Coronavirus Updates
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that all schools in Texas would not reopen for the 2019-20 school year. All CISD schools and offices have been closed since March 23. This Coronavirus Updates page, www.crandall-isd.net/cv19/, will be updated frequently with general information related to the district.
We understand the significant impact this extended closure will have on our community. But while CISD classrooms will be empty, work will continue on behalf of students. A simple, straight-forward learning resource center named CISD HOMEroom, www.crandall-isd.net/homeroom/, has been created for parents and was shared with families Wednesday, March. 25.
Updated July 10, 2020
At-Home Learning
Teachers began reaching out to families and students Monday, March 23, to answer questions and explain expectations. March 23-24 will also be used to prepare CISD teachers for the distance learning model. Instructional materials were sent home with students the Friday before spring break and those materials should be used as resources March 23-24 while teachers finalize their curriculum plans.
At-home learning began March 25 for students through the district’s newly created instructional resource center, named CISD HOMEroom.
Talty Baptist Church now among the locations hosting student meal pick-ups
CISD Student Nutrition began a curbside meal pick-up program Monday, March 23. Meals are available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-noon. Breakfast and lunch are served together in pre-packaged sacks. One meal is available each day to all currently enrolled CISD students. Children must be present to receive meals.
Locations are Dietz ES, Martin ES, Walker ES and the Raynes Bldg./Compass Academy. Central Baptist Church, Talty Baptist Church and Warsaw Community Center have also partnered with the district for curbside pickup. Meals are available from 10 a.m.-noon. Families should remain in their vehicles and drive through the location.
Also, 13 churches and food pantries are offering assistance to Crandall ISD residents.
Employee Compensation
The CISD Board of Trustees met March 19 and passed a resolution ensuring all employees will continue receiving their usual pay throughout the COVID-19 closure.
Modified work schedules and expectations will be shared with staff by principals and supervisors. All adjustments are being made under health and safety suggestions of the CDC.
The following communications have been shared with the district community:
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATES
July 10, 2020: Dr. Eldredge callout to parents and staff (TEA releases guidelines)
July 2, 2020: Dr. Eldredge video to parents and staff
May 22, 2020: Dr. Eldredege end-of-year to parents and staff
May 15, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Last week of school)
May 8, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Return to school, 2020-21 enrollment)
May 1, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Teacher Appreciation Week)
April 17, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Governor announces schools will not reopen this year)
April 10, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Three-day weekend health)
April 10, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to staff
April 3, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (TEA Stay Healthy campaign)
March 31, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Governor extends school closures)
March 22, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to staff (CISD HomeROOM, curbside meals)
March 22, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to staff (CISD HomeROOM, curbside meals)
March 17, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (School closure)
March 17, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to staff (School closure)
March 13, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Spring Break travel)
March 13, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to staff (Spring Break travel)
March 6, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Intensified district cleaning)
Feb. 28, 2020: Dr. Eldredge update to parents and staff (Awareness and prevention)
CALLOUTS
March 27, 2020: Board President Rick Harrell, callout to parents and staff
March 23, 2020: Dr. Eldredge callout to parents and staff
March 12, 2020: Dr. Eldredge callout to parents and staff
RELEASES
June 18, 2020: 2020-21 School Year Update: CISD set to begin on original school start date of August 18
April 24, 2020: Kaufman County Judge Hal Richards, update to parents and staff (Economic Recovery Task Force)
April 17, 2020: Abbott announces schools will not reopen for 2019-20 school year
March 25, 2020: District extends closure through April 8 to align with new Kaufman County shelter in place order
March 24, 2020: Wifi providers offer support during school closures
March 21, 2020: Student meals available through curbside pick-up program while CISD is closed
March 20, 2020: Trustees ensure employee pay throughout COVID-19 closure
RESOURCES
Fitness
Nike offers workout app for free as COVID-19 keeps people indoors
Meals
Student meals available through curbside pick-up program
Crandall-area churches, food pantries offering assistance to CISD families
Social Emotional Activities
Emotional well being videos and exercises
Sesame Street emotional management activities
The Parent's Guide to Resilience
Stress and Anxiety
Better balance work, child care and self care
Stress and coping with daily life
Ways to promote children's resilience
Wifi
AT&T Access program makes home internet affordable for eligible low-income families
CISD school buses deliver mobile WiFi to families throughout community
Texas Cable Association member information, including Charter Communications/Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity, Sparklight/Cable One
Texas Education Agency online instruction information, including Altice/Suddenlink, AT&T, Charter Communications/Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity, Sparklight/Cable One, T-Mobile, Verizon
COVID-19 General Information
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, Hubel Province China. It is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
How is the virus spread? Is there a vaccine?
What can I do to prevent the spread of the virus?
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available
- Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of them carefully and promptly
- If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect “high-touch” objects and surfaces
- Stay home when you are sick, and remain home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
- Maintain healthy habits that support your immune system
Where can I find the latest information about the impact of COVID-19 on CISD?
Two locations have been established to share these updates. This Coronavirus Updates page, www.crandall-isd.net/cv19/, will be updated frequently with general information related to the district. Check back often as the situation continually evolves.
CISD’s Instruction & Curriculum Dept. has created a parent resource site, CISD HOMEroom. There, all learning and instruction resources are organized in an easy-to-understand format to assist parents throughout the time we remain closed. It has been designed with parents in mind and feedback is encouraged. Teachers will reach out to their families and students Monday, March 23, to answer questions and explain expectations.
How can I ensure that I receive all CISD news updates?
District information is shared through official district communications:
- District and campus websites – crandallisd.net
- Twitter – com/officialcisd
- Facebook – com/crandallisd
- Skyward – parent notification system
CISD closure information is not official unless it is publicized through these resources. Please ensure your contact information is updated in Skyward, or that you follow us on one of the social media platforms. Skyward account creation must be done in person. If an account has not already been created, monitor the district site or register for push notification through Twitter or Facebook.
How will the district help parents with teaching and instruction?
With schools being closed indefinitely, the district's Instruction & Curriculum Dept. has created a parent resource site, named CISD HOMEroom. There, all learning and instruction resources are organized in an easy-to-understand format to assist parents throughout the time we remain closed. It has been designed with parents in mind and feedback is encouraged. Teachers will reach out to their families and students Monday, March 23, with more information on HOMEroom, how to access the site, and to answer questions.
What can parents do to encourage a positive learning environment at home?
Our teachers are prepared to begin distance learning and to help parents along the way. We understand that adapting to a distance learning environment will require adjustments. In addition to daily interaction with teachers, we recommend setting up a workspace at home if one does not already exist, to support a routine for continuing studies.
What are the expectations of students?
Students and parents will be responsible for logging and completing assignments and activities per teacher instructions. Students are encouraged to use supplemental study options, which can be found on the CISD HOMEroom website. It has been designed with parents in mind and feedback is encouraged. Teachers will reach out to their families and students Monday, March 23, with more information on HOMEroom, how to access the site, and to answer questions.
What about the STAAR Test
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year. He is also requesting that the U.S. Dept. of Education waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-20 school year.
Will my student receive meals while schools are closed?
CISD Food & Nutrition will begin a curbside meal pick-up program Monday, March 23. Meals will be available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-noon. Breakfast and lunch will be served together in pre-packaged sacks.
Who is eligible to pick up a meal?
Where can I get meals and what time are they available?
Curbside pickup is available Dietz ES, Martin ES, Walker ES and the Raynes Bldg./Compass Academy. Central Baptist Church, Talty Baptist Church and Warsaw Community Center have also partnered with the district for curbside pickup. Meals are available from 10 a.m.-noon. Families should remain in their vehicles and drive through the location.
Will employees be paid while schools are closed?
The CISD Board of Trustees met March 19 and passed a resolution ensuring all employees will continue receiving their usual pay throughout the COVID-19 closure.
Modified work schedules and expectations will be shared with staff by principals and supervisors. All adjustments are being made under health and safety suggestions of the CDC.
How are team sports and after-school events impacted?
The district closure encompasses all student activities, including athletics, fine arts, career tech, clubs and groups, etc.
Will this affect UIL?
With the announcement from Governor Greg Abbott that all Texas schools are to remain closed to in-person learning for the remainder of this school year, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is canceling all remaining 2019-20 spring activities and state championships.
How are you keeping schools clean?
Additionally, CISD has contracted with an industrial cleaning company to assist with deep cleaning and sanitization efforts. This includes fogging all rooms with CDC-recommended disinfectant and cleaning all air ducts, a common practice for potential cases of airborne viruses.
Are CISD custodians trained?
How is my bus being cleaned?
What if I am traveling during Spring Break?
- Notify school principal or nurse before returning to school
- Complete a CISD Travel Assessment Form
- Remain home 14 days after the return date from the country visited
What will students do if they are enrolling or withdrawing from CISD?
Are there volunteer opportunities?
The City of Crandall is looking to create a volunteer assistance program (VAP) consisting of community volunteers, including police, fire, city hall and most importantly, citizens. The goal would be to provide basic assistance for the most vulnerable populations in Crandall, such as shut-ins, handicapped, and elderly residents impacted by COVID-19. If you are interested in volunteering or need to request assistance, call 972-427-3771 and select option 7.
How do I conduct business with the City of Crandall?
Crandall City Hall is no longer accessible by citizens. Utility payments may be placed through the front door slot or in the payment box, behind the building. To request a receipt, write your email address on back of the payment envelope. For all other business, call 972-427-3771 or email asmith@crandalltexas.com.
How do I contact the police?
While the police department and city court buildings are both closed the public, Crandall PD operations are not impacted. Continue calling 911 for emergencies. Police dispatch and public service calls should still be made to 972-427-3771.
How do I pay a ticket?
Crandall Municipal Court is closed to the public but anyone who needs to pay a ticket can make an online payment at municipalonlinepayments.com/crandalltx, or place a check in the payment box behind the building. Anyone scheduled for a court hearing will be contacted by phone prior to the hearing.
Will public works be impacted?
Water and wastewater will continue as normal, as will work order processing. Any order requiring direct citizen contact will be done by phone or email. After-hours and emergency calls will continue with heightened safety awareness.
Will local business funding be impacted?
Crandall Economic Development Corporation is in contact with federal officials and will keep local businesses informed on stimulus funds, loan programs and unemployment information. The EDC will also maintain grant and local program information that could benefit our business community.