Some OKCPS Students Return To In-Person Learning This Week

Some students in one of the state's largest school districts return to in-person learning on Tuesday. 

Oklahoma City Public Schools released its safety measures for students and staff.

Pre-K and kindergarten students will return to the classroom Tuesday on an A/B schedule. District leaders said they're taking the precautions necessary to keep everyone as safe as possible.

“The message needs to be a positive one,” said Sean McDaniel, OKCPS superintendent. “That we have an opportunity to get back to school.”

As administrators work to get students back in the classroom, a number of protocols have been implemented. Families are asked to screen children for fever and other COVID-19 symptoms before sending them to school.

“The better we can be between the household and the school of being good partners and supporting one another, the better it's going to be for our kids,” said McDaniel.

Then, on the bus, both drivers and students will be required to wear a mask during the ride. Staff will also take each students temperature as soon as they get to the building.

“Reinforce those good habits that we're going to expect,” said McDaniel. “Mask up, social distancing, washing your hands.”

District leaders said tables and desks will be spaced out and classroom sizes will be smaller. Desks, chairs, and countertops will be disinfected daily.

“Our kids follow our lead as adults,” said McDaniel. “We want to make this a positive thing, this is an opportunity to come back to school.”

If a student or staff member tests positive, families will be notified and contact tracing will be conducted.

“Likely, we'll isolate the entire class if someone in that class tests positive,” said McDaniel. “We'll do that for 24 to 48 hours.”

Each Friday, the district will report the number of self-reported positive cases along with those who were asked to isolate due to exposure. 

First through 12th grade students are expected to return to class starting November 9 on an A/B schedule.