Moran classes suspended until April 3
By Kathy Thomson
The Moran Independent School District, like other districts in the Big Country area, extended spring break due to concerns about COVID-19.
As of press time on Wednesday, MISD had decided on another extension and hopes to resume classes on April 3.
“We will cancel for the rest of this month and try to start up again after April 5,” said superintendent Danny Freeman on Wednesday morning. “On Monday, our teachers contacted the majority of our parents with a list of questions (to determine if any MISD students may have been exposed to COVID-19 infected persons or areas). None of those answers were concerning.”
He also stated that as of Tuesday no one in the three counties served by MISD had been diagnosed with the virus, and Freeman assured parents that the district will continue to stay informed and constantly assess the situation.
“Our political leaders are productively making decisions to effectively test for COVID-19, treat those affected, slow and possibly stop the spread of the disease,” Freeman said. “Currently the decision of school closures is to be made at the local level. Facing this adversity, Moran will not hold classes until Monday, April 6 at the earliest.”
Freeman said that the district decided to err on the side of caution.
“In the press conference on Monday, President Trump and his staff recommended that no more than 10 people should be gathered together in any group, and we have more than 10 on some of our bus routes,” said Freeman
Though students were given extra time at home, MISD staff reported to work as normal in order to plan for the return to school as well as for the possibility of offering online instruction to students in the event of an extended school closure.
“We plan to educate our students, either in person or via distance learning,” said the superintendent. “We’ll also address the needs of our kids with other concerns, and do what is in the best interest of our students. Right now the state is leaving most of those decisions to the local schools.”
As of press time, MISD administrators hoped that classes will resume before the end of the semester, but in light of larger Texas districts that have already announced complete closure, Freeman is not optimistic.
“If we get to return to normal classes, MISD will then remain open without interruption as long as we are given the local ability to do so, continue to have no report of travel to Level 3 impacted areas, no reported case of COVID-19, and/or no reported case of personal contact with anyone infected from this disease,” said Freeman.
Freeman asked everyone in the school district to self monitor and to monitor those persons with whom they have continual contact.
“It is important that we all practice safe hygiene (most importantly hand washing), social distancing, self monitoring, and possible self quarantine at every opportunity,” said Freeman. “If you have traveled to any area impacted by the COVID-19 virus or have been in contact with anyone known to have the virus, it is important that you self monitor and/or self quarantine in an effort to protect others.”
Following the decision of the UIL to suspended all extracurricular activities until March 29, MISD will not hold any after school activities until further notice.
Those with questions or concerns may contact Freeman by email at dfreeman@moran.esc14.net or by cell phone at 325-660-3244.
According to Freeman, if students return to campus, one of the first things on the agenda will be to educate them on the coronavirus, and instruct them on steps everyone should take to try and prevent the spread of diseases, including proper hand washing procedures.
