Area Schools to Remain Closed Through April 3

Schools across Central Texas are extending their closure dates through Friday, April 3 and working to implement remote learning options in response to the ongoing effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The extension was a decision made on the state level, as Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday temporarily suspending attendance at all school campuses until April 3.

Killeen ISD issued a statement in which officials said students will participate in distance learning beginning Wednesday, March 25. They're also cancelling district events and extracurricular activities until further notice, and that the UIL will not resume games or contests until May 4 at the earliest.

KISD's nutrition department will continue to provide grab and go breakfast and lunches. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8:30 AM, and lunch will be served from 10:00-12:30 PM at the following locations:

Cedar Valley Elementary
Hay Branch Elementary
Harker Heights Elementary
Manor Middle
Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary
Peebles Elementary
Pershing Park Elementary
Rancier Middle
Reeces Creek Elementary
Robert M. Shoemaker High School (*Meals will be available at the Concession Stand.)
West Ward Elementary
Willow Springs Elementary

The Nolanville Boys and Girl's Club will be serving lunches only.

Belton ISD Superintendent Matt Smith wrote in a district statement, "Students will return to classes on Monday, April 6, unless conditions warrant a further extension of school closures. There is a potential of schools remaining closed for an extended time as our state and nation respond to this pandemic. Know that during this closure my leadership team and I will continue planning for potential scenarios, both short-term and long-term."

Grab and go meals are available in Belton as well. Breakfast is served from 7:30-9:00 AM, and lunch is served from 11:30 AM - 1 PM at:

Miller Heights Elementary (1110 Fariway Dr., Belton)
Pirtle Elementary (714 South Pea Ridge Road, Temple)
Southwest Elementary (611 Saunders St., Belton)

In their statement, Temple ISD announced that their remote learning options will begin Tuesday, March 24. They planned to send details about those options to families Thursday evening.

Superintendent Bobby Ott says all TISD students are welcome to grab and go meals. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:30 AM, and lunch is served from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM at the following locations:

Jefferson
Western Hills
Scott
Meridith-Dunbar
Thronton

In my hometown of Troy, staff are planning remote learning options scheduled to begin Monday, March 23. Troy ISD staff say they'll be communicating with parents about how to access those options.

Grab and go meals are available to all children in the Troy area regardless of the district and school they attend, and can be picked up at Troy Elementary School. Breakfast is served between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM. Lunch is served between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

Other area school district grab and go meal locations and times include:

Copperas Cove ISD

Hettie Halstead Elementary, Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary, and Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy

Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 AM | Lunch: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Gatesville ISD

Elementary and Primary School Campuses

Breakfast: 8:00 AM | Lunch: 12:00 Noon | Dinner: 4:00 PM

Lorena ISD

Primary School Campus

Breakfast/Lunch: 9:00-11:30 AM