Leander ISD provides update on services in response to COVID-19

LEANDER, Texas - Leander ISD provided an update on their COVID-19 response, including food service, student learning, and other programs.

FOOD SERVICE

Leander ISD will start providing breakfast and lunch meals starting Tuesday, March 24. 

On Tuesday morning only:

• Breakfast will be distributed from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Bagdad Elementary School, Reed Elementary School, River Place Elementary School and Running Brushy Middle School
• Lunch and breakfast for the next day are available for pick-up from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bagdad Elementary School, Reed Elementary School, River Place Elementary School and Running Brushy Middle School

Beginning Wednesday, March 25:

• Hot lunches and breakfast for the next day are available for pickup from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bagdad Elementary School, Reed Elementary School, River Place Elementary School and Running Brushy Middle School

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, students can visit any of the four locations to pick up their meals. Leander ISD says they will not require proof of enrollment, but TDA guidelines do require a student to be present to pick up food.

STUDENT LEARNING

Teachers and teams will contact students and families Wednesday, March 25, to reconnect and share learning plans. Contact may include phone calls, emails or communication tools such as Remind. Teachers will begin providing learning opportunities on Thursday, March 26 for students using familiar classroom tools. 

"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," said Leander ISD. "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. 

OUTDOOR FACILITIES CLOSED

All Leander ISD facilities are closed through April 5. The closure includes all outdoor fields, courts, and playgrounds. 

OTHER PROGRAMS

Leander ISD says it is coordinating with various state agencies and program partners, including the Texas Education Agency, the University Interscholastic League and the College Board.

• TEA's COVID-19 page has information to help coordinate the flow of information from the state to districts
• TEA released guidance on graduation requirements and grade level advancement due to all STAAR and End of Course testing being canceled
• TEA says it will grant waivers for schools who close facilities but still provide instruction and it will grant districts waivers on low attendance to minimize the impact of closures on state funding. 
• UIL is suspending all activities until further notice
• The College Board has information for impacted Advanced Placement (AP) students. In addition, the May 2 SAT and SAT Subject Test administrations are canceled.
• The International Baccalaureate Programme says the May 2020 examinations for Diploma Programme Candidates will no longer be held. 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.
• Students taking UT OnRamps courses may have new learning beginning March 30. Please check Canvas for information from your professor.

Last week, Abbott issued a public health disaster, the first in Texas since 1901. The executive orders, which take effect at midnight Friday, March 20 and go through midnight on Friday, April 3, will bring the state in line with CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates

The public health disaster orders schools to be closed statewide until at least April 3. The disaster also orders a ban on dine-in eating and gathering in groups of more than 10 as the state ramps up efforts to battle the coronavirus. Abbott's order also will shut down gyms and bars. It also bans visits to nursing and retirement homes unless there is a critical need.

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