KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Public Schools announced Thursday that will remain virtual for the rest of this school year, but it was a close call.
Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri says staff and parental opinion favored keeping the buildings closed and sticking with remote learning.
“I can’t begin to tell you how difficult this decision was. There were many sleepless nights kind of agonizing over the knowledge that many students and families will be left behind in the process.”
Dr. Raichoudhuri says they have been told that teachers will not begin getting COVID-19 Vaccines until mid-March, and it would be 60 days after that before they are fully immunized. Trustees endorsed her decision.
Support programs will remain in place, including food distribution and mental health assistance efforts. They still hope to reopen schools to in-person learning in the fall.
Along with virtual learning, the class of 2021 has had a challenging senior year for many other reasons. They have had few of the perks that usually come with the final year of high school, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Raichoudhuri says they are working on a plan to liven it up a bit before seniors get their diplomas.
“I know this year has been especially challenging and disappointing for our seniors. We want to do everything we can to make sure all of our seniors not only graduate on time, but have the opportunity to experience some senior year traditions.”
She says they hope to improve upon what they learned last spring, when the class of ’20 were forced to hold a virtual graduation. High school principals will be talking to students soon to also see what they would like to do and start formulating plans for Graduation ceremonies.
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