Shelby County Schools will now remain closed until at least April 6, as officials prepare to feed housebound students and keep them academically engaged.
Beginning next week, the district will have 60 sites across the county where students can pick up sack lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Our plan during this extended break is to model what our central nutrition services team does at more than 400 sites across the city and county during the summer months in order to feed children who may be food insecure,” Superintendent Joris Ray said at a press conference Wednesday.
About 60 percent of Shelby County students are on free or reduced lunch. Ray says that can signify other hardships in the home, such as lack of Internet, which is a major challenge for the district as it works on a plan to teach students remotely.
Currently, students are on spring break, but for next week, parents have been instructed to download academic guides from the district’s website. Those lacking Internet can find printed guides at lunch pick-up sites.
“This public health crisis has amplified the need for additional funding and investments to ensure we are equipped with technology...to close the digital gap and alleviate barriers to online academic resources,” Ray said.
The district is launching a relief fund that will raise money to provide a digital device for every student during the COVID-19 isolation.
For children who are confused or stressed about the epidemic, the district says counseling services will be available from the nonprofit organization Youth Villages.