11/13/2020 Message from McDaniel - Weekly COVID-19 Update | OKCPS Moving to Remote Learning
OKCPS Families & Staff,
As the number of COVID-19 cases has steadily risen over the last several weeks, we reached a significant turning point for Oklahoma County. The increase in positive cases for Oklahoma County has moved us into the OSDE’s Red Alert Level. Our district and local health professionals are now advising that we review our instructional setting for our students and work environments for our employees. As previously stated, OKCPS committed to making instructional changes for our district upon reaching the OSDE Red Alert Level or if we saw a significant shift in some of our other data points. Although our health officials have continuously supported our Return to Campus plan, they now recommend that we transition to Red Alert Level protocols.
Data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) indicates that the cases per 100,000 for Oklahoma County are 67.3 for this week, as compared to 30.4 last week. Based on this information and advice from public health officials, OKCPS will be moving back to full-time Remote Learning starting Monday, November 16th, and we will remain in the Remote Learning setting through the end of our first semester, which concludes on December 18, 2020.
What does this mean for OKCPS students and families?
- Students participating in our traditional Remote Learning program will transition back to their previous Remote Learning schedule.
- ELEMENTARY (Pre-K through 4th Grades):
- Mondays will be a combination of synchronous instruction and asynchronous learning. Elementary students will log in (via Google Meet) on Monday at the time assigned by the student’s teacher.
- Tuesday through Friday will be full-time remote synchronous (live) learning with a teacher. This will include a combination of whole group, small group, and individualized asynchronous learning opportunities.
- Teachers will provide students their specific daily schedules through Canvas for remote learning for the week.
- SECONDARY (5th -12th Grades)
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will be synchronous (live) remote learning with a teacher.
- Wednesdays will consist of asynchronous remote learning where students will work on assignment independently, along with teacher directed interventions (synchronously) for students who may need extra support.
- Students participating in our e3 Online Learning program will continue with their self-paced learning and check-ins with OKCPS mentor teachers. It's important to note that students who have opted into e3 Online Learning will remain in that program through the end of this semester.
- OKCPS has made a decision to suspend our in-person learning for Special Education self-contained and ED classes until further notice. These families should watch for additional communication from Erin Trussell, our Director of Special Education. If questions, please contact 405-587-0447 or email specialeducation@okcps.org.
- OKCPS will allow for the completion of Fall outdoor athletic events. However, Winter athletics competitions and practices are postponed immediately and until further notice.
- All 90-minute Co-Curricular activities are cancelled until further notice.
- Visitation to any OKCPS building will be by appointment only for students, families and visitors. Please reach out to your child’s school via phone or email to make arrangements.
- OKCPS Meal Service will continue as a drive-thru option only at all school sites from 10:30am - 12:30pm daily: www.okcps.org/meals
What does this mean for OKCPS staff?
- In order to reduce the amount of staff at each site, OKCPS teachers are encouraged to provide instruction from home. Those who cannot teach from home or have challenges with connectivity will be allowed to work from school as necessary. Please work with your supervisor to finalize your schedule during this time.
- All other site staff, including administrators and central office employees, should distance their workspaces as much as possible. Sites may use a staggered in-person schedule to reduce the number of employees per site and increase social distancing while still providing service. Supervisors will assist with scheduling and assignment of work tasks.
- Essential staff will continue to report five days a week. Supervisors will assist with identification, notification, and scheduling for those employees.
- All school and district sites will ensure office coverage each day of the week including phones, technical, and student support.
- All break rooms and conference rooms will be closed until further notice.
- Building visitation will be by appointment only for students, families, and visitors. Due to staggered scheduling, we recommend that staff wishing to visit a department located at the Clara Luper Center, Operations or Westwood make an appointment.
- OKCPS’ “Children In the Workplace” program is suspended immediately.
OKCPS Weekly COVID Reporting
Each Friday, OKCPS reports the number of “self-reported” positive COVID-19 cases, along with the number of individuals who have been asked to isolate 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 isolate. “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 onset of symptoms.
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.
Supports
As we continue to manage the challenges of 2020, it’s important to seek the support you need. OKCPS families are encouraged to reach out to your child’s teacher / school for support with Remote Learning. If needed, families may also call 587-STUDY (8839) for academic support or 587-HELP (4357) for technical support. The OKCPS 587-FEEL (3335) hotline also remains active to provide emotional support and crisis intervention.
OKCPS employees also have access to our Employee Assistance Program at no cost. Resources include emotional support, legal and financial guidance and much more. Visit the OKCPS EAP page to learn more.
The entire OKC community can access the resources available through the 2-1-1 HeartLine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for help with counseling, rental assistance, food pantries, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, caregiver support, financial programs, literacy, and job programs As always, please call 911 for emergencies. And, if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call 2-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) for 24/7 support.
Next Steps
Today’s report reminds us of how fluid our situation is. 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. We remain committed to adjusting our plan as needed to help protect our students and staff. As always your health and safety is our priority.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and patience. I will update you again next Friday. In the meantime, please stay safe, everyone.
Dr. Sean McDaniel
Superintendent