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LIST: Southeast Texas school districts extend closures amid coronavirus concerns

COVID-19 is forcing schools, colleges and universities to change class and extracurricular activities

BEAUMONT, Texas — In light of the spread of the coronavirus, some school districts are making changes to school schedules and extracurricular activities.

Currently ALL Texas schools are closed through at least May 4, 2020 by order of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Most districts have switched to online or "flexible education  programs."

Every college campus in Southeast Texas has made changes to it's schedule and classes amid the coronavirus concern.

Here's a breakdown of the steps major local school district are making to protect their communities from COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick issued a 24-hour curfew for children under 18, unless students are accompanied by a parent or guardian. This excludes teens who may be leaving home for work. 

Beaumont ISD: The district is moving to a 'flexible education program' starting the week of March 23 according to Superintendent Shannon Allen. 

Bob Hope Schools: Closing all facilities. Normal schedule set to resume on Monday, March 30. "SAFETY is our number one concern."

Bridge City ISDBridge City is currently on spring break. They plan to operate a flexible educational program from March 25 until April 3rd.

Buna ISDBuna ISD is working on a flexible educational program. District officials say there is no time period for this situation, and they plan to evaluate how things are progressing at the end of every week. 

Burkeville ISD: Students are on spring break for the week of March 16-20. The district has canceled classes and activities until April 3rd. They'll begin a "flexible education program" starting March 23rd.  

East Chambers ISD: The district announced on Monday, March 30, that it will continue with remote instruction through April 30. ECISD is also allowing parents to pick up meals for children without the child present. Certain documentation will be required when the meal is picked up. MORE. 

Students receive instruction in their courses during the day as they otherwise would have on site from the faculty of East Chambers ISD only now in a variety of different ways including live streaming on Google Classroom, by phone, and email. 

Evadale ISD: In a Facebook post, the district announced students are not to report to school Tuesday March 17th. More details concerning schedules for the rest of the week and long term plans will be sent out soon. Plans are still being finalized. 

Hamshire-Fannett ISD: HFISD will operate a flexible educational program until April 3rd. More details will be announced Thursday. 

Hardin-Jefferson ISDHJISD will move to a flexible education program until April 3. More information will be announced on their website and social media platforms. 

Hull-Daisetta ISD: HDISD had its spring break March 9-13. The district made the decision to temporarily move to an online platform for educational assess. They're asking everyone to complete a technology questionnaire so they can get a better idea of student's home technology access and environment.  

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Jasper ISD: JISD is cancelling classes for students beginning Tuesday. The district will put a flexible education program in place for students to use from home. Staff will report to their normal workday Tuesday and Wednesday. More information will be released. 

Kirbyville CISD: In a tweet on March 30, KCISD announced its schools will be closed until further notice.

Kountze ISDClasses at KISD are cancelled until March 20th. On March 23rd the district will begin a flexible education program through April 3rd. 

Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD: LCM CISD will implement a flexible education program beginning March 17th-April 3rd. The district will re-evaluate the plan on April 3rd, and notify parents of any changes. 

Lamar University: With the growing concern over the spread of COVID-19, we have made the decision to move all courses to an online or alternative instructional method through May 31. Below are further details and I encourage you to go to lamar.edu/coronavirus as we are updating the frequently asked questions section several times a day. You also can submit any questions you might have via this website; we are attempting to respond to questions within 24-48 hours.    Full University Announcement

Lamar Institute of Technology: While this COVID-19 situation continues to change hour-by-hour, Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) will continue to work remotely and use alternative & distance learning methodologies through the end of the semester. However, essential instructional and operational staff may return on April 3 (utilizing social distancing and increased hygiene protocols). Staff should ask their supervisors if they are considered essential.

Additionally, Spring 2020 Commencement is canceled, and we are surveying prospective graduates to select a preferred date.

Lamar State College Port Arthur: LSCPA is canceling face-to-face classes for college students from March 16-20. Dual Enrollment and Woodrow Wilson Early College High School students will attend classes as regularly scheduled. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 23, unless circumstances dictate further cancellation of classes.   

Lamar State College Orange: Spring Break extended from March 16-27; On March 30 the school will transition to a flexible learning environment. Regularly scheduled course delivery is scheduled for April 13 but that could change if needed. 

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Lumberton ISD: LISD will close school until April 3. "We will be sending out more information about our flexible education program. Our teachers are preparing for this new type of instructional delivery," the district said in a Facebook post. 

McNeese State University: University will transition all face-to-face classes to online or remote delivery classes beginning Wednesday, March 18, and may continue through the spring semester. 

Nederland ISD: The district is closing all facilities through April 10, 2020. NISD will provide school meal pickup service for children 18 and under. Meal pickup will be between 7:30-9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday-Friday at Central Middle, C.O. Wilson Middle, Hillcrest Elementary and Nederland High. The district launched a flexible education program and weekly plans will be posted to nederlandisd.org every Friday at 3 p.m. 

Newton ISD: Newton ISD is canceling school effective March 17, 2020. Students will begin a 'flexible education program' on Monday, March 23. In a Thursday Facebook post, the district said it's projected reopening would be April 20. 

Orangefield ISD: The district is on spring break and plans to resume school on Monday, April 6. Schools will be closed the week on March 23. OISD is asking parents to fill out an online form.

Port Arthur ISD: On Monday, PAISD announced "all facilities and campuses of the Port Arthur Independent School District will be closed until further notice."

"Parents and students are asked to obtain course work which will be placed on the district and campus websites. Students are encouraged to keep up with coursework while the district facilities are closed. The educational advancement of PAISD students is of utmost concern while we navigate the next several weeks." 

Port Neches-Groves ISD: PNGISD will work with 'extended learning instruction' until April 3.  "Be aware that information and instructions on extended learning procedures will be provided in an upcoming district wide notice," according to a statement from Superintendent Gonzales. 

Parents may pick up items left on Port Neches-Groves ISD campuses by students such as medicine or other “personal items” on Monday, March 23, 2020 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. according to a post on the district’s Facebook page.

Campus administrators will be at the schools for the pick-ups and parents or students should not gather on the campuses at any time the post said.

Sabine Pass ISD: SPISD is extending spring break until March 23. "The extension will allow students to self-quarantine after their spring break travels and activities."

Silsbee ISD: Silsbee High School has tentatively rescheduled prom for May 23, 2020, and reports that graduation is also tentatively scheduled for May 29, 2020 according to the district's website. Both dates are subject to change depending on official restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Silsbee district is still using a "flexible education program" and is clsed through at least May 4, 2020 in accordance with Texas Governor Greg Abbott's orders.

Spurger ISD: School has been cancelled for March 17. "Further instructions will be released as soon as we have more information to share," SISD said in a Facebook post on Monday. 

Tekoa Academy: All campuses in Port Arthur and Orange are closed until Monday, March 23. Breakfast and Lunches will be available for students to pick up. If students are unable to pick up their meals, please contact 409-982-5400.  

Vidor ISD: "Classes will be cancelled for Vidor ISD when we return from Spring Break."  VISD will use a 'flexible education program in an effort to keep student instruction moving forward beginning early next week.' 

"The situation will be reassessed on Friday, April 3rd. Administration will be working carefully over the next several days to prepare instructional material and meals for students. Your child’s teacher will communicate with you early next week to let you know of their class expectations. There will be more information forthcoming with regard to details. Please follow our social media formats as well as our district website for continuing information.  More specifics will be released to students, parents and staff later this week."

Warren ISD: Classes will be suspended for students starting on Tuesday, March 17. The administration team will be meeting on Monday night to finalize the WISD instructional plan.

West Hardin ISD: School is suspended for the week of March 16-20. You can look for more information on Tuesday. 

West Orange-Cove CISD: Classes are canceled beginning on Monday, March 23. The goal is to return on Monday, April 6. The district is on spring break for the week of March 16-20.

Woodville ISD: Classes are cancelled beginning March 17. "We will be receiving a judicial decree allowing us to put a "flexible education program" in place to be used from home. Much more information will be released ASAP." 

On Thursday and Friday, students will be able to get what they need from school campuses during certain hours.

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