Press Release/Statement from JISD Superintendent Rob Barnwell
3-30-2020
Due to our concern for the health and safety of our staff and students, along with our responsibility to conform to the recent orders from President Trump regarding social distancing through the month of April, Jefferson ISD must extend its school closure through May 1st. Therefore, we hope to resume normal school operations on May 4th. Everyone should know that we are monitoring this situation daily to determine our best course of action as we move forward. We will continue to gather information each day to determine whether or not the anticipated date of resuming regular school activities must be adjusted. We will also post this information on our school’s website and Facebook pages, along with providing you with an “all-call” message. All student-related activities, including practices, games, and other events, have been postponed during this time.
As you know, JISD began remote instruction last week. We also began providing food to all of our students through delivery and pickup stations. We all know this is a unique situation. None of us are used to having to do business this way, but I believe those processes are going very smoothly. I know there will be some snags to work out along the way, but through good communication, positive attitudes, and mature approaches, I believe we can work through this and achieve many positive results. I have been very encouraged from the feedback I have received so far. There have been several reports from our staff indicating they are encountering many people who are being very kind to one another. Our staff continues to work very hard, and most folks we deal with are appreciative and patient. It does my heart good to hear those things.
I want to assure you that Jefferson ISD is keeping track of the COVID-19 situation through proven and trustworthy sources such the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We also stay informed through daily press conferences from President Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, along with teleconferences with Mike Morath, Commissioner of Education, as he is continuing to provide all school districts across the state with up-to-date information and recommendations regarding our local school district operations and planning.
Again, I want to share these common sense actions/procedures, which are recommended by health professionals, in an attempt to help us mitigate/avoid the spread of illnesses.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer, particularly after being in contact with surfaces that are generally used/touched by a high volume of people such as door handles, bathroom surfaces, gas pumps, computer keyboards, public transportation, and other similar environments.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
-- Stay home and seek medical attention when you are sick or have flu-like symptoms!
-- Stay home if you have been in contact with anyone who is sick or is exhibiting symptoms!
-- Try to avoid people who are sick or who exhibit symptoms of illness
-- Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow (or tissue, which should be thrown away immediately), when you sneeze or cough.
-- Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
I want to thank all of you for your support of our district. Please feel free to contact my office should you have any questions or concerns.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and Go Dawgs!!
Rob Barnwell, JISD Superintendent
903-665-2461 ext. 3500
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