What You Didn’t Know About KC School Closings!

Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is the largest school district in Missouri and the 50th largest school district in the United States. With over 150 schools and nearly 150,000 students, KCPS is a major part of the Kansas City community.

Like all school districts, KCPS must occasionally close schools due to weather, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, there are some things that you may not know about KCPS school closings.

When Are Schools Closed?

KCPS schools are typically closed on the following days:

• Weekends
• National holidays
• School holidays
• Teacher workdays
• Emergency closures

In addition to these scheduled closures, KCPS schools may also be closed due to inclement weather, such as snow, ice, or extreme heat. The decision to close schools due to weather is made by the KCPS superintendent in consultation with the district’s transportation department and local emergency management officials.

How Are Schools Closed?

KCPS uses a variety of methods to communicate school closures to parents and the community. These methods include:

• The KCPS website
• The KCPS mobile app
• Email
• Text message
• Social media
• Local news media

Parents are encouraged to sign up for KCPS’s emergency notification system to receive timely updates on school closures and other important announcements.

What Do I Do If My Child’s School Is Closed?

If your child’s school is closed, there are a few things you can do to make the day productive:

• Check the KCPS website or mobile app for updates on the closure.
• Contact your child’s teacher or school principal for more information about the closure and any make-up work that may be required.
• Keep your child home and supervised.
• Use the day as an opportunity for family bonding, learning, or other enrichment activities.

If your child is old enough to stay home alone, you may want to consider making arrangements for them to do so. However, it is important to make sure that your child is safe and supervised while you are away.

What Are The Different Types Of School Closings?

There are three main types of school closings:

• Planned closures are scheduled in advance and are usually due to holidays, teacher workdays, or other events.
• Emergency closures are unplanned and are due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
• Early dismissals are when schools are closed early due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Planned closures are typically announced in advance, while emergency closures and early dismissals are usually announced on the day of the closure.

What Are The Reasons For School Closings?

There are a variety of reasons why schools may be closed. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Weather: Schools are often closed due to inclement weather, such as snow, ice, or extreme heat. This is done to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Emergencies: Schools may also be closed due to emergencies, such as fires, floods, or other natural disasters. This is done to protect students and staff from harm.
• Teacher workdays: Schools are sometimes closed for teacher workdays. This gives teachers time to prepare for the upcoming school year or to participate in professional development activities.
• Holidays: Schools are typically closed on national holidays, such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This gives students and staff time to celebrate with their families.
• Other events: Schools may also be closed for other events, such as sporting events, concerts, or community gatherings.

In most cases, schools will only be closed if the weather or other circumstances pose a safety hazard to students and staff.

How Do I Find Out If My Child’s School Is Closed?

There are a few ways to find out if your child’s school is closed:

• Check the KCPS website or mobile app: KCPS will post information about school closings on their website and mobile app.
• Contact your child’s school: You can call or email your child’s school to find out if they are closed.
• Listen to local news media: Local news stations will often report on school closings.
• Sign up for KCPS’s emergency notification system: Parents can sign up for KCPS’s emergency notification system to receive timely updates on school closings and other important announcements.

It is important to stay informed about school closings so that you can make the necessary arrangements for your child.

What Should I Do If My Child’s School Is Closed?

If your child’s school is closed, there are a few things you can do:

• Keep your child home: The most important thing you can do is to keep your child home and supervised. This will help to ensure their safety.
• Contact your child’s teacher or school principal: You can contact your child’s teacher or school principal to find out if there is any make-up work that your child needs to do.
• Use the day as an opportunity for family bonding: You can use the day as an opportunity to spend time with your child and do some family bonding activities.
• Find alternative care for your child: If you need to work, you can find alternative care for your child, such as a babysitter, daycare, or after-school program.

It is important to make the best of a school closing and to use the day as an opportunity for your child to learn and grow.

What Are The Benefits Of School Closings?

There are actually a number of benefits to school closures. These include:

• Safety: School closings can help to protect students and staff from dangerous weather or other emergencies.
• Teacher preparation: School closings can give teachers time to prepare for the upcoming school year or to participate in professional development activities.
• Family time: School closings can give families time to spend together and do some family bonding activities.
• Mental health: School closings can give students and staff a break from the stress of school and help to improve their mental health.

School closings are not always a bad thing. In fact, they can actually have a number of benefits for students, staff, and families.

What Are The Challenges Of School Closings?

Of course, school closings can also pose some challenges. These include:

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