Wichita Falls ISD extends school closure through April 10

Wichita Falls ISD announced late Friday afternoon that the school closure would extend through April 10 in light of the district creating two weeks of lessons for School@Home programs launching the week of March 30, officials said in a media release Friday. 

This week, WFISD educators developed lessons and educational opportunities for all students to prepare to transition to the district's School@Home online platform Monday, officials said.  

Educators will continue developing lessons in two-week increments, and updates will be provided every Friday, officials said. 

If Gov. Greg Abbott decides to extend school closures further or if district officials feel the need to extend the closure, that information will be communicated as soon as possible, officials said. 

Abbott has ordered Texas schools closed through April 3 to fight the spread of the new coronavirus. 

WFISD Parents should have been contacted by their child's teacher about School@Home procedures, officials said.

The district is providing a student contact form to update online for parents who have not been contacted yet. 

The School@Home website will be live and available for student and parent access Monday, officials said.

Families that requested a low-tech option should have their School@Home packets delivered by Wednesday, officials said.

Students and parents can check WFISD's social media and website at www.wfisd.net for updates online.

More:UPDATE: WFISD parents can pick up kids' meals during COVID-19 closing, bus routes added

The district is also distributing free meals Monday through Friday. They are available to all students under 18. A student does not have to qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Also, a child does not have to be present for parents to pick up the meals. They are distributed at 10 school sites and along certain bus routes.   

In addition, a form is available to fill out online to get assistance for children in need of help for stress, anxiety, other emotional needs or social services, officials said. 

A school counselor, a staff member from the child's campus or the district office will get in touch to help provide support, officials said.

During this unprecedented situation, WFISD educators wanted to assure students and their families of the following:

• They believe families are doing their best to take care of their children during this difficult time.
• They commit to providing at-home learning opportunities and resources for students to support their education while WFISD school buildings are closed.
• They recognize there are unique circumstances in every home that may impact a student’s ability to learn during this challenging situation.
• They will be patient and support all students to the best of their ability during this pandemic. In turn, they ask for parents and students' patience with WFISD teachers and staff who are doing their absolute best to take care of students in the midst of the challenges caused for them and their families by COVID-19.

WFISD would also like to reiterate the importance of staying indoors and practicing responsible social distancing in keeping with the shelter-in-place ordinance the Wichita Falls City Council passed Friday.  

For answers to additional questions, call 940-235-1000 or email pio@wfisd.net from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, officials said. Someone will reply as soon as possible. 

Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news, politics and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia.