In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Okarche Public Schools Superintendent Josh Sumrall announced masks will be required Dec. 7 through Dec. 15 when students are not 6 feet apart.
“As a way to help some peace of mind and in an effort to help slow the spread of the virus before Christmas Break, we will be implementing a temporary (December 7th-15th) 7-day mask/face covering requirement for students and staff when distancing 6 feet is not possible indoors,” Sumrall reported on social media Thursday.
District staff conducted a survey of parents to determine whether to return to in-person learning, Sumrall said.
The district went to remote learning for the week after Thanksgiving break.
Sumrall reported on the survey results from parents interviewed Wednesday.
“The overall feedback expressed a concern and desire to be able to self quarantine for a period of time before gathering with family during Christmas. In an attempt to get back to in-person school and to meet the overall parent and staff suggestion and desire, Okarche Public Schools will resume in-person school from December 7th-15th. December 16th-18th will be used as virtual days for students to catch-up on any work needing done for the semester. December 14th & 15th will be used for junior high and high school semester tests. This schedule will allow everyone to self quarantine for 9 days before Christmas Day. Hopefully, that will give families enough time to feel safe while going around extended family for Christmas.”
Sumrall reports that if students are 6 feet apart in class, they will be allowed to unmask to be comfortable. The original “recommendation” policy will go back into place for the second semester starting January 4th.
“As we have offered the last several weeks, parents that feel their children would be best served by virtual learning, that is still an option. Please communicate that desire through your child’s teacher and school office.”
The Oklahoma State Health Department has sent out guidelines for in-door extra-curricular activities,Sumrallsaid.
“We will be continuing to have those events as much as possible, but will be implementing the Health Department guidelines. Those guidelines will be sent out at a later date.”
