UPDATE: On March 31, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order continuing the the public health disaster declaration through April 30 and closure of schools until May 4, 2020.
Keller ISD sent out the following e-mail with additional information.
“Keller ISD Families and Staff,
In compliance with the order of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order, all Keller ISD schools and facilities will be closed until Monday, May 4.
Governor Abbott announced at a press conference Tuesday, March 31, that all public schools in the state would close through April 30, with an anticipated re-opening on May 4.
Although Keller ISD has been following the recommendations of the Tarrant County Health Department, this new Executive Order officially extends the District’s April 17 closure until May 4. The District’s eLearning will continue through the duration of the closure, and parents should have received information Monday about how grading will look for the fourth nine-week grading period. Keller ISD will also continue to provide drive-through meal pick-up service for families each day, and any families needing assistance with access to technology during the closing are encouraged to contact their campus principal.
The District has closed its playgrounds and encourages families to stay home, avoid contact within six feet of other people, and follow social distancing directives for essential activities only as outlined by city, county, and state officials. Please continue to visit our COVID-19 website at www.KellerISD.net/Coronavirus for the latest information on KISD’s response to the pandemic, including helpful COVID-19 resources and updates to frequently asked questions.
Thank you for your continued support, patience, and cooperation during this unprecedented time.”
UPDATE: On Friday, March 27, Keller ISD announced they would be extending the school closure through April 17, 2020 after consulting with Tarrant County Health Officials.
An e-mail sent to parents and students Friday afternoon detailed the reasons behind the extended closure:
“Dear Keller ISD Families and Staff,
After consulting with Tarrant County Health officials, Keller ISD is joining other area school districts in extending our emergency closure through Friday, April 17, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The District’s eLearning platform and our drive-through meal pick-up service will continue throughout the closure.
As of today, Texas has more than 1,700 cases in 105 counties, and the United States has surpassed both China and Italy in the number of COVID-19 cases. It is clear that our communities need more time to flatten the curve and prevent rapid spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Please join all of us in Keller ISD as we follow the emergency disaster orders and social distancing restrictions set forth by our city, county, and state officials. Together, we believe we can slow down the virus and make a difference for our health care system.
Schools are not designed to have empty hallways and quiet classrooms. Our administrators, teachers, and support staff truly miss our students. We are doing everything we can to provide meaningful online learning activities and counseling resources to ensure continuity of services for students. Our employees in the Technology and Child Nutrition Services departments have been nothing short of heroic in their efforts to make sure students are connected and well fed. The pictures and posts being shared online tell a story of a community that is resilient in the face of adversity and committed to helping those in need. We hope you will continue to join us as we #CelebrateKISD through this closure.
Thank you, parents, for your patience and support during these difficult times. We are proud to be a part of a community that steps up to help and supports one another when it is needed most. We will continue to keep you informed about any new developments during this extended school closure, and we look forward to the day when we can reopen our doors and welcome our students back to campus.”
Stay tuned for more information on this developing story. Previous story information continues below.
Update: On Thursday, March 19, Governor Greg Abbott declared a public health disaster due to the spread of COVID-19. With this comes an even further extended closure of all Texas schools until April 3. The official Keller ISD website has shared that the state will determine whether reopening is possible at that time.
In addition to this declaration of a public health disaster, Abbott executive ordered the closing of all dine-in restaurants, bars, and gyms.
Furthermore, according to the Dallas Voice, “every person in Texas is required to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people” and “only those providing critical medical care are allowed to visit nursing homes, retirement homes and assisted living facilities.”
Upon giving out the order, Abbott explained that, “We are doing this now today so we can get back to business, as usual, more quickly.”
This order will be effective starting midnight tomorrow. For more information regarding school matters, please refer to the Keller ISD website’s page about COVID-19 (link provided below).
During the past few weeks, the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has risen concern across the nation. On Friday, March 13, the Tarrant County Health Department recommended to all the school districts in the county to close for two weeks as a precaution to not spread the virus. Keller ISD soon announced that schools within the district will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.
The closure of the schools includes the cancellation of all extracurricular activities, as well as school events during this time. Many organizations on campus, such as winter guard and drumline have canceled the rest of their season, while other UIL competing groups wait until more information is gathered to decide whether or not to pull from the competition.
Alongside Keller ISD, numerous public school districts in North Texas are announcing a two-week closure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We ask for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation and work through additional details,” a Keller ISD tweet explained. “As we have more specifics about what services we will be able to provide for families in need during this closure, we will communicate those directly to parents.”
It is important to remain calm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember, the best-known way to combat the spread of disease is to wash your hands for 20 seconds, refrain from touching your face, and to stay home if you feel unwell. To read more about Keller ISD’s health services and Coronavirus updates, click here.
The following text is a copy of the UPDATED email sent out families and employees of Keller ISD in regards to the closure.
Keller ISD Families and Staff,
Today, Governor Greg Abbott announced a Public Health Disaster in Texas due to COVID-19. As part of the order, he announced all schools will be closed through April 3 to help prevent the spread of disease. All school-sponsored events and activities will be canceled during this time period as well.
Keller ISD joins other districts across the state in complying with the declaration and extending our current closure through April 3 at which time state and health department officials will reassess the situation. The University Interscholastic League has also notified public schools today that UIL games and contests will resume no earlier than Monday, May 4.
We will continue to monitor guidance from the state and will share information with you as it becomes available. We urge families to practice social distancing and do your part to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
Please visit Keller ISD’s COVID-19 response resources at www.KellerISD.net/Coronavirus, including information that was shared with families Wednesday evening about how instruction will continue – beginning Monday, March 23 – while the District remains closed.