CHESTERFIELD, Mo (KMOX) - Parkway School District is changing its back-to-school plans for the fall due to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in the area and the new restrictions announced in St. Louis County.
A message was sent to parents on Wednesday informing them that all students will participate in online learning full-time this fall.
"We realize this will be a disappointment for families who chose the in-person experience," the message states. "It is disappointing to us as well. We worked extremely hard to find a way to get students back in school. We remain committed to getting students back in the schools as soon as possible because that is where they thrive the best."
Superintendent Dr. Keith Marty states the decision was made since the number of new daily cases being reported in the region "is currently at an all-time high." He also noted County Executive Dr. Sam Page's announcement on Monday, that will limit social gatherings to 50 people as another reason for the change in plans.
Families in the school district were asked to take a survey about learning preferences this school year when the original back-to-school plans were announced last week. Marty says 67% of families currently prefer in-person learning and 33% prefer virtual learning, according to that survey.
He says the plan will be reevaluated prior to the end of the nine-week quarter on October 23 and if it is safe to do so, the district will allow students back in school, for those families who chose the in-person learning option.
Other schools in the St. Louis area who are choosing 100% virtual learning include Affton, Cahokia, East St. Louis, Ferguson-Florissant, Granite City, Hazelwood, Kirkwood, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Ritenour, Waterloo and Webster Groves.