Marlin ISD students return to class in masks

Marlin ISD students headed back to class last week after an unexpected week off due to the unprecedented winter storm in February.

The facilities were closed for an entire week, with the maintenance team working diligently to ensure the school would be habitable by Monday. 

“I would like to publicly commend Mr. Vince Margoitta and his team for going above and beyond to make our district’s facilities safe and operational,” Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson said in an email to the district. “The maintenance team’s hard work and long hours have made it possible for our students to return to the classroom.“

Shortly after their return to class, MISD officials were made aware of the pending mask requirement repeal. 

“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community remains our top priority,” Henson reiterated. “In response to Governor Abbott’s announcement regarding business operations and the lifting of the mask mandate, Marlin ISD’s health and safety protocols will not be changing at this time.”

The educator says the district plans to wait for additional guidance from local officials and health authorities before considering making any changes to the current practice. 

“As more guidance comes in the coming days and weeks, I will update the community accordingly,” he continued. “Until then, please continue to adhere to all safety measures outlined in our current COVID-19 protocols.”

These protocols include not only the wearing of masks, but a number of safety and virus mitigation measures including student/staff screening, virtual learning options when necessary, and distance safety measures throughout each campus.

Thanks to “TSTORM-21” (coined by MISD) students are in class this week for bad weather make-up. This was to be an intercession week in the event of a COVID closure, but plans had to skew when the storm hit. 

Instead of full school days, all students and campus-based employees are on campus for four early-release days. Marlin Elementary is running from 8:15-11:45 a.m., while both secondary campuses are running from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For the most up to date information on what’s going on at Marlin Independent School District, head to marlinisd.org.