COVID-19 Update: School Closed March 16 – 20th

health update

Dear Southside ISD families,

Southside ISD has been monitoring developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) in conjunction with local and state public health officials and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Due to the public health emergency by the City of San Antonio regarding social distancing for groups larger than 500 and the alert from the World Health Organization designating COVID-19 as a pandemic, we understand that proactive measures are better than reactive measures in terms of controlling the number of new cases.  

Therefore, Southside ISD is joining other San Antonio area districts to close schools the week of March 16 – 20 to help prevent exposure to students, staff and the community. Additionally, all extracurricular activities, practices and athletic events are suspended while we are closed. 

We know this may create difficulties to working parents who have young, school-aged children. We are hopeful these measures will ensure the long-term health and safety of children, staff, and the larger community.  That being said, we also are aware of the nutritional burden this poses on families. Southside ISD’s Child Nutrition Department is preparing to ensure that meals will be available next week. 

  • Meals for students will be available for curbside pickup at Heritage Elementary and Southside High School ONLY.
  • Monday, March 16th at 8am student will get a cold breakfast, a cold lunch and a cold breakfast for the next morning
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday there will be ONE pickup at Noon. Students will get a hot lunch and a breakfast for the next day.
  • Student needs to be present to receive meals.

 The district is finalizing logistics on distance learning options for students. More information and guidance will be made available on our website by the middle of next week.  We will also take this week to further clean schools and buses and resupply custodial and nursing supplies.

At this time, we do not anticipate extending the school year in order to “make up” the days from this closure.

Please continue to monitor the website at southsideisd.org and our Facebook and Twitter sites for more information.

Here are some TIPS to stay healthy at home:

The coronavirus is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. As with controlling the spread of other viruses, we urge you to speak to your child about the following prevention measures:

  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.
  • Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.
  • As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
  • As a reminder if you have traveled during spring break, follow the CDC guidelines regarding the need for health monitoring and possible self-quarantine.

Please continue to monitor the website at southsideisd.org and our Facebook and Twitter sites for more information.

Mark E. Eads
Superintendent of Schools

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