Return to Headlines

9/25/2020 OKCPS Transitions to Orange Level 2 Safety Protocols

OKCPS staff and families, 
 
Today's state reporting indicates that the Covid Alert Level for Oklahoma County has risen to Orange Level 2 after our cases per 100,000 went up to 26.2 this week compared to 15.80 last week. 
 
Transitioning To A New Alert Level:
  • In order to transition from a more restrictive alert level (such as Orange Level 1) to a less restrictive alert level (such as Yellow), OKCPS requires that the new alert level must be maintained for two consecutive weeks in order for us to consider a shift in our alert level. When this occurs, the district will transition to the less restrictive alert level at the beginning of the third week. 
  • When transitioning from a less restrictive to a more restrictive alert level, the district will immediately transition to the more restrictive alert level at the beginning of the following week. This means we will implement all Orange Level 2 protocols as of Monday, September 28.
What does Orange Level 2 mean for OKCPS staff?
  • OKCPS will transition to a reduced in-person schedule for staff in an office setting.
  • Essential staff will continue to report 5 days a week, as usual. Supervisors will assist with scheduling and notification.
  • Teachers and other certified staff who are covered under the collective bargaining unit may provide instruction from home. Those who do not feel comfortable teaching from home or have challenges with connectivity will be allowed to work from school 5-days a week. Please work with your supervisor to finalize your schedule during Orange Level 2.
  • Other school-based staff, including administrators, should transition to a reduced in-person schedule. Supervisors will assist with scheduling and notification.
  • All school and district sites should work to provide office coverage each day of the week.
  • All break rooms and small conference rooms will be closed until further notice.
  • Building visitation will be by appointment only for students, families, staff and other parties.
  • OKCPS' "Children In the Workplace" program is suspended immediately. 
What does Orange Level 2 mean for OKCPS students and families? 
  • Students participating in our traditional Remote Learning program will continue with their existing schedule. 
  • Students participating in our e3 Online Learning program will continue with their self-paced learning and check-ins with OKCPS mentor teachers.
  • OKCPS has made a decision to suspend our in-person learning for Special Education self-contained classes until further notice. These families should watch for additional communication from Erin Trussell, our Director of Special Education.
  • Outdoor athletic events scheduled for this evening and tomorrow will continue as planned. However, all indoor athletics are cancelled immediately. 
  • All OKCPS athletics and extracurricular events and practices will be cancelled until further notice beginning Monday, September 28.
  • Visitation to any OKCPS building will be by appointment only for students, families and other parties. Please reach out to your child's school via phone or email to make arrangements.
  • OKCPS Meal Service will continue in the drive-thru option only. www.okcps.org/schoolmeals
We encourage everyone to closely review the full set of guidelines for Orange Level 2 listed below.
 

OKCPS COVID Reporting

Each Friday, OKCPS will start reporting the number of “self-reported” positive COVID-19 cases, along with the number of individuals who have been asked to quarantine due to potential exposure to the virus. 

“Close Contact” Exposure refers to the number of cases when a staff member or student was in “close contact” with a person who has tested positive for COVID and has been asked to quarantine. “Close contact” as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention occurs when an individual is within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days (or 48 hours) before the infected person’s diagnosis.

Self-Reported Positive Cases refers to the number of cases when a staff member or student has notified OKCPS of positive results from a COVID-19 test.

Cases 9-18

As we see the number of cases continuing to rise in Oklahoma County, it is more important than ever that everyone vigilantly follow the safety protocols outlined by the district and other public health agencies. These measures are in place to protect you and the health and safety of those around you and should be followed at all times. 

Next Steps 

In addition to monitoring our own self-reported COVID cases, OKCPS teams will continue to work closely with our state and local public health partners as we consider a variety of data points to inform our next steps. This will be especially important as we continue to consider a return to campus for small groups of students in the weeks and months ahead. 

Today’s report reminds us of how fluid our situation is, and, although we have done a considerable amount of planning in anticipation of what may come next, OKCPS remains committed to adjusting our plan as needed to help protect our students and staff.

As always, the health and safety of our students and staff is our priority and we are grateful for your continued flexibility and patience.

I will update you again next Friday. In the meantime, please stay safe, everyone.

Dr. Sean McDaniel

Superintendent

 
 
Orange 2

(More than 25 but fewer than 50 cases per 100,000)

Instruction: OKCPS will transition to distance learning at least until community transmission returns to Orange Level 1 for at least 2 consecutive weeks.

All Special Education services will continue per a student’s IEP and with their Special Education classroom teacher through remote learning and Google Meets. This transition will not impact your student receiving services, however, services will be provided virtually. 

Health Protocol: Mask or face coverings must be worn by all staff and visitors AND students.  In addition, schools must follow all applicable health orders, protocols and guidelines, including those relating to:

  • Screenings of staff, students and visitors prior to entry
  • Policies for social distancing and gatherings on and off campus
  • Additional mitigation techniques, including hygiene practices, proper ventilation and school cleaning practices

Building Use and Access: School visitations should be restricted and those visitors allowed on premises should wear mask or face coverings at all times. Temperature checks and symptom checks should be completed for all visitors. Community organizations, health care providers and local government agencies that provide additional educational and wraparound services to students should be allowed into buildings following the same health procedures as for school personnel.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities:  Outdoor athletic events scheduled for Friday and Saturday will continue as planned. However, all indoor athletics scheduled for Friday and Saturday will be cancelled. Suspension of all athletics and in-person extracurricular activities will begin as of the following Monday. Buildings and campuses will not be used for extracurricular activities, including spectator sports, or other group activities such as assemblies and performances. Buildings and campuses will not be utilized for public events and gatherings.

Reporting to Work: OKCPS will transition to a reduced in-person schedule for staff in an office setting. All school and district sites should work to provide office coverage each day of the week. Essential staff will continue to report 5 days a week, as usual. Supervisors will assist with scheduling and notification.  

Teachers and other certified staff who are covered under the collective bargaining unit may provide instruction from home. Those who do not feel comfortable teaching from home or have challenges with connectivity will be allowed to work from school 5-days a week. Please work with your supervisor to finalize your schedule.  Other school-based staff, including administrators, should transition to a reduced in-person schedule. Supervisors will assist with scheduling and notification. 

OKCPS’ “Children In the Workplace” program is suspended immediately. 

Accommodations, including being assigned to work from home MAY be made for employees who are:

  • eligible for leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
  • have serious underlying medical conditions with accompanying documentation
  • in a position that has been deemed eligible for telework

Work Environment

  • District offices will be open to the public by appointment only. Site offices may be open to parents and on a limited basis.
  • All CDC recommended guidelines regarding social distancing and sanitation protocols will be followed. 
  • Break rooms will be closed.
  • Small conference rooms should not be used.
  • Larger conference rooms can be used as long as social distancing guidelines are strictly followed.