Wyandotte Opens School Districts with Restrictions due to COVID-19

Yesterday Wyandotte County announced new education guidelines, developed by 10 partners including Kansas Public Schools and the Unified Government Public Health Department. Currently in phase three of reopening, specific guidelines for each level of education will differ, providing different options for students as school districts in Wyandotte plan to put the safety of students at high priority.

Guidelines were provided for all levels including K-12, higher education and early education in documents located here. (https://alpha.wycokck.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information)

Stated in the K-12 guidelines, parents will have the option to choose if his or her student will return to school. If they choose not to proceed, other online accommodations will be made available for students.

Throughout theses K-12 guidelines, there is to be limited interaction between students. All grades must have shared lunch times to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For elementary schools, this includes shared recess time and specials being held in classrooms, other than Physical Education and music which will be moved outdoors.

For high schools, limited interactions must continue to be maintained. Athletic practices will continue, as long the Kansas State High School Activities Association Guidelines are followed for each sport.

The guidelines for higher education state individuals with symptoms should remain home and continue through online or virtually provided by the school. If returning is an option, a hands-on learning experience will still be offered, but with social distancing to ensure the safety of students.

Masks are specifically recommended for all attendees and employees in higher education, including visitors and guest speakers.

If symptoms keep students at home, Human Resource Department’s will provide work opportunities at home during the semester.

Lastly, early education must take extra precaution when sending children to school. With the risk of small children passing COVID-19 or other flu like symptoms to caregivers at home, they should not attend if health issues or susceptibility to sickness is possible.

If students are safe to attend they will be provided care in the same classroom, with the same caregiver on a day-to-day basis to prevent spreading. There will be no more than 25 allowed in each classroom.

Students in early education may participate in outdoor activities.

These guidelines will allow students to receive an education in a restricted and safe environment, while providing educators the opportunity to supply more resources to students. Students will be able to thrive in both online and in-person teaching.

Additional guidance will be provided by the state of Kansas in the future with a more detailed plan for each phase of reopening. This detailed plan includes physical distancing rules, health screening, meals and most importantly protocols for cleanliness.

Today, a Zoom meeting will be held by the Kansas City School District to discuss the guidelines set in place at 5:00 p.m.