Schools will remain closed for 2019-2020 school year

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that public and private school classrooms will remain closed for the remainder of the school year to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Sydney Harrist, superintendent for Atlanta Independent School District, shared a written announcement on the district’s Facebook page that it will continue remote learning, food delivery, and pickup through May 21st.

“We are required to continue remote learning so packet pick up is a ‘go’ for this Monday and online Google Classroom assignments will continue”, Harrist said, “Details regarding graduation, etc. will be released once we receive more detailed guidance from the Texas Education Agency and the State of Texas.”

Harrist told the Atlanta Citizens Journal that parents and teachers have adjusted “amazingly well” and that most students are doing well but would rather be on campus participating in spring activities.

The district’s biggest challenge has been getting work into students’ hands and providing internet capability.

“Our campus leaders and staff are dedicated to monitoring our students through COVID-19”, Harrist said, “Our entire school staff is available to help students and families with their individual needs.”

Harrist said that Google Classroom, Zoom, and DoJo platforms have been instrumental in instructional delivery are powerful instructional and communication tools for teachers and students.

Meal and homework deliveries have been successful according to Harrist.

“AISD feeds almost 900 students daily. Instruction delivery has moved into a nice pattern and many parents are great about communication.”

Harrist added, “Every two weeks students that chose a paper option receive a paper packet. Students complete the assignments and return two weeks later. Any questions they have are answered by teachers on the phone and or computer. Students who chose the online option are proceeding as normal. Their assignments are on google classroom just like they were in the classroom. Communication continues through google classroom with questions and answers. Many classes are held with a google meet, zoom and DoJo online video call.”

“Our teachers are very busy planning and providing educational opportunities to our students. Individual student needs are being met through various avenues. Many of them hold google meet, zoom classes and DoJo each and every day. Phone calls, home visits and online communication continue with students and their parents to remain in constant contact.”

“It is a great day to be a Rabbit. We are so proud of our community of Atlanta. We have joined together while remaining far apart during this history making epidemic and will be stronger in the end.”, Harrist said.

Queen City Superintendent Dr. Charlotte Williams had similar comments on the procedure and the challenges with which they are now faced.

“This is a tough ordeal for everyone, no doubt. However, there are many positives that we can all recognize. I believe people have become better listeners. There is a stronger connection between the parents and the teachers. We have come to value our relationships more.”

“The level of technology being used right now is significantly higher than ever before. We have all started to rely on each other more and to trust each other more. People have a tendency to be more kind to one another. I could go on and on about the good things I see in this.”

“I think this event and season in our lives will definitely have an impact on learning. Technology is nothing new to any of us, however this event will force those who were reluctant before to get into the digital arena and to learn to live in that world. I believe this event will make students more aware of the value of education and their own responsibility in the process. Parents have been increasingly involved in the school setting. This event will heighten that level of involvement exponentially. I think sometimes educators take parental involvement for granted or are resistant to an extent. Educators are coming to value that involvement more.”

“I believe everyone is beginning to recognize and own that there is a responsibility on the part of both the giver and the receiver in all situations.”

Williams is proud of how well the community has pulled together and cooperated.

“I hope we never lose sight of the good parts of the overall experience. Life is better together. Together we accomplish so much more. We are a strong community.”

Plans for graduation and other end-of-year activities are currently being discussed by both school districts.