CPS allows high-risk students to be removed from class as novel coronavirus outbreak continues
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools is allowing students who have health needs that make them high-risk to be taken out of class as concerns about the spread of novel coronavirus grow.
The information, sent to parents earlier this week, says that students with family members in the home who are high-risk can work with CPS in determining the best academic plan to fit their needs.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is providing guidance for CPS and other school districts when schools should close.
CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said there will be opportunities for online learning if schools decide to close to control the spread of the virus. However, she said CPS understands that not all children kindergarten through high school can be taught the same way.
CPS teachers are preparing for alternative methods in case schools are advised to close.
"We are receiving guidance from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding options and approval for alternative methods of instruction," the letter to parents says.
The CDC website regarding schools places guidance for daycares and schools into three categories based on their communities:
- No transmission identified in the community
- Minimal to moderate transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19
- Substantial community transmission
CDC also states it will provide guidance for individual districts if a COVID-19 case is confirmed regardless of the level of community transmission.
According to the CDC, all decisions about implementing dismissals, event cancellations or other social events should be made locally in connection with local health officials.
CPS is searching for new learning methods as online classes won't help all of its students if cps is forced to close.
“Not everyone can and should participate solely in online education which is why we talk about alternative instructional methods viruses which is education beyond online,” said Baumstark.
Baumstark said this hasn’t been an easy task and cps has to think broadly as Columbia has a very diverse student population.
“We are working through all of that process to make sure not only were able to deliver for make meets guidelines but also that we’re meeting the needs of our students as well,” said Baumstark.
ABC 17 spoke with an infectious disease expert about the risk children face in school with COVID-19.
"The closures of the schools will be determined by the public health officials but typically we haven’t seen that pattern unless there is evidence of local transmission and right now we don’t have that in Missouri," said Il
Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, New Mexico, Michigan Illinois have shut down K-12 schools due to COVID-19.
“Other states have implemented that is because they started seeing cases that are not related to someone traveling or being around someone who we know that has the disease, said Ilb.”
The CDC states the most important thing to do now is plan and prepare in case COVID-10 does appear in their communities. cps said they will continue sending parents letters to keep them updated with any new information.
Officials in major metropolitan areas of Missouri have already implemented restrictions. Leaders declared states of emergency Thursday in St. Louis and Kansas City and Friday in St. Louis County.
Two people in Missouri are positive on preliminary tests for novel coronavirus -- one in St. Louis County and a second announced Thursday in Greene County.
