Public Announcement

MARCH 17, 2020

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KIPP Texas-Houston Update March 17, 9:30a

 

Dear KIPP Texas-Houston Families, 

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Thank you for your grace, patience, and flexibility as we do the best we can to both keep our KIPPsters safe and keep you informed. The situation around the COVID-19 pandemic seems to change by the hour, so our communication will be fluid and may change as we, as a country and state, learn more. We will share information with you as fast as we can through email, text, and social media.

We know there are many questions you have about what comes next. 

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How long will we be out of our school buildings?

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We will continue to align to the needs of our communities where we educate our KIPPsters. As a result of insight from local and state officials, KIPP Texas-Houston will continue to close our school buildings and office buildings with the new scheduled date to return to school on Monday, April 13. However, during that time we will continue to provide distance learning and food service Monday-Friday for our KIPPsters. We are simultaneously planning for the possibility that we are out of school for more time. We continue to be in daily contact with the Texas Education Agency, local and state health agencies, and other local officials to get insight and updates. We will follow ALL guidelines and do everything it takes to keep our students and staff safe. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

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How will distance learning work?

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KIPP Texas is committed to providing learning resources and virtual environments for our students despite the need to close our school buildings. This starts by ensuring your students have the technology available to do school work from home. We have created a technology survey for our families, and it is critical that you complete one survey for EACH STUDENT WHO ATTENDS A KIPP TEXAS SCHOOL. Please complete this survey as soon as possible.

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The KIPP Texas Academics team has created content accessible through a website, and teachers are creating virtual classrooms so daily instruction will continue. You will receive more information from your schools in the coming days.

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What about the STAAR test?

Earlier this morning, Governor Abbott announced that he has waived the STAAR testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. He is also requesting the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. We will continue to share additional updates and guidance we receive from TEA. Regardless of the STAAR test being cancelled, it is critical that our KIPPsters do not miss out on valuable learning time, which is why ALL KIPPsters will participate in distance learning while our school buildings are closed.

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What about providing meals for our children?

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We know many of our families rely on KIPP Texas for breakfast and lunch for their students. KIPP Texas Public Schools, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Agriculture, will prepare and distribute meals for children under the age of 19 while school buildings are closed due to COVID-19 precautions.  

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Curbside Grab & Go meals will be available for pick up Monday – Friday at certain campus locations throughout Houston during certain times. Grab & Go meals will be provided for each child in each vehicle. Meals will be cold, packaged together, ready to heat, and provided based on the pick-up schedule at specific campuses. Children must be present to receive a meal package. Unfortunately, meals are not available for adults. The healthy meals served will include protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk or juice. As well, KIPP Texas will continue to follow safety protocols such as all faculty washing hands for 20 seconds, faculty wearing gloves when dispersing meals, and as much as possible, following social distance recommendations.

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More details on your student’s Grab & Go meal schedule will be sent later this week, however, here is a tentative schedule for KIPP Texas-Houston schools:

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Distribution Location:

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• KIPP North Campus 500 Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77022

• KIPP Sunnyside Campus 11000 Scott Street, Houston, TX 77047

• KIPP Southwest Campus 10711 KIPP Way Drive, Houston, TX 77099

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Distribution Times: 10am – 1pm

Start Date: Monday, March 23

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch