FRANKLIN, Texas — Franklin ISD announced Thursday the closure of Roland Reynolds Elementary School after confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in their Pre-Kindergarten classes.
"In an abundance of caution, we have decided to close the elementary campus from Friday, September 10, 2021 through Friday, September 17th, 2021," Superintendent Bret Lowry said in a press release.
To avoid delaying progress, students will begin to access an online learning platform on Monday, September 13 through Friday, September 17, missing no time.
Students who do not have internet access and need technological devices can pick up equipment Friday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Franklin ISD Superintendent Bret Lowry said last year, the district did a lot of training and work to create a successful online learning environment for the students and teachers.
“As far as a heads up, we talked to them [Reynolds Elementary teachers] yesterday [Wednesday] evening after school was out,” Lowry said, “we told them to start getting themselves together in case this is something we have to do, but as far as being trained, they’re pretty good at being ready to move to remote learning if we need it.”
Lowry said he’s hoping they won’t have to go back to online learning again after this.
“We’ve tried to create an environment where if we have to close a school whether it be for COVID-19 or ice storms,” Lowry said, “We’re in a position where our staff and our students can jump straight into remote learning and we don’t fall behind.”
Both Franklin Middle and High School will remain open, offering in-person learning classes.
Lowry said they will continue to stay in touch with the elementary students who have tested positive for COVID-19.
“We have nurses on all three campuses and our administrators and nurses are constantly in contact with the issues that we’re dealing with across the district,” Lowry said, “So yeah, that will stay in place.”