Kansas City school district to move classes online as NFL Draft draws crowds
Kansas City Public Schools will hold virtual classes later this month while the 2023 NFL Draft is held at Union Station.
The draft runs Thursday to Saturday, April 27-29, with activities on the pavement south of Union Station, at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and around downtown. Some roads in the area will be closed.
With large crowds expected, KCPS decided to cancel in-person classes on that Thursday and Friday, according to a document shared with The Star.
“With the anticipated increased traffic and possible closures, it is important to prevent students from being late or absent due to road closures or lack of transportation available,” officials said in a statement. “KCPS is committed to making sure that all of our students receive uninterrupted education during the NFL Combine event.”
Middle and high school students will be expected to log in online and attend virtual classes from 9 a.m. to noon.
Elementary students will bring home instructional packets on April 26, which will be due the following Monday. Students will be required to complete the packets to receive attendance credit for the two days. Elementary teachers will be available from 9 a.m. to noon to help students.
The district will use alternative method of instruction, or AMI, hours, for virtual classes, which the state education department allows for “exceptional or emergency circumstances.”
“KCPS understands that education is a top priority and we want to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to continue their education uninterrupted,” district officials said.
Some other nearby districts — including Center, Lee’s Summit, Park Hill, Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley, Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas — said they plan to hold classes as usual during the draft.
This story was originally published April 3, 2023 at 11:19 AM.
