Texas schools closed until August
Marlin Independent School District is officially closed to in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year.
On Friday April 17, Governor Greg Abbott released an Executive Order (GA-16) detailing the strategic reopening of the State of Texas beginning April 24. A specified part of this plan is closing all Texas public and private schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 scholastic year.
Though school buildings are closed to the general public, GA-16 species that staff may enter as needed for employment duties such as cleaning classrooms, general duties, and/or video communications.
Just days before the announcement of closure, the district released a video of the Marlin Bulldog roaming the halls of Marlin ISD. The mascot, embodied by Pamela Thomas, MHS Principal, is seen working alone and looking for students and staff.
“Stay Positive, Work Hard, Make it Happen,” the mascot’s sign read, encouraging students to continue with their efforts.
The Texas Education Agency released a statement in support of the governor’s order.
“It is important to note that while the Governor’s decision continues the closure of school buildings for in-person classroom attendance for the duration of the 2019-20 school year, it in no way ends at-home instructional support for Texas’s millions of students,” it said.
“School districts across Texas have worked diligently to make the transition to virtual learning,” the TEA statement continued. “Students must continue to receive daily academic support from their teachers and schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.”
Distance learning initiatives will continue at Marlin ISD the way they have been in past weeks. Elementary education is monitored on a weekly basis, with teachers actively supporting students and parents via telecommunication where necessary.
Secondary Education continues with Google classroom where applicable. Virtual curriculums do not vary from objectives taught in the classroom. All June 2020 EOC assessments have been cancelled, to be administered again in December 2020.
MISD is still waiting on mobile LTE hotspots through Tmobile’s EmpowerEd program for students with low connectivity.
Emotional and nutritional support will continue to be provided as well. Counseling services are available for students by calling (254) 252-5341.
Breakfast and Lunch for the week are available to all Marlin citizens aged 18 years of age or younger, whether they attend a Marlin ISD campus or not. These can be picked up on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., along with instructional packets for elementary students and for secondary students who need them.
Head to the FAQ/News tab on the Marlin ISD website to stay up to date on the school closure and COVID-19 related issues.