District officials with Northwest ISD and Keller ISD announced March 13 plans to extend the spring break holiday an additional two weeks.
Originally scheduled for March 9-13, both districts have announced the closure of all district schools and cancellation of all extracurricular activities and school events March 16-27.
“After discussions with state and county health officials, our local state leaders, and other education leaders, Northwest ISD has made the decision to follow the recommendation of the Tarrant County Health Department,” NISD Superintendent Ryder Warren said in a statement. “We will reevaluate the situation at the end of this extended break before making any other long-term decisions.”
According to Warren, the goal of the closure is to prevent spread of the virus and to provide additional time for staff to plan for alternative options, such as online and virtual learning.
The district also has plans to assist students who rely on school meals and will communicate additional options to parents as soon as possible, Warren said.
“All of us need to do our parts to help prevent the spread of disease by limiting our attendance at social gatherings and large public events,” he said. “We also need to wash our hands regularly and isolate ourselves if we begin experiencing symptoms like fever, coughing or shortness of breath.”
For KISD, officials announced the March 16-27 extended closure after collaborating with state and county health department officials.
In a district statement posted March 13, officials noted health and safety of students and staff as a top priority. The district plans to stay in contact with the Tarrant County Public Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention throughout, the statement said.
In addition, KISD will refer to guidelines from the Texas Education Agency for things such as course credit, compulsory attendance, accountability standards and school funding, the statement said.
