By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill spoke on Monday, March 16, 2020, about the coronavirus update.
“We are officially part of a new and unexpected pandemic,” said Neill, during the Board of Education workshop. “A crisis is a call for exemplary leadership and we are all here to answer that call.”
Neill said the Board of Education, principals at each school and all other school staff are putting students first during the coronavirus outbreak.
“We are here for the students,” Neill said.
Neill said the school system is staying updated on all information available and is making changes to best suit the situation.
“We adjust quickly and we move onto the next steps,” said Neill.
While closures are impacting families in Trussville, the superintendent said the school system is doing all it can to assist.
“In our love for Trussville and our care for students, teachers and staff and out of our own precedented management of a school system during a pandemic, the central staff discussed the following items,” Neill said.
SCHOOL SYSTEM PLANS
Neill said the school is now closed through April 3, until further notice. Also, essential personnel will be called in to work their regular schedule. Additionally, central staff will be meeting on Tuesday, March 17, to finalize plans for the long-term closure.
During the closure, Dr. Neill said all buildings will be cleaned and sanitized.
“Once the buildings are sanitized, no one will be allowed back in the building without an appointment with a principal,” Neill added.
The school system plans to continue mass communication with families through its various methods, including In the Loop. Teachers will be able to participate in professional development online and the school system is making instructional plans for students in case of a closure lasting beyond April 3.
Through a survey, the school system identified nine students that do not have access to the internet. The system is preparing Chromebooks for those students to take home with additional equipment needed to get them online.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
As for lunches, there will be a system-wide meal plan for all families in Trussville City Schools. The Grab and Go plan will be available in the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School parking lot. Parents will be able to drive-thru to pick up food. This is for all students, not only those on free or reduced lunch plans.
“We have parents out there that may lose their job or may lose work,” said Neill.
A meal order form is available to parents this week and for the week of March 23. The meals will be available starting Wednesday, March 18.
If a family needs food during the week of Spring Break, they are asked to contact their school counselor. Anonymous information will be posted on Neighborhood Bridges to allow community members to donate.
As for food already at the school. Dr. Neill said school groceries were delivered Monday and there are too many perishable goods in the shipment. Therefore, the school system is donating those goods to the Jefferson County Board of Education.