KCYA Coronavirus Update 3/1/23

 

We continute to monitor the level of community spread, which is currently low. Masks are optional

 

We’ve followed the CDC guidance since the pandemic began and we will continue to do so. Find additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

 

 


KCYA Coronavirus Update 12/12/22

 

The CDC has raised the Covid community spread level in Jackson County to MEDIUM or YELLOW. Therefore, masks are recomennded in the building.  

 

 

We’ve followed the CDC guidance since the pandemic began and we will continue to do so. Find additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

 

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 10/14/22

 

The CDC has lowered the Covid community spread level in Jackson County to LOW or GREEN. Therefore, masks are optional in the building.  

 

We’ve followed the CDC guidance since the pandemic began and we will continue to do so. Find additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

 


 

 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 8/26

 

The CDC has lowered the Covid community spread level in Jackson County to MEDIUM or YELLOW. Therefore, it is recommended that masks be worn by all students, interns, teaching artists, and staff in the building. 

 

We’ve followed the CDC guidance since the pandemic began and we will continue to do so. Find additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

 


 

 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 7/15/22

 

The CDC has raised the Covid community spread level in Jackson County to HIGH or RED. Therefore, effective immediately, until further notice, all students, interns, teaching artists, and staff are required to wear masks in the building. This will also apply to all visitors who plan to attend the end of camp sharing on Friday. 

 

We’ve followed the CDC guidance since the pandemic began and we will continue to do so. Find additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

This table represents the newest CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine. 

 

If you were exposed to someone with Covid-19

If you: have been boosted or

Completed the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months or

Completed the J & J vaccine within the last 2 months

Do not need to quarantine.

 

Monitor for symptoms; get tested on day 5 and


Wear a mask around other people for 10 days

 

If you develop symptoms, get a test and isolate.

 

 

If you: completed the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or

 

Completed the J & J vaccine more than 2 months ago and are not boosted or

 

Are unvaccinated

 

 

 

Stay home for 5 days.

 

Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

 

Monitor for symptoms; get tested on day 5 and

 

If you develop symptoms, get a test and isolate.

If you test positive for Covid-19

 

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

Stay home for at least 5 days.

 

If you have no symptoms or symptoms are resolving (no fever for 24 hours and other symptoms are improved) after at least 5 days you can leave your house.
 

Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 7/11/22

 

The CDC has lowered the Covid community spread level in Jackson County to MEDIUM or YELLOW. 

 

Therefore, effective immediately, until further notice, all students, interns, teaching artists, and staff are encouraged to wear masks in the building. This will also apply to all visitors who plan to attend the end of camp sharing on Friday. 

 

Thanks for your continued cooperation as we strive to keep everyone healthy!  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 6/27/22

 

The CDC has raised the Covid community spread level in Jackson County to HIGH or RED. Therefore, effective immediately, until further notice, all students, interns, teaching artists, and staff are required to wear masks in the building. This will also apply to all visitors who plan to attend the end of camp sharing on Friday. 

 

We’ve followed the CDC guidance since the pandemic began and we will continue to do so. Find additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html 

 

Thanks for your continued support as we strive to keep everyone safe & healthy!

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 4/13/22

 

We continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of the CDC and our local health department. Based on the current lower level of community spread, KCYA has updated our building protocols – masks are now recommended, but not required.

 

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=Missouri&data-type=Risk&list_select_county=29095

 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 3/2/22

 

We are pleased to say we are relaxing some of our building protocols. 

 

  • KCYA will no longer require a health screen or temperature check upon arrival at the building. We ask that you do not come to KCYA or bring your child to class if you/they have any symptoms of illness and we reserve the right to check the temperature of any person with visible symptoms.
     
  • KCYA will no longer restrict the number of guests in the building, however we still encourage some social distancing. 
     
  • KCYA will continue to require mask wearing by everyone in the building. This decision is based on the recommendations of the CDC, specifically considering the spread of the virus in Jackson County, Missouri. 

    https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=Missouri&data-type=Risk&list_select_county=29095

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 1/10/22

 

We are planning to hold our Spring Session of classes In Person, beginning in early February. All students, teaching artists, and staff must wear a mask at all times, participate in social distancing and follow the CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine, when required. KCYA continues to monitor the situation and will make changes as necessary.

 

This table represents the newest CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine. 

 

If you were exposed to someone with Covid-19

If you: have been boosted or

Completed the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months or

Completed the J & J vaccine within the last 2 months

Do not need to quarantine.

 

Monitor for symptoms; get tested on day 5 and


Wear a mask around other people for 10 days

 

If you develop symptoms, get a test and isolate.

 

 

If you: completed the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or

 

Completed the J & J vaccine more than 2 months ago and are not boosted or

 

Are unvaccinated

 

 

 

Stay home for 5 days.

 

Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

 

Monitor for symptoms; get tested on day 5 and

 

If you develop symptoms, get a test and isolate.

If you test positive for Covid-19

 

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

Stay home for at least 5 days.

 

If you have no symptoms or symptoms are resolving (no fever for 24 hours and other symptoms are improved) after at least 5 days you can leave your house.
 

Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 5.17.21

 

Despite the recent CDC recommendation concerning fully vaccinated adults, our building protocols will remain unchanged for now. The CDC continues to recommend masks and social distancing (3') in schools. Since KCYA daily provides programming for students under the age of 5 who cannot be vaccinated, we will continue to follow CDC guidelines like most of the local school districts. We continue to monitor best practices and consult with industry experts regarding our policies, which may evolve in the coming months. Thank you for your interest in keeping our students, teaching artists and staff safe.

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 4.1.21

 

The Community School of the Arts has hosted IN-PERSON/Hybrid classes since February 1st and things are going well. Spring Break camps were successful; students and teaching artists adhered to protocols without missing a beat. We will offer our weekly Summer Camps IN PERSON and continue with IN-PERSON/HYBRID classes in the afternoons and on Saturdays.

 

We will continuously monitor the situation and make additional decisions when necessary, to keep students, teaching artists and staff safe. In the meantime, it is important to highlight these protocols:

 

  •  Everyone wears a facemask at all times.
  •  Everyone answers health questions before entering the building.
  •  Everyone gets their temperature taken and hands sanitized at entry to the building.
  •  No parents/guardians or person other than the student will be allowed into KCYA.
  •  Students with cold or cough symptoms should stay home.

 

View all the Reopening Protocols here – your help with these allows us to meet together in person as safely as possible.  

 

 

In addition, as students are returning to schools, we are looking forward to re-engaging with teachers and classrooms of their students. Pre-recorded and LIVE Virtual Programs are available and many teaching artists are vaccinated and ready to return to In-Person programs in your school.

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 11.12.20

 

While we are proud that there have been no positive cases in our building to this date, we have made the difficult decision to transition in-person classes to virtual-only for the remainder of the fall session. As the Covid19 pandemic continues to evolve, KCYA is committed to keeping the health and safety of our students and teaching artists paramount.  

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 9.23.20

 

We are pleased to announce that we will re-open for CSA IN-PERSON classes beginning next week, Monday, September 28th. We will continuously monitor the situation and make additional decisions when necessary, to keep our students and teaching artists safe. In the meantime, it is important to highlight these protocols:

 

  • Everyone wears a facemask at all times.
  • Everyone answers health questions before entering the building.
  • Everyone gets their temperature taken and hands sanitized at entry to the building.
  • No parents/guardians or person other than the student will be allowed into KCYA.
  • Students with cold or cough symptoms should stay home.

 

View all the Reopening Protocols – your help with these allows us to meet together in person as safely as possible.


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 9.14.20 

 

We have certainly missed having young artists fill our studios, but we’ve enjoyed seeing the interactions they’re having with the virtual classes and camps. We continue to monitor recommendations of the CDC and guidelines from local authorities as we plan for the future. Our building is slowly re-opening to staff and visitors.

 

CSA Fall Session Plans

Our Fall Session begins the week of September 14, 2202 and will begin VIRTUALLY, though we are offering both IN-PERSON classes* and VIRTUAL classes. 

 

*In-Person classes will meet virtually for the first two weeks of the session. We will follow coronavirus statistics and plan to announce on 9/23/20 if we will reopen for classes in the building the following Monday. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, but make changes once a week. 

 

In order to re-open our doors safely, we will be following all CDC protocols as well as instructions from the City of Kansas City. Those protocols will include things such as: temperature check/health screening at the door, mandatory mask wearing, smaller class sizes, staggered start times, extra cleaning, etc. We will also be prepared to convert these in-person classes into online classes should the need arise. View our reopening protocols.

 

 

In-School Programming Update

 

Our staff is working with many dedicated Teaching Artists to create new programs and adapt existing ones to meet the changing needs of schools and students. We believe deeply that ‘all children deserve the transformational spark the arts ignite’ and we’re developing content that can reach them wherever they are learning this schoolyear. We will be updating our SCP page with information about virtual programming in the next few weeks.

 

View our new VIRTUAL Programming for Schools and Community Groups (link) 

 

 

Fundraising Update

 

The last several months have been financially difficult for many individuals and organizations, and KCYA is not immune.

 

The planning for our ‘Spark the Arts in Young Hearts’ benefit luncheon is well under way. We hope you can join us for this ‘virtual luncheon’ at NOON on October 14 to help raise much-needed funding for our inspirational programming. 

 


KCYA Coronavirus Update 8.12.2020

 

 

CSA Fall Session Plans

We are offering both IN-PERSON classes* and VIRTUAL classes this fall - *with the caveat that we will switch in-person classes to online classes (at any time, even before we start) if necessary.

 

In order to re-open our doors safely, we will be following all CDC protocols as well as instructions from the City of Kansas City. Those protocols will include things such as: temperature check/health screening at the door, mandatory mask wearing, smaller class sizes, staggered start times, extra cleaning, etc. We will also be prepared to convert these in-person classes into online classes should the need arise. View our reopening protocols.

 

In-School Programming Update

 

Our staff is working with many dedicated Teaching Artists to create new programs and adapt existing ones to meet the changing needs of schools and students. We believe deeply that ‘all children deserve the transformational spark the arts ignite’ and we’re developing content that can reach them wherever they are learning this schoolyear. We will be updating our SCP page with information about virtual programming in the next few weeks.

 

Fundraising Update

The last several months have been financially difficult for many individuals and organizations, and KCYA is not immune. We’ve created the Sunrise Fund to help. Your support is critical to the health of our organization and the well-being of thousands of young people in our community.

 

Also, the planning for our ‘Spark the Arts in Young Hearts’ benefit luncheon is well under way. We hope you can join us for this ‘virtual luncheon’ on October 14 to help raise much-needed funding for our inspirational programming. We hope you can join us!


 

 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 7.1.20

 

Our building is slowly re-opening to staff.  There are four more weeks of virtual summer programming and while we miss having young artists fill our studios, we’ve enjoyed seeing the interactions they’re having with the virtual classes and camps. We continue to monitor recommendations of the CDC and guidelines from local authorities as we plan for the future. 

 

CSA Fall Session Plans

As of now, we plan to offer both in-person classes and online classes this fall (details and class schedules will be shared in the next few weeks). In order to re-open our doors safely, we will be following all CDC protocols as well as instructions from the City of Kansas City. Those protocols will include things such as: temperature check/health screening at the door, mandatory mask wearing, smaller class sizes, staggered start times, extra cleaning, etc. We will also be prepared to convert these in-person classes into online classes should the need arise.

 

In-School Programming Update

Our staff is working with many dedicated Teaching Artists to create new programs and adapt existing ones to meet the changing needs of schools and students. We believe deeply that ‘all children deserve the transformational spark the arts ignite’ and we’re developing content that can reach them wherever they are learning this schoolyear. 

 

Fundraising Update

The last four months have been financially difficult for many individuals and organizations, and KCYA is not immune. We’ve created the Sunrise Fund to help. Your support is critical to the health of our organization and the well-being of thousands of young people in our community.

 

Also, the planning for our ‘Spark the Arts in Young Hearts’ benefit luncheon is well under way. We hope you can join us, either in-person or virtually, on October 14 to help raise much-needed funding for our inspirational programming.

 

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 5.1.20

 

While stay at home restrictions may be lifted in the coming days and weeks, there is no way to practice safe physical distancing at summer camp.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to host our amazing summer camps and classes in person this year. 

 

Because we believe creativity is vital and helps to provide an outlet for children’s feelings of anxiety, boredom, loneliness, and worry, we are pleased to offer VIRTUAL Summer Camps & Classes

 

We continue to evaluate how and when to reopen the building for staff and eventually, for the kids and teaching artists we miss so greatly.  In addition, we continue to work with our teaching artists to develop new classes, workshops, performances, and residencies that could be delivered virtually or in-person - building in the flexibility necessary for this rapidly changing situation. Now, more than ever, children will need the engaging power of the arts to fuel their minds and lift their spirits. 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 3.23.20

 

Due to the Stay at Home order issued by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and other area authorities; the KCYA office will remain closed until April 24, 2020. KCYA staff continues to work remotely and can still be reached via email and voice message.

 

We have also officially canceled the remainder of the Community School of the Arts Spring Session (through 5/2) classes and the end of session student showcases including: Garage Band & Improv Showcase, Tiny Dancer Showcase, and the Acting Class Showcase. (Affected families will be emailed more information.)

 

These closings and cancelations will result in significant loss of income for our wonderful teaching artists. We are deeply committed to the livelihood of our professional artists, who are facing unprecedented uncertainty. They are independent contractors and rely on income from programs that have now been cancelled. Please help us help them with a donation to the Teaching Artist Emergency Fund.

 


 

KCYA Coronaviru Update 3.17.20

 

Following the mandates of local, state and federal authorities, the Community School of the Arts will remain closed through April 3rd; at which time we’ll reassess the situation and communicate our plans going forward. 

 

Effective immediately, the KCYA staff will work remotely and can be reached by email or phone message. Click here for the staff directory. The KCYA Office will be closed through April 3rd and can be accessed by appointment only.

 

At KCYA, we believe in the transformational power of the arts. At this critical time, we believe the arts can provide a much-needed calm focus and creative outlet for children who may be feeling anxious or uncertain.

 

Through social media, we will do our best to share free and engaging arts activities your children can do at home. Watch our Facebook page for more information! 

 

As we navigate this difficult situation, KCYA will need continued financial support to maintain the agency infrastructure necessary to deliver arts education programs to those who need them the most. Now, more than ever, children will need the engaging power of the arts to fuel their minds and lift their spirits. Please consider a contribution, no matter the size, to help us weather this unprecedented storm. 

 

Donate Now

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 3.12.20 at 6:00pm

 

In light of recent events, KCYA is following the lead of Kansas City Public Schools and will be closed effective Friday, March 13 through March 22nd. We will reassess the situation and post an update by March 22.

 

This decision is intended to protect our CSA families, teaching artists, visitors, and staff.  We sincerely apologize for this disruption in our programming and hope you understand it was not an easy decision to make.

 

We are not closing because of a known Covid-19 case in our building, but we believe closing our building for a time will assist in slowing the spread of the virus.

 

We will work remotely and follow the guidance of the City of Kansas City, the Kansas City Public Schools, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to when we might reopen.

 

This means there will be no classes beginning Friday, March 13 and no Spring Break Camps (March 16-20) and the make-up classes scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

 

Spring Break Camp enrollments are eligible for a credit or refund. Please submit your request in writing to Janell Rinne. Jrinne@kcya.org

 

Spring Class enrollments will also be eligible for a credit or refund for all cancelled classes. However, since our reopen date is fluid we will let you know how to request the credit or refund once classes have resumed.

 

Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe!


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 3.12.20

 

KCYA continues to monitor the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. For details on the virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 webpage

 

The City of Kansas City, Missouri has just issued a State of Emergency. It will last for 21 days and prohibits events with more than 1,000 people. See more information here:

https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus

 

The safety and security of our students, families, teaching artists and staff is KCYA's top priority.  We will continue to monitor developments, revise our response as appropriate, and will follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and appropriate state, county and local authorities. Our doors are open, and our schedule of classes, camps, and school programs is currently unchanged. However, we are carefully watching news reports about the best way to proceed.

 

What should you do?

While there are no additional precautions recommended for our community at this time, it's important to remember steps you can take to prevent the spread of any virus, including the flu:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid large crowds in areas where viruses are prevalent.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean your doorknobs, light switches and commonly touched areas with disinfectant wipes frequently.

 

Should you wear a mask?

There are different public health perspectives in different regions of the world on the benefits of wearing a mask. It's common practice in Asia, for example, to wear masks in public to avoid getting sick or to prevent others from being exposed to illness. If you see someone wearing a mask in public, don't assume that they have coronavirus or any other illness. In the U.S., public health officials have deemed masks effective only for specific circumstances and not for general use. The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks for the general public to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 3.9.20

 

KCYA continues to monitor the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. For details on the virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 webpage.

 

Recent news reports indicate there is a confirmed case in Missouri and Kansas. However, based on statements from local authorities, we believe the current risk to the KCYA building, our clients and the surrounding community remains relatively low.

 

The safety and security of our students, families, teaching artists and staff is KCYA's top priority.  We will continue to monitor developments, revise our response as appropriate, and will follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and appropriate state, county and local authorities. KCYA staff has met with a risk assessment expert to advise us. 

 

What should you do?

While there are no additional precautions recommended for our community at this time, it's important to remember steps you can take to prevent the spread of any virus, including the flu:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid large crowds in areas where viruses are prevalent.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean your doorknobs, light switches and commonly touched areas with disinfectant wipes frequently.

 

Should you wear a mask?

There are different public health perspectives in different regions of the world on the benefits of wearing a mask. It's common practice in Asia, for example, to wear masks in public to avoid getting sick or to prevent others from being exposed to illness. If you see someone wearing a mask in public, don't assume that they have coronavirus or any other illness. In the U.S., public health officials have deemed masks effective only for specific circumstances and not for general use. The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks for the general public to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

 

Learn more about the Community School of the Arts Illness Policy here.

 

Learn more about the Community School of the Arts cancellation & refund policy here...

 


 

KCYA Coronavirus Update 3.3.20

 

KCYA is monitoring the outbreak of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which was first reported in the Hubei province in China and has since spread to a growing number of countries, including the United States. The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. For details on the virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 webpage

 

Recent news reports indicate there are no confirmed cases in Missouri or Kansas at this time. Based on the information available at this time, we believe the current risk to the KCYA building, our clients and the surrounding community remains relatively low.

 

The safety and security of our students, families, teaching artists and staff is KCYA's top priority.  We will continue to monitor developments, revise our response as appropriate, and will follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and appropriate state, county and local authorities. KCYA staff has met with a risk assessment expert to advise us. KCYA’s janitorial staff follows industry standards for cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, door handles, etc. six times each week.

 

What should you do?

While there are no additional precautions recommended for our community at this time, it's important to remember steps you can take to prevent the spread of any virus, including the flu:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid large crowds in areas where viruses are prevalent.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean your doorknobs, light switches and commonly touched areas with disinfectant wipes frequently.

 

Should you wear a mask?

There are different public health perspectives in different regions of the world on the benefits of wearing a mask. It's common practice in Asia, for example, to wear masks in public to avoid getting sick or to prevent others from being exposed to illness. If you see someone wearing a mask in public, don't assume that they have coronavirus or any other illness. In the U.S., public health officials have deemed masks effective only for specific circumstances and not for general use. The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks for the general public to prevent the spread of coronavirus.