Dear HISD Parents and Community:

We have officially reached the end of the 2019-2020 school year!

Each of you played an essential role in the education of our children this year. As educators, we often say, “It takes a village.” This mindset has never been more critical than now.

The 2019-20 school year presented historic challenges. But, like we always do, we stood strong together in the face of adversity. Because of your determination, HISD students and staff achieved incredible things this year.

Our students showed incred- ible resilience this year. They met the challenge to continue learning at home with perseverance and cour- age.

Parents, I want to thank you for the many roles you played to ensure your children could contin- ue engaging in education while a home.

We may be separated phys- ically from our students, but our hearts have never left them.

I know there are still some unknowns relating to the start of the 2020-21 school year. Please be assured that HISD is working dili- gently to ensure that when students can return to campus, the process will be done safely, and in collabo- ration with all stakeholders.

As the state establishes guidelines around how businesses and organizations can safely re- sume operations, we are creating a Re-Opening Task Force made up of employees, educators, parents, and health care officials.

The group will be charged with gathering, reviewing, and dis- cussing guidance from local, state, and federal health and education officials. It will provide recom- mendations for a re-opening plan for HISD that prioritizes safety for students, staff, and the community. We will provide you with updates as they become available.

Let’s take a moment to cel- ebrate our accomplishments during the 2019-2020 school year. We have so much to be proud of, and I know a bright future awaits HISD.

Please enjoy a safe and healthy summer.

Grenita Lathan, Ph.D.

Houston ISD Interim Superintendent