A Note From Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell

Press release from Kansas City Public Schools:

November 4, 2021

Dear KCPS families,

"As we approach the busy holiday season, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to being part of KCPS during these unprecedented times and share some information regarding our schedule for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Last night at the Board of Directors workshop, the Board and administration approved two important calendar updates. There will be no school on Monday, Nov. 22 or Tuesday, Nov. 23 to give KCPS students and staff a full week off for fall break. I hope this change will give everyone more time during a season where many of us look forward to reconnecting and recharging. This calendar adjustment will not change the last day of school. Our last day of school remains May 27, 2022.

This change was made after surveying our staff and listening to them during our staff engagement sessions. As we’ve navigated quarantines, substitute teacher shortages, transportation challenges and more, their commitment hasn't wavered, and neither has yours. As partners in education, you have worked with us, made sacrifices and shown patience and grace throughout these challenges. We know it hasn't been easy. We hope a longer fall break can help you recharge, too.

That said, we know that you were counting on us being in school those two days. KCPS is partnering with Camp Fire, Boys & Girls Club, The YMCA, the Upper Room and Turn the Page to provide free child care for working parents from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 23. These are the same partners we worked with last year during virtual learning. We will be send out more information about how to sign up for child care very soon.

We want our school district calendar to work for everyone. That means listening to staff and student feedback and making bold adjustments when necessary. As such, the KCPS Board of Directors also voted to recognize Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves. This year, because Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, 12-month employees will receive Monday, June 20, 2022, as a paid holiday. We see this as an extension of our work around educational equity".

Thank you for being part of the KCPS family.

Yours in education,
Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent

This press release was produced by Kansas City Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.