Despite hopes school could reopen, Gov. Greg Abbott officially canceled in-person instruction for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

The order was made today at noon during Abbott’s press conference after his team of doctors concluded that bringing back students to school would be unsafe for the foreseeable future. As a result, Abbott decided to close classrooms in all public, private and higher level institutions. Conroe ISD sent out an email at 3 p.m. to inform the community about the school closing. 

“We know this closure presents challenges to each and every household,” Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null said in an email to employees, parents and students. “This situation is unprecedented, but we remain committed to supporting the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. Our meal distributions will continue through May. Additionally, we have social/emotional resources on our Parent Resources webpage in addition to the academic activities. Please contact your child’s campus if you have questions or needs. We will get through this together.”

Conroe ISD is still waiting on the state to figure out the official date for graduation. 

Senior Cassee Gates agrees that the closure of schools for the first few weeks was a good idea, but that closing the school for the rest of the year was “too much.”

“Us seniors deserve to see each other one last time before the final goodbye, which would be walking across the stage,” Gates said. “We should be able to walk the hallways of our high school one last time, see how our teachers teach for the last time. We also deserve our prom. Every high school student should have a prom.”

Conroe ISD canceled all proms in the district on March 31 in a Facebook Live. 

“Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors aren’t able to experience all of high school,” Gates said. “Freshmen are the ones who are just starting the beginning of their journey. Sophomores are the ones that are finally understanding what high school is like. Juniors are learning to mature and getting ready for college. So yeah, it’s not just the seniors who have it bad.”

Junior Donavon Crimm said even though he has been able to enjoy his time off to be more creative, school work is harder for him to do without simultaneously being in the environment. 

“I love school,” Crimm said. “I’d say it’s the place I feel most at home.”

Senior Peyton Nelson said the senior class is being affected the most because unlike the rest of the classes, they don’t get to come back.

“I see lowerclassmen post memes making fun of the class of 2020 all the time,” Nelson said. “I get it; they don’t understand what it’s like because it mostly won’t happen to them, but I mean come on. It’s happening to us, and it really does hurt. It might not be a big deal to some, but walking the halls with my friends again is something I want more than anything.” 

Graduation is currently scheduled for May 26 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at 10 a.m.. In case of a cancellation from the state or county officials, graduation will be July 13 at 10 a.m. at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands.