AISD COVID-19 Update - April 17

Posted Date: 06/04/2020

In today's update, we have new information from Texas Governor Greg Abbott who says Texas students will not return to schools this school year. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a new Executive Order closing in-school instruction for the duration of the school year. On Friday, April 17, 2020, Governor Abbott said it would be unsafe to allow students to gather at schools for foreseeable future and, as a result, school buildings will be closed for remainder of school year. 

We are always guided by our most important priority—the safety and well-being of our students and staff. And in this case, we are grateful for the opportunity before us. Today’s guidance from the Governor helps ensure the safety of our students and staff, while entrusting us as parents and educators with the profound responsibility to continue educating students through at-home learning. We know it is a challenging road and we never imagined we would be where we are today. But we’re proud of the many ways in which the AISD community has come together in support of our students, and that support will only grow stronger as we continue at-home learning for the remainder of the school year.

At-Home Learning Continues
While our school buildings remain closed for the duration of the school year at the direction of Governor Abbott, AISD will support all students by continuing to provide at-home learning through the end of our scheduled school year on Friday, May 22, 2020. For more information, visit www.amaisd.org/athome.

Curbside Meals for Students Continue
Amarillo ISD will continue efforts to support families during this unprecedented time by ensuring free meals for students.We will continue to provide two meals a day, seven days a week with curbside meal pick-up opportunities. More information meal locations and times can be found on the COVID-19 page of our website. 

Guidance on Graduations and Senior Activities
Many have asked about plans for proms, graduations and senior traditions. We know it’s on the minds of our seniors and we want you to know it’s on our minds, too. We are committed to honoring the class of 2020. We don’t know just yet what that will look like or when it could possibly take place. We are evaluating options and we’re talking with some of our graduates to get their input. For now, these celebratory events are on hold. Additionally, on Friday, April 17, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath will provide more guidance to school districts for how to hold graduation ceremonies in the coming days. We will share plans and information with you as soon as we know more.