Sand Springs Public Schools officials discuss COVID-19 precautions for upcoming year

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Sand Springs Public Schools officials held a virtual “District Dialogue” session Tuesday night on YouTube to address the future of Sand Springs schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent Sherry Durkee laid out a presentation of tentative guidelines for students and faculty during the upcoming school year.

While students will be strongly encouraged to wear masks, they will not be required to, nor will masks be provided by the schools. This guidance is subject to change, however, and Durkee indicated that they would be reconsidering it in committee if infection numbers continue to rise.

Parents are strongly encouraged to check their child’s temperature daily before coming to school, and to keep them at home if they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or if they display any other symptoms.

Teachers or students who become sick will not be named publicly by the district, and Assistant Superintendent Kristin Arnold cautioned the public to be respectful of people’s privacy and not share rumors about students or teachers who may be sick.

For students who miss school due to sickness, or who aren’t comfortable with attending school this fall, the district will remain involved. The district offers both full-time virtual school and blended options. In a blended curriculum, students could attend most classes online, but still participate in extra-curricular activities or attend school for one or two specific classes.

Even if masks aren’t required in schools, they may be required on the buses. Parents will be encouraged to transport their child to and from school if possible so that the buses aren’t packed, and students who live in the same household will be encouraged to sit together. Windows will remain open on the buses, when feasible, to allow for fresh air. Buses will be sanitized after each route.

Teachers will be arranging seating to allow for maximum social distancing. Restroom breaks for elementary students will be done in small groups, and the restrooms will be sanitized hourly. Surfaces like desks and doorknobs will be disinfected frequently. The district will be discontinuing communal school supplies, like shared crayons, whenever possible.

Cafeterias will be limited to 250 people or less, and tables will be disinfected after each group. Assemblies will be kept to a minimum, and will be limited to students and staff only. School parties will be suspended.

Volunteers and other adult visitors will be subject to temperature screening and will be required to wear masks. They will also have to call in advance and will need to attain site administrator approval. No parents or family members will be allowed to accompany their students into the building at any time, including meals, drop off, and pick up.

Large school events such as Back to School nights, meet and greets, parent nights, etc. will be restricted to 250 people. Extracurricular activities will also face restrictions. If held, athletics, band performances, choir performances, etc. will be managed by the designated department leader and will adhere to local health department guidelines.