Information current as of March 17

Schools extend spring break in reaction to disease spread

Posted 3/19/20

Wood County school districts extended their spring breaks in an attempt to help curb the coronavirus outbreak.

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Information current as of March 17

Schools extend spring break in reaction to disease spread

Posted

Five Wood County school districts extended their spring breaks in an attempt to help curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Mineola, Hawkins, Yantis and Alba-Golden were on spring break March 9-13.

By the end of last week all four districts had made the call to extend the break a week, with plans to announce possible added measures by the end of this week.

Quitman and Winnsboro schools continued with classes through March 13 and then began their spring breaks March 16-20.

Quitman ISD announced Tuesday it would remain closed until April 6 and implemented its previously outlined stay-at-home distance learning and free meal service protocols.

School districts  jumped in to provide meals to students during the extended closure.

Mineola ISD started pick up meal service on Monday for breakfast and lunch at the middle and primary schools.

The first day drew 17 breakfast visitors and 26 for lunch, though more participation is expected as word spreads.

The district was also working out details to be able to begin some meal deliveries along bus routes on Wednesday.

Yantis schools made lunches available beginning on Monday, as well as supplies for parents who might need them to help with their children’s extended at-home stays, such as books and other items.

Alba-Golden ISD began pickup and bus delivery meal services on Tuesday.

Quitman is making meals available for pickup daily at the elementary school starting March 24.

Some of the county districts’ students were at or on their way to the Houston Livestock Show last week to display animal and mechanical projects but had to return home without showing, after that event was canceled.

When students are able to return to class, they will not be burdened with the state-mandated STAAR tests, which the governor waived on Monday.

Quitman ISD announced that the prom and the special Olympics would be canceled.