In an email to TKC, Dr. Michele Condon, KSD superintendent, outlined further steps the district will take to ensure stability and health in the coming weeks. There will be two “snow days” on March 24 and 25 to give teachers time to prepare their classes. Online school is scheduled to begin Thursday, March 26. 

However, the district still has not made a decision on prom, graduation and other major events during the remainder of the year. According to a statement released by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), spring sport practices and games will not be held until school is back in session. More information regarding spring sports is available here. 

While the online school start date has been announced, the formatting for online classes has not been fully developed. The district will continue to use platforms such as Schoology and Google Drive. All students were sent home with devices prior to spring break since KSD is a one-to-one technology district. Dr. Bryan Painter, assistant superintendent of curriculum & instruction, held a seminar for secondary and elementary teachers Monday, March 16 to help begin lesson preparation. 

The district has been working with internet providers to create plans for students who cannot access the internet at home, based on a survey sent out to parents. These temporary plans may come with low-cost or free options.

The district is also coordinating with Missouri’s Department of Education and Secondary Education (DESE) to have pick-up meals available for families with students eligible for free and reduced lunch. The district is working with Chartwells, the school food provider, and students who commute from the city in the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) to find the most efficient solution. 

Counselors, social workers and social and emotional learning (SEL) coaches will continue to work through the break to see what support for students will look like while the district is closed. Possible options include online resources and phone check-ins with families. 

“Obviously this is not what anyone had hoped or planned for,” Dr. Condon said in her email. “However, we are working every day to provide the very best support for our students and families, given the circumstances. Our community has been so generous and understanding of our work and circumstances. It will take all of us working together in these uncharted waters.”

More information regarding district-wide updates on school closure and COVID-19 is available here and TKC will continue to release any further information.