R-I District Closed the Rest of the 2019-20 Year
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Mike Parson made the announcement last Thursday that all Missouri schools will remain closed for the duration of the 2019-20 academic school year.
The recommendation to close for the rest of the year was made to Governor Parson by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Kingsville R-I Superintendent Lorna Warren sent a letter home to students’ families after the Governor’s announcement.
“I realize that the cancellation of the remainder of the school year is not what any of us wanted to experience,” said Warren in her letter. “This turn of events leaves all of us with many unanswered questions.”
She went on to explain, “Instructional supports will continue through the originally scheduled last day of school, Friday, May 8. Meal distribution will also continue to operate as it has until further notice.”
Many things are still up in the air with regard to upcoming scheduled events, particularly graduation for the Class of 2020 seniors.
The R-I District will be making decisions about all of these issues in the coming days and weeks and Warren said they will communicate with families as soon as they know what will happen in the coming months.
“In the weeks to come, we will be in communication with everyone regarding how we close out the end of the school year,” she added. “Until that time, please continue to be as patient as possible.
“I wish I had answers to everyone’s questions, but there is still too much uncertainty. While this is not how any of us wanted to end the 2019-2020 school year, we continue to support our families in remaining safe and well.”
All Missouri schools are in the same situation as far as graduation ceremonies go, but Gov. Parson promised his office would work with every Missouri school district to allow for commencement exercises in the coming months.
As of April 12 in Johnson County, there are 44 confirmed coronavirus cases. Health officials recommend people continue to adhere to the Governor’s stay-at-home order to help mitigate the spread of and exposure to the virus.
