Gov. Tate Reeves announced April 14 that Mississippi’s public school buildings will remain closed through the end of this semester because of the coronavirus outbreak.
However, he said that does not mean school is canceled.
“Distance learning will continue, and I will be asking every school to submit plans to show that they are doing just that and share best practices,” Reeves said.
“We’re also going to ask educators to prepare plans for extra classes in the summer or early fall. Not as a mandate. It won’t be for everybody,” the governor said.
“But we know that this virus doesn’t hit everybody equally. The economic damage doesn’t hit everyone equally. And despite the best efforts of our education community, this hasn’t hit all students equally,” he went on to say.
“I hope that the option of in-person summer or early fall instruction can help. I know our education community will do whatever it takes to make sure Mississippi kids don’t fall behind,” Reeves said.
Superintendent’s
letter to seniors
On Monday, the Webster County Schools tweeted a letter from Superintendent Brian Jones to the Class of 2020.
“Webster County School District wants to make it possible for you and your family to have a formal graduation with your classmates,” he wrote.
Since schools have been closed for the rest of the year, Jones said a formal graduation date has been set for 7 p.m. July 18 at Eupora High School and 2 p.m. July 19 at East Webster High School.
“If you are not able to attend, please contact your principal to set up a date after July 19 to have a private graduation for you and your family,” he added. “We are willing to help in any way we can.”
Jones said that on the previously scheduled graduation dates in May — May 16 for EHS and May 17 for EWHS — the schools will have drive-thru ceremonies for seniors to receive their diplomas with their families. More details and times of the ceremonies will be forthcoming from the school principals, he said.
Grab-n-go meals
The school district’s grab-n-go meal distribution program resumed Monday at both elementary schools. The program was suspended after April 3 because of the governor’s shelter-in place order.
New hours of operation at Eupora and East Webster elementary schools are 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. One breakfast and one lunch are provided on Mondays, while two breakfasts and two lunches are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The meals are free to children 18 and under regardless of whether they qualified for free or reduced lunch this school year, or if they had to pay full price. This includes children who weren’t enrolled in one of the county schools this year.
Adult breakfast/lunch combos continue to be available for $5 on Mondays and $10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Learning packets
Additionally, the WCSD announced last week that new at-home learning packets were to also be available Monday. The packets are for enrichment purposes only and completely optional for PreK-12th grade with subject area.
Students can receive their packets three ways:
• PDF packets are available for printing on www.webstercountyschools.org (tab available on the home page)
• Available for pickup in the drive-thru grab-n-go lunch line at both elementary schools Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Mailed packets are available by emailing name, address and the grave level requested to packets@webstercountyschools.org.
