Jefferson City School District in-person classes begin; virtual learning delayed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Students in the Jefferson City School District started their school year with new procedures to safeguard against COVID-19 Monday.

However, elementary students taking classes online have to wait another week for their first day of school. According to an email the district sent to families, the virtual education partner, Launch, does not have enough elementary teachers yet.

This year looked different for all students due to the pandemic. On Friday, the school district updated its mask policy requiring all students to wear masks when they are not able to social distance. The rule before the change only applied to middle and high school students.

According to the Jefferson City School District re-entry plan, the district will focus on increased sanitation and social distancing to curb the spread of novel coronavirus.

Cases are rising quickly in Cole County, with 386 reported between Aug. 1 and Friday. Health department officials have attributed to fast growth in part to people not following guidelines such as masks and social distancing.

Quayveon Bradford, a Jefferson City parent, said she wanted to have her student do virtual learning but she was told that it was closed.

"It was risky sending her while COVID is going on but they told me that they were going to keep everything sanitized and children in masks so I’m hoping they keep their word,” Bradford said.

She said she wasn’t comfortable sending her student Monday and almost decided not to. Bradford also said that if the virtual option is available later on she plans to enroll her student in that option.

The virtual learning date for elementary students at JC Schools was pushed back until Aug, 31 because of staffing shortages. However, students in middle and high school were able to start Monday.

Parents who chose the virtual option were notified Saturday of the date change.