Columbia Public Schools ending first full week under new learning model

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools is wrapping up its first full week of remote learning after making adjustments last week.

The new plan began April 8, a day before Gov. Mike Parson ordered that all public schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The school has been sending paper packets to elementary students through the mail. ABC 17 has spoken with one family who says they have yet to receive a packet.

The district also put out guidance for parents including alternative subjects on different days and set out a schedule for what types of communication families will receive.

All athletic events throughout the rest of the school year have also been canceled and the school is providing meals through a grab-and-go delivery service.

Bus routes for the delivery service have also been updated and drivers began those new routes Monday.

CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said the schools benefited by taking time to adjust their plans.

Baumstark said the original plan was to return to the classroom after spring break, and given how rapidly that situation changed the teachers and staff needed time to evaluate how they'd be teaching their students.

Baumstark said the district has distributed more than 800 hotspots so students can connect online from anywhere.

Check back for more on this developing story.