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Below is a list of closings and postponements related to Jackson’s ongoing water crisis. Check back for more updates. And get the latest updates by downloading our mobile app.
Jackson Public Schools will remain virtual through Monday
Jackson Public Schools announced Wednesday night that all schools will continue virtual learning through the end of this week and at least until Monday as the city of Jackson is experiencing a water system failure.
Here is the complete text of the notice posted on Jackson Public Schools website Wednesday night:
The city of Jackson and the state of Mississippi are collaborating to resolve the water shortage that is plaguing schools, residents and businesses throughout the city. President Joe Biden approved Mississippi’s emergency declaration on Tuesday, August 30 and ordered federal assistance to supplement the state’s response to the water crisis. While progress is being made toward resolving this massive challenge, the overwhelming majority of our schools still have low or no water pressure. Additionally, we have several schools whose air conditioning system depends on water to run effectively. As a result, we will continue virtual learning for the remainder of the week from Thursday, September 1, – Friday, September 2. We will also evaluate the water conditions of our buildings on September 4-5 to determine if it is safe to return to in-person learning on Tuesday, September 6.
Central Office staff are to report to work tomorrow during their regular schedule. If there is low water pressure, work will be shifted to other locations with suitable water pressure.
Breakfast and lunch times and locations will be announced soon.
In Athletics, the following football games will continue as scheduled:Thursday, September 1, Hazlehurst vs. Wingfield at South Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Friday, September 2, Port Gibson vs. Jim Hill at North Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Friday, September 2, South Jones vs. Forest Hill at South Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Portable restrooms will be on-site at these games for restroom breaks.
Due to the lack of water at the facility and the large crowd anticipated, we had to temporarily cancel the “Graduation Classic” football game at the MS Veterans Memorial Stadium for Saturday, September 3. The games include Murrah vs. Callaway and Provine vs. Lanier high schools. We are working to reschedule the game at another location and anticipate an announcement forthcoming by tomorrow.
While we are sensitive to the disruption this entire week has been and continues to be for our scholars, staff, and families, we feel that these decisions are in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety.
We also want to remind everyone that the Warmline, 601-713-4358, is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is specifically dedicated to assist families who are overwhelmed due to the challenges of virtual learning and water outage stressors.
Bellhaven University going virtual
Belhaven University announced Wednesday afternoon that is will transition to a virtual format for the remainder of the week as the O.B. Curtis Water Plant is being repaired, and the water flow on campus has been inconsistent.
“Our students’ education has not been disrupted, and our faculty continue to give them the quality education they expect in spite of the changing circumstances,” a statement from the university said. “Students will continue their studies online until normal class schedules resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6.”
Paw Patrol Live postponed
The Jackson Coliseum announced Wednesday that a Saturday performance of Paw Patrol Live has been postponed until Nov. 26-27.
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Jackson Public Schools
The city of Jackson has indicated the water shortage will continue throughout the city for a few days. In addition to the water shortage, several schools’ air conditioning systems depend on water to run effectively.
As a result, the Jackson Public Schools are continuing virtual learning on Wednesday and will continue to evaluate the water conditions every day to determine when it is safe to return to in-person learning.
School meals
Breakfast and lunch will be served at every school site except Forest Hill High School. Breakfast is from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m., and lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Scholars who attend Forest Hill High School may eat lunch at the following school sites:
- Bates Elementary, 3180 McDowell Road Extension
- Marshall Elementary, 2909 Oak Forest Drive
- Oak Forest Elementary, 1831 Smallwood Drive
- Timberlawn Elementary, 1980 North Siwell Road
- Cardozo Middle, 3180 McDowell Road Extension
In athletics, the following football games will continue as scheduled:
- Thursday, Sept. 1, Hazlehurst vs. Wingfield at South Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 2, Port Gibson vs. Jim Hill at North Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 2, South Jones vs. Forest Hill at South Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.Portable restrooms will be on-site at these games for restroom breaks.
Canceled games
Due to the lack of water at the facility and the large crowd anticipated, the “Graduation Classic” football game at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday has been canceled. The games included Murrah vs. Callaway and Provine vs. Lanier high School. There are no make-up dates for these games available currently.
“While we understand that the next few days will be a major inconvenience for many of our working families, we feel that these decisions are in the best interest of our scholars, staff and families,” reads a statement from the Jackson Public Schools. “We also want to remind everyone that the Warmline, 601-713-4358, is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is specifically dedicated to assist families who are overwhelmed due to the challenges of virtual learning and water outage stressors.”
Freelance correspondent Ed Inman compiled this report.
