What happens next for Wichita students? District urges patience as it plans

Wichita students will be able to use online programs or take-home paper packets to continue learning during a statewide school closure, district leaders said Friday.

But the specifics of how that will work are unclear, and officials urged families to have patience as plans are developed next week.

“As adults, we can show our children what grit and resilience look like,” said superintendent Alicia Thompson. “And I know that we will make it through these very trying times together.”

Teachers in Wichita, the state’s largest district, with nearly 50,000 students, will begin meeting Monday in small groups or virtually to plan their course for the rest of the school year, Thompson said.

Earlier this week, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly ordered all public and private K-12 schools closed for the rest of the academic year in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tiffinie Irving, deputy superintendent for academic planning and instruction, said students’ progress “may be monitored” through the rest of the year, but “there will be no specific assignments given or attendance taken.”

Wichita students are on spring break this week and will not return next week. Educational lessons, which the state and district have termed “continuous learning,” will begin March 30.

The district will offer free lunches to all children 18 and younger — not just those who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals — every weekday beginning Monday, March 23.

Meddys owner Alex Harb partnered with the district to provide free lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at four locations: Marshall Middle School, 1510 N. Payne; Jardine Middle School, 3550 Ross Parkway; Truesdell Middle School, 2464 S. Glenn; and Mueller Elementary, 2500 E. 18th St. North.

Beginning March 25, the district will begin serving free non-perishable lunches at 18 school buildings.

Anyone 18 or younger can get a meal — no sign-up, eligibility or paperwork required. Walk-up and drive-up service will be available. Because of federal nutrition program guidelines, only children that are present can receive meals.

Thompson, the superintendent, said officials are still working out the logistics of how and when students can get into schools to pick up personal belongings. School nurses are contacting families who need to retrieve medications, she said.

Many other issues, including whether schools will allow students to use district laptops, iPads or other devices at home, aren’t yet settled.

District officials aren’t sure how they’ll handle students with special needs or English-language learners. They also don’t have details about Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate testing or dual credit courses.

“Our work won’t be perfect, but we will always keep in mind the best interest of our students and our staff,” Thompson said.

This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 6:24 PM.