AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District is again asking parents to keep their students home for virtual learning next week. This comes as Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott warned the positivity rate among school-aged children is outpacing that of the entire community.

The school district originally closed for winter weather on Monday, then urged parents to keep kids home for the rest of this week. In a letter to parents Thursday, leaders extended that guidance to next week, starting Jan. 19. Jan. 18 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The district will continue to offer in-person classes for those who need it, such as students with special needs, but urges if you can to keep your children virtual.

Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said in the letter that their call to action for virtual learning this week showed “successful” results in limiting attendance. The district reported Tuesday that 10,420 students converted to remote learning for this week, with 9,202 of those students being in elementary school.

Elizalde said because of the reduced number of students, it allowed for “extensive social distancing” for those who had to go on campuses.

The Del Valle Independent School District is also extending temporary 100% remote instruction through Jan. 22. The hybrid method of instruction will resume on Jan. 25.