On April 3, AISD Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz declared via a public address that all district related facilities would be closed indefinitely. As a consequence of this announcement, students will not be returning to school for the remainder of the Spring semester.

“Campus closures are never ideal, but there is nothing more important than the safety and health of our students, staff and families,” Dr. Cruz wrote in his public announcement. “With this in mind, I have determined that our 129 campus buildings will remain closed for an indefinite period of time, as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19.”

Although the Bowie campus will be closed indefinitely, students are still expected to continue their education by participating in remote learning which will begin Monday, April 6. To read more about the new system of remote learning, you can access our Dispatch story here. 

“I think it will be really difficult to try and learn all of the online curriculum without the help of my peers in school, so I am not very excited about that,” junior Haley Coldsmith said. “Overall, I am upset that I cannot see my friends, but I understand this is a serious matter, and the online school is necessary for our education.”

As the district continues to adjust to online learning, the future of the student grading policy has yet to be finalized. The grading policy for the Spring semester is expected to be made official in an AISD School Board meeting on Monday, April 6. 

“Today’s announcement is intended to give parents and educators as much certainty as possible so families can make decisions and plan,” Dr. Cruz wrote in his public address. “While this is not the outcome we wanted for the close of the 2019-2020 school year, I am grateful for your partnership in our efforts to best prepare students for when our campuses reopen.”

As students and staff members adjust to remote learning, Dean of Instruction Susan Leos urges all students to continue to interact with and support their peers. 

“So, my advice for the 2020 Senior Class – accept and embrace the time you live in,” Leos said. “Find ways to connect – in a safe manner during this Covid-19 quarantine – and then continue connecting beyond today and tomorrow. Think, imagine, create, and, most importantly, remember those among you who need your support.”