"This situation is difficult for all involved, especially considering the impact it will have on our students, our parents, our coaches, our teachers and administrators throughout the state," Moss said.
"The biggest impact of this decision will be felt by our graduating seniors."
Moss said Joplin High School Principal Steve Gilbreth is working with students, parents and faculty to "come up with creative ways to honor our graduates."
Though the buildings are closed, the district's essential services continue, Moss said.
"If anything, this crisis has proven the crucial role education plays."
Moss detailed the steps that have been taken to provide lessons for the students to do at home. For those who do not have internet access, hard copy lessons have been available, and the district has provided 600 laptops to students needing them for the assignments.
In addition to creating and grading lessons plans, R-8 teachers have also been keeping in contact with students and parents, Moss said.
Another essential service the district has been providing is the meals that it delivers to students every weekday.
On the first day of the service, 1,382 meals were provided. That has increased every day since that time, Moss said, with the district distributing 2,800 meals Thursday.
The most recent meal included a special extra, thanks to the Joplin Parks and Recreation Deparment. Director Paul Bloomberg said that following the cancellation of the annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, which had been scheduled for April 3, the department gave Easter eggs to the school district, which included one with every meal. Moss said she appreciated the gift.
"I'm glad the Easter Bunny is being viewed as an essential worker."
The video of today's briefing can be found at this link.
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