Fort Bend ISD announced its plans for resuming instruction following last week's winter storm—which resulted in widespread power, water and internet outages—in a message to the community Feb. 22.
Students will not attend in-person or virtual classes Feb. 23, and instead that day will serve as a staff workday. All students will engage in online learning only beginning Feb. 24 through Feb. 26.
"Beginning Wednesday, February 24 through Friday, February 26, all students will receive online learning, giving our families and staff continued flexibility as we continue to navigate the storm’s aftermath," Superintendent Charles Dupre said in the statement. "Please note that this is not full-time asynchronous learning. Students will be expected to participate in scheduled synchronous learning time with their teachers. You will hear directly from your teachers and campus regarding the schedule and other details for this week."
FBISD will resume face-to-face instruction and normal operations March 1, according to the release.
The district said it took into account feedback from several working groups throughout the organization prior to making this decision.
"We understand the effects of the winter storm will certainly be felt beyond this week, as many continue to restore homes, replace essential items, lend a helping hand to our loved ones, and once again, get back up on our feet," Dupre said in the release. "I want you to know that you have the full support of your district behind you and the decisions we make will be guided by our care and concern for our students, staff and community."
Grab and Go meal pickup will take place Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at all campuses with the program with the exception of Hightower High School. Families are advised to watch for communication from their coaches and teachers regarding athletics, fine arts and other extracurricular activities.
Read the district's full announcement here.
Posted Feb. 22 at 10:17 a.m.
Fort Bend ISD closed all campuses and facilities Feb. 22 as the district continues to identify and repair damage caused by last week's winter storm.
No online learning will take place during this time, and staff is not being asked to report to work unless requested by their supervisor, Superintendent Charles Dupre said in a release.
While a decision regarding plans for the remainder of the week will be made the afternoon of Feb. 22, the district said Hightower High School and Glover Elementary School will not be able to return to face-to-face learning this week as both schools have sustained significant damage. These schools will engage in 100% online learning once classes resume.
"With freezing temperatures finally behind, we will have crews working throughout the weekend to complete these assessments and required repairs, as well as any related clean up," Dupre said in a message to the FBISD community Feb. 20. "I am pleased to share that they are making significant progress, but it is possible we may still identify more schools that need to learn virtually next week."
Dupre said the district is factoring in the needs of its students, staff and community as it makes decisions for the week.
"Even though power has largely been restored within Fort Bend County and our surrounding areas, the residual impact of the winter storm has caused significant damage to our homes, resources are limited, many are still boiling water, and many of us are being called upon to help and support our loved ones," Dupre said in the release. "In this very trying time, we will continue to be resilient, we will continue to stay strong, stay together, and we will continue to navigate this journey in solidarity, as one Fort Bend ISD family."
