From Staff Reports
The number of cases of COVID-19 has been reported in Okarche Public Schools this week as schools have returned to the classroom for the second week of the new semester.
There were two students who had tested positive on Tuesday, Jan. 12, said Superintendent Josh Sumrall.
One student in the elementary school, and one student at the high school had tested positive.
The spring semester started, Monday, Jan. 4 with in-person learning.
Virtual learning is an option for students for the spring semester.
The district reports 13 students have opted for virtual learning.
Meanwhile, staff members are waiting to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Okarche High School history teacher Larry Black went to Redlands Community College in El Reno on Friday, Jan. 8 where he received the first dose of the vaccine.
Black was in the age group older than 65 and was able to get an appointment. Healthcare workers and first responders have also been vaccinated, but school teachers are waiting their turn, Sumrall said.
The enrollment for Okarche Public Schools is 378 students in pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. There are 212 students in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, 77 students in grades seventh trhough ninth grade in the junior high school and 89 students grades 10 through 12th in the high school
Two elementary school students have enrolled in virtual learning and 11 students in the junior high and high school who opted for virtual, distance learning.
Masks are not required in Okarche schools but are recommended.
Sumrall said people can contact a school administrator if they feel a student or family has a situation that needs to be addressed or to opt for virtual learning.
“We hope to navigate through the second semester of school as best as possible as we all try to overcome the current pandemic,” Sumrall said.
