Based on new guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that allows more flexibility in how school districts start the year, KIPP Texas-Houston has adjusted the fall school restart plans.

· All KIPP Texas-Houston schools will start the semester 100% virtual and classes will begin on Monday, August 24, 2020.

· We hope to return to in-person learning with a staggered, phased-in start beginning October 12 for families who choose in-person learning for the second nine-week instructional cycle.

· Curbside Grab & Go meals for students, their siblings, and children in our communities will continue through July 31. Starting August 24, we start the National School Lunch Program and transition curbside Grab & Go meals exclusively for KIPP students whether they are learning virtually or in-person. Since March, we have distributed more than 530,000 meals to KIPP students, their siblings and children in our communities.

· KIPP Texas will continue to provide laptops and internet access to all students who express a need.

In the next few weeks, we will re-evaluate what options we provide families for in-person learning. The October 12 date may change based on the development of the virus over the next three months. We will continue to work closely with local health authorities to protect the health and safety of our students and staff, and will amend this decision if necessary.

Our goal of “building a better tomorrow” should never come at the cost of the health and safety of our students and staff. We believe that the power to open our schools should rest with local authorities, who are better positioned to make informed decisions about their communities.