COVID-19 impacting schools

The world is on alert as health officials attempt to learn more about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), an epidemic that is affecting the everyday way of life for many not only across the world but locally in Grimes County as well.

Although there are no confirmed cases within Grimes County, many bordering counties have confirmed cases including Montgomery and Brazos Counties.

Grimes County schools have been put on hold however area districts are finding ways to engage with students online to ensure education doesn’t take a backseat during this time of crisis. Districts are also feeding children whose only source of food may come from school.

At press time Tuesday, March 17, Navasota and Iola ISD’s canceled classes through March 20. Anderson-Shiro CISD and Richards ISD announced their district will remain closed through April 10.

Along with the cancellation of schools, Governor Greg Abbott waived the STAAR test requirements. In a press conference Monday, March 16, Abbot stated, “With regard to so many school closures, it’s just going to be impossible to implement the STAAR test this year. Your health and safety are top priorities, and the State of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty and their families.”

In addition to schools being canceled, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has suspended all UIL sanctioned contests, rehearsals, practices and workouts effective March 16 through March 29.

Navasota Superintendent Dr. Stu Musick said NISD is following the latest COVID-19 updates. He stated the superintendents conference call with the Texas Education Agency Commissioner each day at 3 p.m. has been extremely helpful as new information is constantly unfolding.

Musick also stated staff is meeting via Zoom to discuss ways to educate students in case of a longterm shutdown.

Individual School Updates as of Tuesday, March 17.

(Follow Navasota Examiner Facebook Page for the latest updates)

Navasota

• Free Grab and Go breakfast and lunch bags March 17-20 from 10 a.m. till noon. Pickup at High Point or John C. Webb Elementary at the side entrance of the cafeteria. Although faculty have expressed they would like to see the children’s smiling faces, they do not need to be present to receive meals.

• John C. Webb, High Point and Brule Elementary schools are providing interactive learning activities on each schools Facebook page including online book readings.

Richards

• Online Dual Credit courses through UTPB will resume as scheduled.

Iola

• No cost Grab and Go breakfast and lunch from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Students must be in the vehicle for record keeping. Use the link bit.ly/iolameals2020 to sign up for meals and pick up at elementary school car rider line.

• Free enrichment live video from 2-3 p.m.

• For further information visit the school website or Facebook page.

Anderson-Shiro

• Follow Anderson-Shiro on Facebook or on the school website for online learning activities.

The staff at The Examiner would like to extend our appreciation to the school superintendents, teachers and faculty who are going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of the students and providing learning opportunities despite current circumstances.

We at The Examiner are working diligently to keep the public informed about the school districts in Grimes County. If you have school information items that you would like for The Examiner to help release, please email us, news@ navasotaexaminer.com. We will do our best to release information promptly to our Facebook page and our website www.navasotaexaminer.com.