YES Prep to remain closed, students will keep learning

YES Prep Public Schools on Wednesday became one of the first Houston-area school districts to announce its campuses will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

YES Prep, a public charter school system with 14,000 students in 19 schools across Greater Houston, will continue its “Keep YES Prep Learning” online distance learning program through the end of this school year.

“Our campuses may be closed, but teachers and staff are continuing their rigorous, college-ready support of every student,” YES Prep CEO Mark DiBella said. “We are committed to helping keep YES Prep students learning, including those receiving special education services, with limited English, from lower-income homes, and seniors making final preparations for college.”

YES Prep teachers—like those in other school districts across the state—are providing TEKS-aligned lessons and assignments. From SAT prep to “quaran-toned” fitness challenges, educators are working hard to help keep students engaged in their school community.

School staff also has been checking in with every student’s family to help provide laptops and internet access to anyone who doesn’t have it. They’ve already delivered thousands of computers and hundreds of Wi-Fi hotspots to families in need and are securing additional technology through a new Keep YES Prep Learning Fund.

With the coronavirus closing many businesses and food unable to be served in school cafeterias, schools also are filling families’ need for meals. YES Prep already has provided more than 45,000 meals to families in the community.

The last day of school for all YES Prep students is May 28.