20. Classes and school work will be handled remotely from Nov. 30 to Friday, Dec. 4 in both districts. A tentative return to campus is set for Monday, Dec. 7, also in both districts. 

WISD has combined its Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks into an extended Winter break. The winter semester will end on Friday, Nov. 20 and students will return for the second semester on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.

GISD's announcement came in the form of a video uploaded to YouTube and shared on the district website. In this unlisted video, Superintendent John Schumacher said there is only one active student case of coronavirus, one in-district exposure to that student, who is currently quarantining with 66 students who are quarantining after external, out-of-district exposure to COVID-19. He also said there are four staff cases with 18 staff members who are quarantining after close contact. 

You can click or tap here to watch the video.

The video also provided updates for parents regarding various services:

• The district will provide meal pickup on Monday, Nov. 30, Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Gonzales Elementary.
• Those without internet access can request a Wi-fi hot spot from the district by calling 830-672-9551 ext. 1557 or logging onto the district website. Hot spots can be picked up North Avenue Intermediate building 100, on Friday, Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• For parents who may not recognize the number, Robo calls from 855-502-7867 are from the district. If the call is not answered, it will go to voicemail and leave a message with relevant information.

In NSCISD, there are currently four active cases among high school students and staff and one among elementary students and staff. 

Extracurrcular activities are being considered on a case-by-case basis, according to a letter to parents from Superintendent Cathy Lauer. 

In WISD there are currently no active cases, but recovered cases number two among staff, one among students.

According to a statement from the district, meal assistance will be available, and Basketball games and practices will be players and coaches only until classes resume. 

An excerpt from that statement:

"Basketball games and limited practices will continue during the break. However, only Coaches and players will be in the gym for both practices and games. Fan attendance will resume upon the
resumption of school.

As this break is longer than the traditional holiday break, your school board has authorized and your school administration is arranging for each student to receive food vouchers for staple food items. More details will be provided in the near future.

Families may elect to donate one or more of the vouchers back to the school for distribution for those hardest hit by the current circumstances. An application will be available for families in need of additional supplies."