Local schools mull return dates, virtual learning

SIKESTON — Some area school districts announced late last week the possibility of returning to school as early as April 14 but noted the issue will be re-evaluated on April 6.

“The Scott-Mississippi County Area School Superintendents have met and made the decision to extend the school closure up to and including April 13,” said Dr. Kevin Cogdill, superintendent of Scott County R-4 “Kelly” Schools, on Friday. “This decision will be re-evaluated on April 6. At this time, districts across the state are continually evaluating the situation, taking the advice of state and local health departments, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make informed and careful decisions. Our main concern is the health and well-being of our students and their families.”

Scott County Central, Oran R-3 and Kelso C-7 School District in New Hamburg also made similar announcements as Kelly Schools’ on Friday and will continue to provide meals for children in their districts. The Christian Academy in Sikeston has also said set a tentative return date of April 13.

Sikeston R-6 and Charleston R-1 School District announced on Friday they have extended their dismissals through at least April 20, with students tentatively returning to class on April 21.

“All school activities, including athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, are canceled during the time school is closed,” said the announcement, which was posted on the Charleston district’s website. “The extended closure is a continuation of the District’s efforts to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The health of our students, their families, and our staff members continues to be our highest priority.”

On Sunday President Donald Trump announced the nationwide social distancing guidelines would be extended through April 30, prompting other local districts to extend their dismissals even longer.

On Tuesday, Portageville School District Superintendent Michael Allred said all New Madrid County School District superintendents (Gideon, New Madrid County R-1, Portageville and Risco School Districts) have collectively agreed to follow the current federal distancing guidelines and extend their closures through April 30 with a tentative return date of May 1.

East Prairie R-2 School District on Tuesday announced the extension of its dismissal through at least April 24.

All area school districts continue to provide meals to children 18 and younger in their district.

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau announced on March 25 its decision to keep all Catholic schools in its region closed at least through April 24. This includes St. Francis Xavier in Sikeston, St. Henry in Charleston, Immaculate Conception in New Madrid, St. Eustachius in Portageville, Guardian Angel in Oran, St. Denis in Benton, St. Augustine in Kelso and Notre Dame Regional High School.