Texas classrooms closed for remainder of school year

Gov. Greg Abbott announced last Friday, April 17 that all public and private school classrooms will remain closed for the remainder of the school year to avoid quickening the spread of COVID-19. 

"The team of doctors advising us have determined it would be unsafe to allow students to gather at schools for the foreseeable future," Abbott said.

Gonzales ISD announced through their website and social media the continuation of remote learning through the end of May.

“Please look for more details from GISD administration regarding end of the year activities such as graduation, banquets, obtaining student belongings from campuses, etc.,” the district said in a post.

Nixon-Smiley CISD recently announced an updated calendar, releasing information on important dates in May.

On May 8, formal remote instruction for most students will conclude. NSCISD asks for students to submit all assignments and activities required by then.

From May 8-22, teachers will continue to work with students who are failing or have not completed the remote instruction activities. “At the end of this time, grades will be calculated,” according to the update. Students will receive either a “P” for passing, “F” for failing or “I” for incomplete.

Meal delivery and pick-up service will end on May 15, to give the district time to clean their cafeteria and perform maintenance. However, NSCISD expects to begin their normal summer service on June 1. If families are struggling to feed their children during the gap, the district asks parents to contact a campus principal.

A final decision has not been made regarding graduation. The planned ceremony scheduled for May 29 will not go as planned, but the district will provide details for a virtual graduation ceremony as soon as possible. NSCISD has not ruled out a gathering later in the summer, depending on the status of COVID-19.

Waelder ISD has not announced plans, but have recently started recognizing their seniors by posting a cap and gown photo of each soon-to-be graduate on their Facebook, one per day in alphabetical order. 

After Gov. Abbott’s announcement, the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) released a statement, applauding him for keeping all school buildings closed during the health emergency.

“We applaud Gov. Abbott for ordering all school buildings to remain closed for the remainder of the spring semester, a step that the Texas State Teachers Association called on the governor to take on April 1,” TSTA President Noel Candelaria said in a statement. “This finally removes uncertainty for hundreds of Texas communities and, health experts say, will help slow the spread of the coronavirus. This is an important health and safety measure for millions of Texans because experts don’t know when this pandemic will subside. Meanwhile, teachers will continue to work with their students to provide lessons and activities — remotely — as they have been doing for several weeks.”

“The state also must continue working with school districts to ensure educational equity for students with special needs, English language learners and economically disadvantaged children whose families can’t afford computers or Internet access,” Candelaria added. “And school districts must be required to continue finding ways to safely distribute free meals to students in need.”

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) also released a statement in support of the executive order on schools.

“TEA full supports the governor’s actions and continues to work closely with districts across the state to ensure students are getting what they need: meals, dedicated efforts to keep kids feeling safe and connected during these times and support so students can continue to learn and grown academically,” the statement read. “We remain firmly committee to the health and safety of our students, families and communities. Together, we will get through this. And when the time is right, we will be able to return to our daily routines on school campuses across Texas.”