News Summary
A major winter storm is hitting the Kansas City area, leading multiple school districts to cancel classes or switch to virtual learning to ensure student safety. With forecasts predicting heavy snowfall, school officials are taking precautionary measures. Starting February 17, several districts, including Olathe and Blue Valley, will be closed. Higher education institutions are also adjusting schedules. On February 18, additional delays and closures are expected. Families are urged to stay informed via school district channels for updates on closures and virtual learning options.
Winter Weather Cancels Classes Across Kansas City
The Kansas City area is bracing for a major winter storm, prompting several school districts to either cancel classes or switch to virtual learning. As the forecast predicts heavy snowfall, school officials are taking the precautionary step to keep students safe and off the roads.
School Closures and Virtual Learning
Starting on Tuesday, February 17, the Olathe Public School District has decided to close its doors due to the inclement weather. Similarly, the Blue Valley School District will also be closed on the same day. For families in Kansas City, the Missouri Public Schools have opted for a shift to virtual learning instead of in-person classes, meaning students will still have access to their lessons from the comfort of home.
In higher education, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) will also be conducting virtual learning, while the University of Kansas in Lawrence has officially announced its closure for Tuesday. Even the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium will not welcome visitors, closing their gates to keep everyone safe during this storm.
Winter Storm Warning Details
A Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for areas along and south of I-70. The warning will last from 6 p.m. Monday through to 3 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities anticipate heavy snowfall, with about 4 inches possible by Monday evening and an additional 4 to 7 inches forecasted for Tuesday itself. In areas south of the metro, snowfall could reach an impressive 6 to 9 inches.
This winter weather is particularly challenging, especially considering many school districts have already canceled classes multiple times over the past week due to inclement weather. With the snow days piling up, more school districts are now finding themselves needing to adjust their calendars accordingly since they’re nearing the limit of their allotted snow days and virtual instruction days.
Looking Ahead: Delays and Additional Closures
- Atchison Public Schools: Closed
- Blue Valley School District: 2-hour delay start
- Olathe School District: 2-hour delay start
- Shawnee Mission School District: 2-hour delay start
- Blue Springs R-4: Virtual learning
- Cameron R-1: Closed
- Independence School District: Closed
- Kearney R-1: Virtual learning day
- Lee’s Summit R-7: Closed
- Liberty: Virtual learning day
- North Kansas City: Virtual learning day
- Oak Grove R-6: Closed
- Odessa R-7: Closed
- Park Hill School District: Closed
- Raytown: Virtual learning day
Snow Days and Flexible Learning
As winter weather disrupts the school year, Kansas City Public Schools currently have one AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) day left for the year. Meanwhile, North Kansas City Schools have used all their built-in snow days along with their AMI days already. The Independence School District has exhausted its five designated snow days for this winter and is proactively planning for additional makeup days in case more closures are needed.
As the snow begins to fall, families are encouraged to stay indoors, stay safe, and keep warm during this winter blast. Be sure to check your school district’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on closures and virtual learning options!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: School Closures and Delays
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Fox4KC: Preparing for the Winter Storm
- Google Search: Winter Weather Kansas City
- KCTV5: Schools Announce Closures
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Impact on Education
- Kansas City Star: Local News on Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Fox4KC: School Closures Across KC
- Google News: Winter Storm Kansas City
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
