Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Emergency School Closure
We understand families have many questions during this time of uncertainty and unexpected school closure. We will be updating this document as circumstances and guidance change, so please check back frequently.
How long will schools be closed?
Governor Mike Parson, working with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and public health officials, issued an executive order on April 9 closing all Missouri school buildings through the close of the academic year.
Will virtual learning continue through the end of the school year?
Our virtual learning will continue through the end of our school year which is May 21 (Pre-K through 11th grade) and May 14 for seniors. We have been so impressed with the engagement and participation of our students and our teachers as they access learning in new ways and we will continue to fine-tune and support those efforts. As we move forward, it is essential that we work together with our families to find the right balance of home and school life. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher(s) at any time during the extended break if you have questions or need clarification. Our Teaching and Learning team has developed this helpful list of resources and activities for students.
Are meals being served to students during the closure?
Yes. Currently meals are being distributed on Mondays and Thursdays at a variety of sites across the District in a drive-thru manner. The process and procedure change frequently as we fine-tune the effort to meet the needs of our students and families. Here are all the details.
Are school events canceled?
Yes. All events, activities, practices, etc. have been canceled through the end of the academic school year.
Are athletics and sports suspended?
Yes. All athletic events and practices have been canceled through the end of June.
Will we have to make up these missed days of school?
On Thursday, March 19, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that Missouri school districts "will not be required to make up SY 2019-20 calendar hours lost due to COVID-19."
I left something at school. Can I come by to pick it up?
Yes. Each school is developing procedures for picking up/dropping off of materials on May 21 and May 22. You will hear from your school the details and procedures for that.
Will the upcoming ACT tests still be held?
No. ACT has rescheduled the April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. For more information, visit the ACT website.
Will the state’s MAP testing and EOCs still take place?
- State Testing: Commissioner Margie Vandeven has canceled statewide required assessments for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. This includes all grade level MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) assessments and EOC (End of Course) assessments.
- AP testing: AP testing will take place this year, however, it will look different. Students can take a 45-min online exam at home. The full exam schedule, specific free-response question types that will be on each AP Exam, and additional testing details will be available by April 3. Click here for more detailed information and updates about AP courses and tests.
- PLTW testing: Project Lead the Way has announced that it has also canceled all annual assessments.
What about Graduation, Honors Night and Prom?
We recognize that this closure has been especially hard on our senior class. We have secured an alternate graduation date for all three high schools with the Family Arena for Saturday, July 25. This is tentatively scheduled in the hope we will be able to come together in large groups again by that time. Our career counselors have been working on videos to honor seniors and those will be shared during the senior's final week of school. All three high school proms have been canceled.
I need to enroll my child in school. How and when may I do that?
We are working on a process to resume enrollment for new students to our schools following Memorial Day. This will be by appointment only and details about the process will be communicated by the school when a parent calls to schedule the appointment.