Thorndale ISD extends Spring Break due to COVID-19

Thorndale ISD will extend Spring Break by a week through at least March 20.

The TISD Board of Trustees and administration met Saturday, March 14, and approved the decision.

“Over the last few days as the situation surrounding the outbreak of COVID 19 has escalated around the country, we have been working to gather as much information as possible and communicate with state and local officials as well as other surrounding districts,” TISD Superintendent Adam Ivy said. “As always, we remain committed to providing an outstanding educational experience to our students. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our students and staff as well as their families and friends, our leadership team and Board of Trustees has decided to extend our Spring Break through at least March 20.”

Ivy said the leadership team will meet early this week to discuss options for at home learning in the time that students are not in school as well as other important issues that may need attention during this break from the normal school routines. 

“For the time being, only administrators will be reporting to work,” he said. “As plans are made, principals and directors will be contacting teachers and other staff members to communicate when and in what capacity they will need to return to work. We request that students check their school email daily for more detailed information.” 

A few important notes about schedules:

• The University Interscholastic League has canceled all competitions through March 29.  Thorndale ISD will comply with this cancelation and will not hold any practice, rehearsal, open gym, open weight room or other gathering through at least March 22. 
• All travel and field trips through at least March 29 have been canceled. 
• Texas State Technical College face-to-face classes have also been canceled until March 29.  
• UTPB and On Ramps online college courses will continue as scheduled. Students enrolled in these classes will need to continue to complete assignments based upon their course syllabus. If internet access is an issue please email lindsay.franklin@thorndale.txed.net to inquire about WIFI hotspots that are available to check out. 

“Please understand that this type of decision is always difficult to make,” Ivy said. “There is no substitute for having students in our classroom learning environment, but in cases like this we have to change our focus. That focus is about gathering information and giving our local, state and federal authorities time to deal with this outbreak.”

Ivy said this is not only about any potential cases in Thorndale or even Milam County but working to prevent the spread and flattening the curve of the virus to allow our healthcare system to deal with the problem without being overwhelmed like they have been in other countries around the world.

“Closing of school and other public activities are considered protective measures,” he said. “According to health department officials, we are likely near the very beginning of this chart which means that our early decision to close schools and cancel events across the country could truly help us weather this situation.”