TEXARKANA, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered schools closed for the remainder of the school year to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Although area schools were planning to reopen May 4, administrators said Friday they are putting plans in place on how to continue current services and online learning through the end of the school year.
"Although we are saddened to hear that Texas is closing schools for the remainder of the year, we know that this is the right choice for the safety of our students and staff," said Tina Veal-Gooch, Texarkana Independent School District's executive director of public relations. "As Gov. Abbott mentioned, Texas school districts will receive direction from Commissioner of Education Mike Morath in the coming weeks as to the next steps and how to address end-of-year ceremonies. Until then, we have in place our At-Home Learning program and the Grab-And-Go Meals program."
She said more information will be sent to parents/guardians on Monday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 21. "We will develop future direction for the rest of the academic school year, along with summer programs, hopefully within the next 10 days," Veal-Gooch said.
Pleasant Grove ISD will also continue to deliver at-home learning plans through May 22, said Shelby Akin, the district's marketing and communications manager. Grab-and-go meals will remain available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays for all students under 18.
Further decisions are still being made for the end of the school year, including graduation ceremonies.
"The district will communicate graduation plans and other important information through Schoolmessenger and PGISD.net at a later date," she said.
Matt Fry, communications manager for Liberty-Eylau ISD, said administrators and key personnel will meet Monday to discuss a variety of topics including at home learning, graduations and other end of the year events.
"TEA Commissioner Mike Morath is expected to provide guidance regarding these topics," he said. "As soon as decisions are finalized we will communicate those out."
The district will also continue to offer the weekday grab-and-go meals, along with delivery.