Update: Devine schools close thru 20th to slow spread of Corona

Devine schools announced this Saturday, March 14th that they will extend school closures through March 20th. Many other local schools including Medina Valley, Natalia, Lytle, Hondo, and many others, took that same action last Friday to slow the spread of the Corona Virus.

Superintendent Grandjean stated: “On Monday morning, March 16, our DISD Administration will be meeting to plan the implementation of our curriculum at home for our students should we have to extend our break beyond Monday, March 23, 2020.  We will also be preparing plans to continue our Food and Nutritional Services for students during an extended period.  As soon as we have the final plans for each of these services, I will have them sent out.”

Good Afternoon Devine ISD Students, Parents/Guardians, and Community,

As the health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our highest priority, the Devine ISD Administration has been closely monitoring the Covid-19 virus throughout the entire week, basically by the hour, of Spring Break. As I stated yesterday, given the information that we have received from all sources at the local and state level, we are still being told that our county and community are still considered at low level risk. Based on all the information yesterday,with no communicated diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Devine or Medina County, we decided to extend Spring Break through Monday, March 16 as a precaution, and for preparation.  This afternoon, after much consultation, I have decided to now extend our break through March 20, out of an abundance of caution.  We have been reassured by state and local health officials that we are continuing to make well informed decisions in relation to school operations; however, as this environment changes, public concern also plays a part in decision making. 

On Monday morning, our DISD Administration will be meeting to plan the implementation of our curriculum at home for our students should we have to extend our break beyond Monday, March 23, 2020.  We will also be preparing plans to continue our Food and Nutritional Services for students during an extended period.  As soon as we have the final plans for each of these services, I will have them sent out through all of our school communications media.

The U.I.L. has suspended all sanctioned events from March 16th through March 29th.  Likewise, Devine will follow this guideline:  All extra-curricular activities requiring travel outside of the district or other districts coming to Devine are to be temporarily cancelled until additional information becomes available.

We would like to remind you again that according to the CDC, COVID-19 is thought to be spread via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person.  Please continue to follow the recommended prevention measures:

  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips.
  • Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, and then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your arm.
  • As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
  • As a reminder if you have traveled during spring break, follow the CDC guidelines regarding the need for health monitoring and possible self-quarantine.

I will continue to let you know on the status of our schools and how our students will be affected as I receive updated information, and finalize measures for serving our students during any extended break.  We appreciate your support in this unprecedented time.  Please continue to take care of yourselves.

Dr. Todd Grandjean