This is a regular update from Leander ISD on our response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is an active and ongoing situation. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 webpage.
Food Service Update
Caring for our students’ health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Food service is a key component of our support to students as we work during the global, coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). With that in mind, we want to remind you of details that we’ve shared previously regarding food service starting TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 24.
- Tuesday morning only: breakfast will be distributed at the locations below from 7:30–9 a.m. Lunch and breakfast for the next day will be available for pickup at the same locations from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. This is for Tuesday only.
- Beginning Wednesday, March 25: Students may pick up a hot lunch and a breakfast meal for the next morning from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at this curbside or drive-thru pick-up service at the locations below.
From 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday any student can visit one of four locations to pick up their two meals. The locations are:
- Bagdad Elementary School,
- Reed Elementary School,
- River Place Elementary School, and
- Running Brushy Middle School.
To receive food, we will not require proof of enrollment. TDA guidelines do require a student to be present to pick up food. We are asking families to use the Nutrislice web or mobile application, when possible, to help us efficiently provide for those in need.
Next Steps for Student Learning While Buildings Are Closed
On Wednesday, March 25, teachers and teams will contact students and families to reconnect and share plans for learning. This may include phone calls, emails and communication tools such as Remind. Teachers will communicate in the ways that best suit their established classroom communities.
On Thursday, March 26, teachers will begin providing learning opportunities for students utilizing familiar classroom tools. For example, if your teacher uses Google Classroom already, he or she will continue to use that tool for sharing instructional materials.
Please remember:
- With guidance and resources provided by the district, teachers have been empowered to design communication and learning opportunities that are the best fit for their students and families.
- In the short term, the focus is reconnecting with our students and providing opportunities to practice and reinforce concepts covered in the classroom before the closure.
- These opportunities to reinforce and support student learning will not replicate or replace classroom instruction. Assignments will not be collected, assessed, or graded during this period. We encourage students to participate in order to retain knowledge and maintain skills.
- Students taking dual credit or dual enrollment courses will receive guidance from the institution providing the classes. Please see links below.
Outdoor Facilities Closed Too
As a reminder, all Leander ISD facilities are closed through April 5 as we continue to support the global effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This closure includes all outdoor fields, courts, and playgrounds.
Program Links and Resources
Leander ISD is coordinating with various state agencies and program partners during this unprecedented challenge. Here are some links to their latest information.
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has information about COVID-19 to help coordinate the flow of information from the state to districts.
- Governor Greg Abbott canceled all STAAR and End of Course testing. TEA released guidance on graduation requirements and grade level advancement as a result of this action.
- TEA told school districts it will grant waivers for schools who close facilities but still provide instruction, so we don’t anticipate extending the school year to make up time. TEA has also provided guidance that it will grant districts waivers on low attendance to minimize the impact of closures on state funding.
- The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is suspending all activities until further notice.
- The College Board has information for Advanced Placement (AP) students impacted by the Coronavirus In addition, the May 2 SAT and SAT Subject Test administrations are canceled.
- The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) is informing students that the May 2020 examinations for Diploma Programme Candidates will no longer be held. Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a diploma or course certificate which reflects their standard of work. ,
- Austin Community College has extended Spring Break through March 29 and has closed all campuses. Students taking dual credit classes with ACC will begin online coursework on March 30. Students should check their ACC email for communication from their teachers. https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus
- Students taking UT OnRamps courses may have new learning beginning March 30. Please check Canvas for information from your professor.
Thank you to our teachers, staff and community for your support of our young people during this stressful time.
