NEWS RELEASE
A number of public school districts in north Texas are announcing a two-week closure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. After collaborating with state and county health officials and other education leaders this morning, GCISD will be closed March 16-27, along with the cancellation of all extracurricular activities and school events during the same period. This was a recommendation from the Tarrant County Health Department. We will reevaluate the situation at the end of this closure before making any other long-term announcements.
The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority. The goals of this announced closure are to help prevent the spread of disease and to give our staff additional time to plan for continuity of services should it become necessary for public schools to close for longer. We ask each of you to do your part to help prevent the spread of disease by staying home and limiting your attendance at social gatherings and large public events. Wash your hands regularly and isolate yourself if you begin experiencing symptoms like fever, coughing or shortness of breath. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tarrant County Health Department is available on our website. The cancellation of mass gathering events can dramatically help flatten the curve for the spread of the coronavirus disease.
We acknowledge that an unexpected school closure creates a hardship on our parents and staff because of work, childcare and other considerations. But we hope you know our efforts coming to this decision have been done with the best interest of everyone involved. We also know and understand that for many low income students, school is the one place that they can count on for meals and support. To that end, we are all committed to taking care of our most vulnerable populations. Our staff will be planning and preparing to assist students who might need support during an extended closure.
GCISD employees need to be available to work when requested during this closure. We will communicate directly with staff members regarding their specific roles and responsibilities in our prevention planning.
GCISD will send more information to families as it becomes available.
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