"Paris ISD will continue to require all students and employees to wear appropriate face coverings"
Superintendent, Paul Jones
March 9, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: STATEMENT FROM PARIS ISD SUPERINTENDENT PAUL JONES
The Paris Independent School District is aware of Governor Abbott’s recent decision to lift the statewide mask
mandate effective March 10, 2021. In GA 34, Governor Abbott clarified that school districts must continue to
follow minimum standard health protocols as provided by the Texas Education Agency ( as they are
updated. On March 3, the TEA released updated guidance stating that school districts may continue to require the
use of masks for students and employees.
After consulting with local health officials and considering all available data, Paris ISD will continue to require
all students and employees to wear appropriate face coverings on each of its campuses for as long as deemed
necessary to protect our school community. Moreover, Paris ISD will continue to implement all established
health and safety protocols in order to minimize the risks of in-person learning.
Due to existing TEA safety guidelines, the continued requirement for face coverings is critical in maintaining a
safe and efficient learning environment. This results in fewer mandatory quarantines among our students and
staff, which in turn allows us to educate our students in person with limited disruptions.
As always, the health and safety of the Paris ISD family remains a top priority. We will continue to monitor the
situation and adjust local virus mitigation protocols as appropriate according to the advice of state and local health
officials.
Photography Skills USA – PHS Sweeps the Top Three Spots
For the second year in a row Mrs Cook's Photography students have swept the Skills USA District Competition taking the top 1st-3rd spots. Since joining the Paris High School team 3 years ago Mrs Cook has taken students to this Photography competition and brought home the hardware every single year, including taking 3rd place at the state level her first year. "I almost didn't enter due to the changes with the pandemic but these kids have worked so hard and we didn't get to go to state last year after sweeping due of Covid; I couldn't skip the opportunity for them! "Cook said.
"Skills allows me to have the opportunity to show off my skills and talents that I learn in class and my photography skills in a real world environment," Alysa Andoe said. "Skills has provided me with a great opportunity to further explore the world of photography," Lindley Loughmiller said. Calvin Alexander took 3rd, Alysa Andoe took 2nd, and Lindley Loughmiller took 1st place.
"I am excited to bring the top spots in the state home the end of March!", Cook says.

Pictured from left to right, Lindley Loughmiller, Calvin Alexander, and Alysa Andoe.