As word of the Presidents’ three-phase Opening America Up Again plan and the Governor’s most recent instructions regarding COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines became widely known today, school officials are working on plans, assessing what remaining closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year will mean for their districts.
With no in-person events or classes on campuses, UIL officially cancelled all events and activities for the rest of the year as well.
During a time when seniors would be celebrating their successes and participating in time-honored traditions such as prom and honors programs, seniors and student graduating from one school to the next would be preparing for commencement excercises and activities.
Some school districts have begun recognizing their seniors on their Facebook pages. Where available senior photos are used, and information about the students’ achievements, civic and extracurricular activities provided for these students. Districts also recognize their career aspirations and the college, university, academy or military training plans.
Below are public responses made Friday afternoon, April 17, by Hopkins County and Yantis school district officials regarding the most recent plans issued at the state and local levels, and what that means for each school district.
Como-Pickton CISD
CPCISD Superintendent Greg Bower said while school officials don’t yet have answers, there will be a plan for graduation, scholarship and awards announcements, even if it’s online.
The district meal program will continue for students who are in need during the rest of our school year. Last week, CPCISD staff and cafeteria workers delivered almost 2,000 meals to students.
Below is his message Friday afternoon to the Eagle Nation Family:
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter reported options are being explored for senior graduation and other celebrations. The district plans to have summer school and other learning options.
Slaughter issued the following news released regarding closing of school through the end of the 2019-20 school year due to the Coronavirus pandemic:
North Hopkins ISD
In a popup announcement NHISD’s website, official noted that while the school will be closed for classes for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, meals and distance learning “will continue as in process.”
Saltillo ISD
The Education Commissioner will give schools more guidelines concerning course work, meals, and graduation in the following weeks.
“Please rest assured Saltillo ISD will continue to provide the best we can for our students and families. Thank you to students, parents, school employees, school board members and community members for all that you are doing to keep Saltillo ISD one of the top schools in Texas,” school officials posted on The Saltillo ISD Lions Facebook page.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
Sulphur Bluff ISD “will still be sending home lessons from teachers and school lunches until our our original scheduled graduation date in May.”
Yantis ISD
Yantis administrators will meet on Monday to discuss senior activities, including graduation.
“These are challenging times for our students, staff, families and our communities, but we will continue to be flexible and keep you informed. We have high expectations for you all and will strive to provide the best education possible through the end of the year,” YISD Superintendent Tracey Helfferich, stated in a release.
Helfferich clarifies that while in-person classes on campus are suspended for all school districts in the state through the end of the school year, “online schooling will continue until the last day of the 2019-2020 school year which is May 22.” This is per TEA.
Questions may be emailed to Mrs. Helfferich at [email protected] or sent in a private message through Facebook.”
