Dear Key Communicators,

I realize that this Independence Day weekend will be quite a bit different than those in past years. While I still believe that taking time to restore that life balance is important, I urge all of you to exercise caution while celebrating our nation’s 244th birthday this weekend.

As the number of positive cases in our community continues to increase, I urge you to continue to follow safe practices. Please continue to wear a face covering when out in public and wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer when necessary. Please ensure proper social distancing when gathering when your friends and family and limit to fewer than 10 people at one time.

Many of us normally celebrate this weekend by enjoying a relaxing day on the beach. Let me remind you that, out of an abundance of caution, Galveston has closed all of its beaches starting Friday morning. The beaches will remain closed through the weekend. The City of Houston’s annual Freedom over Texas event, which normally draws huge crowds along Buffalo Bayou, has also been cancelled.

There will be a Freedom over Texas event broadcast live on Channel 13 Saturday evening, but it will not be an event we can all attend. We can safely stay home and view performances from the Houston Symphony, Trae Tha Truth, Bun B, Lyle Lovett and Mariachi Imperial De America from our homes or devices.

There will be fireworks displays around the area and I join city and county leaders in urging you to wear face coverings and practice social distancing if you choose to attend one of these events.

There are other entertainment options this weekend as the production of Hamilton begins airing on Disney Plus Friday night and PBS will air their annual Independence Day celebration Saturday evening.

Please enjoy your holiday weekend and please do so smartly and safely.

Sincerely,

HD Chambers
Superintendent of Schools
Alief Independent School District