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NEDERLAND — Required homebound education courses for Nederland Independent School District students begins Monday, district officials said.

Yet, due to the evolving response and impact that that COVID-19 virus has had on Southeast Texas and across the globe, questions remain about grade promotions and course completions.

Nederland school leaders are targeting a return to campuses April 6 and are requiring students work from home — either online or through picked-up material — during the two weeks before returning.

“Our goal is to ensure our students are provided equitable access to high quality resources for learning enrichment,” Assistant Superintendent Stuart Kieschnick said. “Our flexible education program will provide the necessary resources to keep students engaged in active learning.”

Daily work for students will be designed for 2-3 hours per a day depending on grade level. Students from pre-kindergarten through high school are expected to participate.

The homebound program will be available for students beginning Friday at 3 p.m.

Students that do not have internet access are asked to pick up paper copies of student resources at their school campuses, which will be available beginning Monday with times and locations to be announced.

“We want our school community to know that district leaders are working hard to assure all 5,200 Nederland ISD students will receive educational services during this school closure,” Kieschnick said. “Our No. 1 priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”

At this time, Nederland ISD teachers will continue on a regularly scheduled payroll, and school leaders said there are no plans to take grades on the homebound schoolwork.

Kieschnick said the district is receiving continual guidance from the Texas Education Agency in regards to grading and grade promotion.

Nederland ISD Board President Micah Mosley said board members continue to receive feedback from the community, which they provide to district administrators to aid in decision-making.

“We also recognize the hardship that unplanned school closures can have on our community and the disruption it can cause in people’s everyday lives,” Mosley said. “We are hopeful that this situation will be over as soon as possible and that life can return back to normal.”

Mosley said those with questions or concerns are urged to continue monitoring the district website, social media and reach out to any district administrators or school board members.

“Over the last few years our district has continued to succeed despite facing numerous obstacles that we are all familiar with in our area,” he said. “Immediately following the announcement that NISD schools would be closed, our admin, teachers and support staff eagerly expressed their desire to get back into the schools.”

Currently, all campuses are closed, with only needed personnel working in small groups to develop the flexible learning education program.

Mosley said the attitude and willingness of NISD staff and board members are two of the many attributes that make the district exceptional.

“This latest challenge is unprecedented, but NISD officials have the board’s full confidence and support in rising to the occasion and exceeding our motto of ‘Every Student. Every Day,’” Mosley said.

Presently, no decisions have been made regarding Nederland’s prom.