From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
UPDATE: All Jefferson County schools and school-related activities are now closed till a tentative opening date of Monday, April 6.
Students and staff should not report to a school site until further notice.
Resources for students and parents will be communicated by the school department on March 16. That information will include academic engagement information, child nutritional informational for student meals and the preparation of the facilities for students and staff to return to campus.
Original Story
TRUSSVILLE — Attendance for schools in Trussville, St. Clair County and Leeds is optional Monday through Wednesday and students who don’t attend will be excused. Schools had already planned to dismiss students from classes from March 19 through April 3. Classes are tentatively scheduled to resume April 6. Schools are also working on plans to feed children during the closure.
The decision to excuse absences came from Alabama State Department of Education Superintendent Eric Mackey on Saturday.
“Under this state of emergency, please excuse any students who are absent from school Monday, March 16, 2020 through Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Expecting high absenteeism, we will be seeking a waiver on attendance for these days for accountability reasons,” Mackey said.
Jefferson County followed with announcement from Dr. Walter Goslin.
“While schools will officially be closed starting Thursday, March 19th, we understand many of you are concerned about students returning to class during the three days prior,” Gonsoulin said.
Jefferson County is working on a Child Nutrition Program plan to feed children during the school closure. More information to be released early next week.
Leeds City Schools Superintendent John Moore said schools would be open through Wednesday, but absences would be excused.
Beginning Thursday, March 19 – Friday, March 20, and Monday, March 30 — Friday, April 3, (not including Spring Break or weekends), the St. Clair County School System will be offering a drive thru pickup at certain locations for student meals.
The food is for any child age 18 years or younger in the home. Children must be present to receive a meal. Meals will include a lunch and a breakfast for the following morning.
Someone will be stationed at each feeding site in the car rider area. Menus will be posted at each feeding site so parents can monitor for allergies. Please notify that site if your child has allergies to the menu items. Children do not have to be enrolled in St. Clair Schools to receive a meal. Parents can register by clicking here.
Trussville schools will be opened and staffed through Wednesday, but absences will be excused. No announcement regarding meal plans during the closure has been made at this time.