Sapulpa Public Schools has formally announced their intention to transition back to in-person learning beginning December 7th, according to an official statement released on Friday.
Sapulpa, along with several other area schools, made the decision to move to distance learning after the Thanksgiving Break in order to combat a spread that was at least partly attributed to Halloween, and might have been exacerbated by Thanksgiving. By December 3rd, administration at SPS says the data that guides their decisions about instructing remotely were trending downward. “However, if the conditions change, we may need to pivot back to Distance Learning with short notice,” they said.
We’ve included the full statement below.
Good afternoon. We would like to say thank you to our students, parents, and teachers for your efforts during this week of Distance Learning. We understand that teaching and learning remotely while necessary at times, is not an ideal scenario, so your participation and cooperation are very much appreciated.
At this time, we will transition back to the classroom. All students enrolled for in-person instruction will report to school on Monday, Dec. 7.
Our decision to return to the classroom is based on several data points, and currently, the data indicates that instruction can be provided in-person. However, if the conditions change, we may need to pivot back to Distance Learning with short notice. We ask that everyone please be prepared.
The data that helps guide our decisions about being in the classroom or instructing remotely include, but is not limited to:
Active Cases
New Cases in the County
Staffing
Student Absences
Color Code System
As of the end of the reporting period on Thursday, Dec. 3, those indicators have been trending down. The factors with the most notable improvement are the reported Active Cases in our schools and our staffing situation. There are currently 9 reported positive cases of COVID-19 among students and staff in our school district. We will continue to closely monitor the health climate over the weekend and the early part of next week. If we determine that we need to return to Distance Learning, that announcement will be communicated to you as soon as possible.
We have two weeks remaining in the fall semester. Winter Break begins Dec. 21 and continues through Jan. 1. Our goal is to have our schools open for these last two weeks, but we need your help. Please do not send your child to school if he/she is not feeling well. If you or your child is infected with COVID-19, please remain at home, seek advice from your healthcare provider, and contact your child’s school. Please wear a mask. Please stay 6 feet from others. Please wash your hands frequently.
According to the latest report issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, our health and safety protocols will move to the Orange 2 level next week. Again, we urge you to remain vigilant, to not let your guard down, and to continue exercising mitigation strategies to help stop the spread of the virus.
