After careful consideration and discussions with our local and state partners, and with the March 24 issuance of a Stay at Home order from the City of Columbia, Columbia Public Schools school buildings will remain closed to students and in-person classes. At this time, we plan to reopen on Monday, April 27. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our plans as necessary.

What does this mean for CPS and the community?

Academics
The district is implementing alternative methods of instruction. Elementary (PK-4) will have packets of work and regular communications from their teachers. Fifth graders and secondary students will be able to submit assignments to their teacher through Schoology. English Learners and students receiving special education services will be provided access to learning; or, in the event IEP goals cannot be met adequately through alternative methods of instruction, we will provide compensatory services. IEP teams will be working to make the best decisions for our exceptional learners.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
All athletics and activities have been suspended.

Nutrition
Our grab-and-go meal delivery for students in need will begin on March 30. We will have eight buses running multiple-stop routes Monday through Friday. The stops are time-specific. Students can meet the bus at the designated stop and time to pick up their meal. Here is a list with more information, including stops and times.

There are many community and faith-based groups that are providing supports for children and families in need to help us bridge the gaps:

• The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri has a list of all the partner agencies that are providing food. The link includes the agency and the hours of operation.
• The Food Bank Central Pantry is offering drive-up service. Supplemental information on how to help is available here.
• The United Way is also responding to families in need. If you need assistance finding food, child care, assistance paying household bills, locating mental health services, or other essential services, contact United Way 2-1-1. It's free and confidential. Specialists are available 24/7. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800- 427-4626 TTY 1-866-385-6525.
• The City of Columbia has a site set up for those interested in volunteering to help where there are needs.
• Veterans United Home Loans has provided this interactive map of locations offering free meals in the Columbia area.