With the Omicron variant spreading through North Texas, the school systems are gearing up for students’ return after winter break.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Dallas Independent School District is issuing a mask mandate until spring break and Lancaster Independent School District has decided that students will learn virtually for the first week following the holiday break.
“Our hope is that when we go in and assess everything at the end of the week, our hope is to be able to bring our students and staff back on Monday, January 10 in good health,” said Lancaster ISD spokeswoman Kimberly Simpson.
Now, Dallas ISD is encouraging parents to get their students tested for COVID-19 and offering to test as well.
The Assistant Principal for Ed Walker Middle School, Cassandra Lott Woods, expressed concern about going back to school.
“I think that was the most scary part, how fast it can spread being with family for the holiday,” Woods said.
Woods and her associates prepared to enter the schools by getting tested.
“We’re all really concerned,” Woods said. “We trust in the leadership of the school, the superintendent.”
Another school district following in the same footsteps is Uplift Education.
The CEO of the school system, Yasmin Bhatia, wants everyone to know that they are practicing safe protocols.
“We’re doing everything in our power to keep our classrooms learning and keep everyone happy and safe while they’re learning,” Bhatia said.
Both school districts plan to offer further testing as classes resume on Wednesday.
“All of our campuses have received their own testing equipment and kits to perform the tests on-site,” said Robyn Harris, the spokesperson for Dallas ISD.
This most recent strain of coronavirus has caused a disruption within Texas. Jobs are understaffed, hospital admissions are at their max, and Governor Abbott is requesting help from the Biden administration.
