Coronavirus: Round Rock ISD Schools To Close Through April 3

ROUND ROCK, TX — All Round Rock ISD offices and schools will close from March 23 to April 3 in light of the growing new coronavirus threat, officials announced on Monday.

As a result, Superintendent Steve Flores said Round Rock ISD will be suspending normal operations through April 3 before students return to school April 6, unless conditions warrant an extension of school closures. There is a potential of schools remaining closed indefinitely as our state and nation respond to this global pandemic, Flores added.

During the closure, all Round Rock ISD facilities will be closed for instruction and other purposes, including UIL events, athletics, rentals, field trips, after-school programs and other campus activities, the superintendent added.

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"These are unprecedented events and Round Rock ISD is committed to doing our part to keep our community safe, while also continuing to provide critical services and support the education of our students," Flores wrote in a letter to the Round Rock ISD community that is posted on the district's website. "I want to thank all of you for your patience as we work to ensure our families are receiving the support they need."

In the interim, Round Rock ISD is finalizing a plan to deploy virtual learning, as well as the dissemination of a variety of learning options, including workbooks and worksheets, to maintain instructional continuity in the event we need to extend campus closures, Flores explained.

"We understand the appropriate solutions will vary by student and grade level and will be working with our campus leaders to provide a variety of tools to support learning during school closures," the superintendent added.

Related story: Coronavirus: Austin ISD Schools To Close Through April 3

Despite the closure, children reliant on district-provided meals will still be able to avail themselves of nutriotional resources: "We know many of our students depend on us for needs beyond academics," Flores said. "To help support students during the extended school closure, curbside breakfast and lunch service will be provided at designated sites across the district on days that would otherwise be regularly scheduled school days."

Times and locations for meal service will be shared later this week via email and will also be available on our district website, Flores advised.

He added: "We will continue to update parents through email, text and phone call on this developing situation. Please visit our coronavirus webpage with current information about our district’s response and plans related to COVID-19. We will also provide information on our Facebook and Twitter pages."

Flores concluded his message on a personal note, thanking the community for its indulgence amid disruption: "Thank you for doing your part to keep our community, our state and our nation as safe and healthy as possible. The health and well-being of our community, students and staff is our top priority and we are committed to supporting our students, parents and staff throughout this unparalleled global pandemic. We believe this important step will aid in easing the anxiety of our families and contribute to stemming the spread of COVID-19."