Colorado children won't be going back to their schools through at least April 17 after Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order Wednesday keeping schools closed due to coronavirus.

The order suspends in-person learning in public and private schools across the state from March 23 to April 17.

It directs school districts and the Charter School Institute to "make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time while taking into account the needs of local communities."

There will be guidance and support on plans for providing meals for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals and offering waivers for instructional time.

HELP: Food bank, PSD offer drive-up, grab 'n' go lunches for students

Poudre School District Superintendent Sandra Smyser issued a statement saying the district supports the order.

"We have been developing our remote learning opportunities, food distribution plans and so much more, and will obviously be continuing that work now that we know the closure will last for another month."

"We don’t have all the answers tonight, but we want our families and communities to know that students have and will continue to be at the center of our hearts and decisions. Families can expect to receive an update from PSD with more information Thursday."

As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, no additional information had been released to parents by PSD.

"If ever there was a community to get through this, it is ours." Smyser said.

Many Front Range school districts had already closed schools through the end of March and early April, with many of them planning for at-home learning. Poudre School District's spring break lasts through Friday, and the district said the week of March 23 would introduce remote learning.

Students in PSD's middle and high schools have district-issued laptops that they can take home. Elementary students do not have take-home laptops.

Polis' executive order also suspends Colorado's assessment requirements for the 2019-20 school year.

The order directs public health agencies to work with child care providers and preschools to determine if it's safe to continue operating and requires closure for at least 72 hours if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a student, parent of a student, or staff member.

NATIONAL ACTION: Trump signs coronavirus aid package

While not mandated, the order encourages school districts and the Charter School

Institute to continue regular pay for all hourly and salaried staff.

“We know school leaders, educators and families will have a lot of questions about how to support their students’ learning at home during this unprecedented time," Education Commissioner Katy Anthes said in a statement. "The department is working on guidance and developing resources to support our schools and students, and it will be available very soon.”

Other actions announced on Wednesday:

Polis extended the suspension of downhill ski operations through April 6.

The Colorado Department of Public Health issued a public health order prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people. Gatherings include community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals or any similar event that brings 10 or more people together.

Polis announced two efforts to raise money and volunteer resources to deal with coronavirus. The Colorado COVID Relief Fund will raise funds and allocate them to applicants doing work in prevention, impact and recovery efforts, such as medical and cleaning supplies, food services, early childhood education, small business support and behavioral health services. So far, nearly $3 million has been raised. The fund is hosted by the State of Colorado and Mile High United Way. It will be overseen by a committee of community leaders from across Colorado. The Help Colorado Now effort is a place for Coloradans to donate or volunteer. Information: www.HelpColoradoNow.com.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Editor's note: As the coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve, we don’t want you to panic. In fact, quite the opposite. That’s why the Coloradoan is committed to providing you with accurate, up-to-date information so you can make informed decisions on issues affecting you and the people you love. As such, this story, and many others, are being provided free for all to read. Help us continue this important work by subscribing to the Coloradoan.

Rebecca Powell is a content coach at the Coloradoan. If you know of an impactful story you believe needs to be reported, send it to RebeccaPowell@coloradoan.com.