KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Students in the Kansas City, Missouri, Public Schools system went back to school on Tuesday without stepping into a school building.
The first day of class was entirely virtual. The district decided to begin the semester in a remote learning format in order to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.
In order to ensure students have the access and support they need, the Kansas City, Missouri, Parks and Recreation Department, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas Cityand other groups have partnered to open virtual learning centers.
These centers run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing children in kindergarten through sixth grade to have access to the internet, adult supervision and a free meal.
“We want to be a back-to-school partner for parents who are, right now, facing difficult decisions about what to do with their kids when they have to go to work,” said Dr. Dred Scott, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
He stressed centers are following social distancing, sanitation and mask-wearing guidelines. He said the centers do not want students to fall behind in their education because of obstacles related to access.
“We want to provide a safe, a fun and supportive environment for kids not to have as much interruption to their instruction as they did last March and April, as an example,” Scott said.
Leaders with KCPS say there are still openings available for parents to sign their children up at a virtual learning center.
“I am so excited. It has been way too long since we’ve had school and seen students,” said Dr. Christy Harrison, the district’s extended learning opportunities director.
KC Parks community centers are open to students in KCPS, North Kansas City Schools, Hickman Mills and at Crossroads Academy. For more information, click here.
