Updates from Van ISD

Updates from Van ISD:

VAN SCHOOLS CLOSED REMAINDER OF THE WEEK
Due to storm damage, Van schools will be closed through May 15.


CAMPUSES SUSTAIN HEAVY DAMAGE
J.E. Rhodes Elementary and Van Intermediate sustain heavy damage. 

J. E. Rhodes Elementary School and Van Intermediate School sustained heavy damage from the tornadoes that came through Van on Sunday evening. We are in the process of assessing the damage and making a plan for our school children. For your safety, do not attempt to enter any Van ISD building. Please pray for our community as we recover from this tragedy.

Please make contributions to Van ISD Tornado recovery through this official donation site: https://t.co/mC3fYpWNWg @vechols @BakerLovesBooks

Don Dunn, Van ISD Superintendent posted on May 12, 2015 Facebook Post for Van ISD:

All Van ISD campuses will be closed for the remainder of the week. The first day for classes will be Monday, May 18. There is significant damage to J. E. Rhodes Elementary School and Van Intermediate School. We will not be able to have classes on these campuses for the remainder of the year. We are in the process of applying for waivers with the Texas Education Agency which would allow us to do two things. 

First, it would allow us to dismiss all pre-K through 3rd grade students from attending school the remainder of the year. Second, a waiver is being written to allow us to postpone the second administration of the 5th and 8th grade STAAR reading test which were scheduled for May 12. Pending approval of these waivers, please begin making plans for the care of your pre-K through 3rd grade child. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. This is a difficult time for our district and our community. Please be patient with us as we work to get back on our feet. As soon as more information becomes available, we will get it to you as quickly as possible through the VISD website at www.vanschools.org; Facebook (district and campus pages).

Statement of Commissioner Michael Williams regarding Van ISD

AUSTIN – Commissioner of Education Michael Williams issued the following statement regarding Van ISD:
"Over the past several days, I have had multiple conversations with Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn regarding the storms that hit facilities within his district last weekend. I have assured him that the Texas Education Agency stands ready to assist with any issues he may identify. As the elementary school buildings have suffered extensive damage, agency staff has been instructed to approve the attendance waiver that will allow the district to cancel its classes for Pre-K through third grade students for the remainder of the school year. In regard to testing requirements, the circumstances provide us with the ability to work with Van ISD to provide the necessary flexibility. Superintendent Dunn has far more pressing issues relating to his students, staff and community. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Texas Education Agency continue to be with the city of Van during this time."

Ross Baker (@Edu2Change) tweeted at 8:41 PM on Mon, May 11, 2015:
Proud of the Van community. Love/compassion in action. Please keep praying. #edtech #vanisd #txed #VanTornado http://t.co/08KsKGti3W
(https://twitter.com/Edu2Change/status/597939738910150656?s=03)

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Please make contributions to Van ISD Tornado recovery through this official donation site: https://t.co/mC3fYpWNWg 

Online donations to an account w/Adventures in Learning for Ts to purchase supplies: https://goo.gl/kUl6bQ

Donations may also be mailed to Van ISD - PO Box 697, Van, TX 75790. Note specific purpose of donation. Thank you for all of the support!