FAQ's
When are we closed? When will we reopen?
Based on the Governor’s executive order and to ensure student safety, all Garden City Public Schools (GCPS) district facilities have been closed until May 29, 2020.
When will continuous learning begin for students?
Continuous Learning or remote learning for GCPS students begins Monday, March 30, 2020.
What are the expectations for continuous learning?
The goal of remote learning is to support essential/core learning for the grade level/course and to keep the learning moving forward to the extent possible. Of course, remote learning does not replace learning in the classroom. A fair expectation of student time investment per content area might be a maximum of 30-45 minutes each day. Teachers will reach out to families to share specific expectations.
How do I contact my child’s teacher during continuous learning?
You may contact your student’s teacher via email. You can find your teacher’s email address on your school’s website.
When will teachers be available during continuous learning?
Teachers will be available during scheduled “office hours” on any regularly scheduled school day while school facilities are closed. Please contact your teacher to find out more information about those scheduled time.
How do I contact the Principal if I have a question about continuous learning?
Please work with your child’s teacher first to resolve any questions. If this is unsuccessful, please email the building principal at your student’s school if you have an issue with continuous learning.
Why does it seem like continuous learning expectations may be different by school or teacher?
As we transition to remote learning, each classroom’s environment and the teacher’s approach is unique. Our district’s Learning Services Department is working to provide resources to all of our teachers to provide support in this extraordinary circumstance.
How do I access meals for my students?
Starting Monday, March 23, GCPS Nutrition Services will be providing breakfast/lunch pick up at various locations throughout Garden City on weekdays. Anyone picking up meals must have their child with them. Click here for additional information and schedules.
How can I access a building to retrieve materials?
Schools will be contacting you this week with more information on how to retrieve materials. At this time school facilities are not open to the public. If you need something from the school please contact your school office for more information.
Will we have graduation?
GCPS believes that graduation and other events are a very important part of a student’s journey and allows them to celebrate both their accomplishments. At this time Graduation and other GCHS events have been postponed until further notice.
Will we have Prom?
At this time, Prom has been postponed until further notice. We will continue to monitor advice and information from the Governor regarding school and large group activities to make any final decisions.
How might this impact my child’s graduation status based on the requirements needed?
Our teachers will continue to provide instruction for students to meet graduation requirements. The Kansas Department of Education is aware of the challenges and ramifications in meeting the requirements and will provide additional information in the future.
Will we have state testing?
At this time, no state testing will take place during the closure period.
How will this closure impact Advanced Placement testing?
The Advanced Placement Program is developing resources to help schools support student learning during extended closures, as well as a solution that would allow students to test at home, depending on the situation in May. Additional information will be posted later.
Will we have spring sports?
Per the KSHAA spring sports for all levels have been canceled.
What is coronavirus exactly?
It is a new, previously unidentified virus, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Similar coronaviruses cause symptoms of a common cold or upper respiratory illness.
How is it spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Should I send my child to school?
No. School facilities have been closed for the remainder of the school year. District teachers and staff are currently working on Remote Learning possibilities for all USD 457 students. More information will be conveyed as soon as possible.
Have there been any reported cases of coronavirus in Garden City? Any reported cases in schools?
At this time, there have been zero cases in Garden City or in Garden City Public Schools. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is providing updated information about cases in the State of Kansas.
Should my child wear a mask?
According to health professionals and the CDC, at this time it is not necessary to invest in surgical face masks and exam gloves. These items provide the illusion of safety when actually, without proper training, proper hand-washing and other preventive steps, the benefits are minimal.
Can we still travel, for example over spring break?
For the latest updates and advice on travel please refer to the CDC's Information for Travel page.
Will we be notified if someone at school contracts coronavirus?
Families and staff will be notified in accordance with the Finney County Health Department, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the CDC if a confirmed case of the new coronavirus is identified in our city or schools.