If you were hoping for a normal school day on Thursday, think again. With dangerously low temperatures and wind chills as cold as -28°F, schools across the Kansas City metro area are closing their doors and, in some cases, moving to remote learning. Officials say the extreme cold poses serious risks to students waiting at bus stops or walking to school, prompting the widespread shutdown.
So, what does this mean for students and parents? Here’s everything you need to know about which schools are closing, who’s going remote, and how to stay safe in the bitter cold.
Which School Districts Are Going Remote?
Some schools are making the switch to virtual learning to keep students on track while keeping them out of the cold. If your child attends any of these districts, expect online classes on Thursday:
- Hickman Mills C-1 School District – Remote learning in effect; all after-school activities are canceled.
- Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) – No in-person or virtual classes, meaning a full snow day for students.
Parents, check your district’s website or emails for login details and schedules.
Which Schools Are Completely Closed?
Many districts have decided to cancel school altogether, meaning no in-person or remote learning on Thursday. Here’s the list of schools that are shutting down for the day:
- Blue Valley School District
- Olathe Public Schools (decision on high school activities pending)
- Shawnee Mission School District
- Lawrence Public Schools
- De Soto Unified School District
- Gardner-Edgerton USD 231
- Pleasant Hill R-III School District
This means no classes, no activities, no sports—just a full day off.
City Services and Trash Pickup Updates
While schools are closing, Kansas City’s city buildings will reopen Thursday at 8 a.m. However, not everything is running as usual. Trash and recycling services are suspended for Thursday and Friday and won’t resume until next week.
If you were planning to take out the trash, hold onto it a little longer—no need to brave the cold just yet.
Staying Safe in the Extreme Cold
With wind chills dropping to -28°F, it takes less than 30 minutes for frostbite to set in on exposed skin. Here’s how to stay warm and safe:
- Layer Up: Wear insulated clothing, gloves, hats, and scarves to protect your skin.
- Limit Outdoor Time: If you don’t have to be outside, don’t risk it.
- Check on Neighbors: Elderly individuals and those without reliable heating may need extra help.
This cold snap is no joke—stay indoors and stay warm!