KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Public School District announced it is making changes to its plans for the 2021 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell sent a letter to families Monday morning explaining the changes come after the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department advised the district against in-person learning.
At-home learning not only means big changes for students but for their families too.
KCPS teacher Danie Cooper said she is sad she most likely won't get to see her students this year, but she ultimately believes at-home learning is the best and safest option.
Cooper said she wants parents to keep in mind virtual learning doesn't mean less education, and students will be learning new skills they wouldn't normally get.
"They're learning how to problem solve, they're learning how to be adaptable so all those things are extremely important to becoming an adult and moving through our society," Cooper said.
Cooper said virtual learning can also be a chance for students, teachers and staff to grow in a new way.
"This is an opportunity to see how we can change things, see how we can move forward, and perhaps our education system will improve because of it," Cooper said.
North Kansas City parent Tonya Blythe homeschools two of her children and has three in public schools.
Blythe said it's important for parents not to stress about re-creating the public school environment at home.
"If we learned anything this spring it's that school at home is going to look completely different," Blythe said.
Blythe is urging parents to lean on loved ones for support.
"What resources do you have that can jump in and help? Can the kids do school with a family member some days? Or is it feasible for us to do school in the evening?" Blythe said.
Both educators said they hope everyone can put their differences on the issue aside and remember the power of empathy.
"If we're able to get through this by building our empathy and community I think that this could be a positive spin on 2020," Cooper said.
