The Wichita and Kansas City, KS, school districts are working to help kids finish the school year without being at school, in a process they’re calling Continuous Learning.
KCK is distributing electronic devices to all students in the district. Students in Grades 9-12 have MacBook Air computers to take home, and have had them as part of a program since 2007. Students in Grades 4-8 are receiving Chrome Book computers, and students in Grades K-3 are receiving iPads.
“Once … all students have computers to access daily learning activities, we are willing to work with community organizations and companies to figure out how we can assist with removing barriers to internet connectivity,” said Edwin Birch, executive director for communications and marketing for the KCK School District.
Internet provider Charter Communications has offered 60 days of free broadband and Wi-Fi to KCK households with K-12 or college students.
Free curbside meals is process, but effective April 6 KCKPS parents will be allowed to pick up their child’s meal curbside without a child in the car. Parents must call at least a day ahead to notify to reserve a meal. Call 913-279-2191. Visit KCKPS.org.
Wichita is distributing learning packets to pre-K to 8th Grade students via mail and online starting Mon., April 6. Initially, packets were given out for parental pick up at schools, but that is being discontinued due to social distancing guidelines, said Dr. Alicia Thompson, USD 259 superintendent.
Parents are asked to make sure their address is up-to-date in the school district’s student info system so they will receive their students’ learning packets.
High school students are being contacted by their teachers, who will be making sure they have access to technology to meet requirements for graduation, scholarships, jobs and other needs.
Unfortunately, all school playgrounds will be locked to meet Sedgwick County’s emergency health guidelines. Free curbside meals are available for pickup NOW TWO DAYS PER WEEK, but with the same amount of food as five days.
Starting April 6, meals will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Mondays, students will get two breakfasts and two lunches. On Wednesdays, students will get three breakfasts and three lunches.
Only children who are present can receive a meal. The pickup locations are not changing. To see a weekly menu, go to usd259.org/menu.
For all info visit USD259.org.