March 13, 2020 5:20 PM UPDATE
We also know that many of our children rely on breakfast and lunch programs to receive healthy and nutritious meals. We are offering free on-the-go meals to children aged 18 and under at Vitovsky Elementary from March 16 – 20. Breakfast will be from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be from 11:00 a.m. – noon.
March 13 1:18 PM UPDATE
After consultation with other area school districts and state officials we believe it is in the best interest of our families and community to take proactive precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All Midlothian ISD (MISD) schools and offices will be closed next week, March 16-20. In addition, closure includes cancellation of all events and activities effective immediately through March 22. While there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ellis County, they do have one case under review and test results will not be returned until later next week.
We will continue to monitor and assess the situation to determine if any additional changes will be necessary throughout next week. We recognize that school closure may cause hardships for our families as they look for childcare. However, we feel that keeping our children and staff safe is our top priority and putting the health of our MISD family at risk is too great.
We also know that many of our children rely on breakfast and lunch programs to receive healthy and nutritious meals. We will be working with our child nutrition department to deliver “on the go” meals at specific campus locations for families who are in need. More information about location and time will be forthcoming.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Ellis County.
MISD Families:
During spring break, our staff has been closely monitoring the news and latest information regarding the COVID-19 from the Texas Education Agency, state and national health officials and other emergency medical professionals. Additionally, our campuses and buses have been thoroughly cleaned with commercial-grade disinfectant to ensure our buildings are ready for our students and staff return.
Midlothian ISD is aware of many announcements of unprecedented closings by colleges and universities, as well as large event cancellations in an effort to implement social distancing measures as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of today (March 12, 2020), there has been no decision regarding the closure of public schools in Texas, especially those who do not currently have a case of COVID-19.
Prior to spring break, MISD did email all parents and staff regarding monitoring travel alerts and guidelines by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We continue to ask all parents and staff to monitor these alerts and follow their guidelines upon return from spring break.
Please be aware that information, precautions and procedures are fluid and changing rapidly. In the coming days as more information from our health agencies becomes available, we do anticipate additional information distributed to public schools. As soon as we have more information, we will notify parents and staff as quickly as possible.
With several university and college closings, we recognize that closing school sounds simple, but there are many protocols we must follow in a public health situation. This is not just a local decision and we must have all the facts and implications prior to making any decision.
Currently, MISD is working on several contingency plans to ensure we make decisions based on directions from health and medical professionals. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to determine the best safety plans possible for all students and staff. We do not take any of the decisions ahead lightly.
Please enjoy the rest of your break and prepare to follow any CDC travel guidelines upon return. Additionally, please wash your hands regularly and follow CDC recommendations to prevent spread of any illness.
MISD Communication Team
Ellis County Hotline Information
Email: coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov
DSHS COVID-19 Hotline:1-877-570-9779
Hours 7AM-6PM Monday-Friday
