Jefferson City School District students head back to class

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Many students across Mid-Missouri, including in Jefferson City, headed back to school Monday.

To mark the first day, Jefferson City High School seniors gathered on the football field for "Senior Sunrise" where students watch the sun come up together.

Senior Francis Smith said one of his goals for the school year is not be late to his classes. Lincoln University's drumline also stood outside of Thorpe J. Gordon Elementary School to welcome their students back to class.

With classes returning, traffic impacts around the capital city are expected to increase in the mornings and afternoons. Drivers should continue to watch for school zone signs as the speed limit drops in those areas.

On Friday, the Jefferson City School District held a back-to-school event for staff.

Superintendent Bryan McGraw said during the event the school district hired around 100 new educators.

The school district hopes to keep those teachers in the long term.

When dealing with COVID-19, JC Schools plans to use a tiered policy that bases mitigation efforts on the number of cases and hospitalizations in the community.

Families can view the district's COVID-19 tracker through its website.