OWASSO, Okla. — Owasso Public Schools is not the first district to switch from distance learning to in-person instruction.
The district told 2 Works for You they decided to go back into the classroom because data from COVID-19 numbers decreased in both Tulsa County and the Owasso community.
Parents can choose to have their students remain in virtual classes. Officials said about 19 percent of the district chose that option.
School officials said 14 staff members tested positive for COVID-19 since June. The district said they aren't doing temperature checks, but have protocols like disinfecting, social distancing, mask-wearing, and more to protect staff and students.
2 Works for You spoke to a parent and a third-grade teacher.
Ciara Webster just graduated from Oklahoma State University, and is in her first year teaching. She said she's excited to get in the classroom for the first time, after facing some challenges online.
“I am excited to see the kids, I know that we’ve worked very hard to get to this point. I really trust our leadership, and that they are doing everything that they can to keep our kids and staff safe,” Webster said.
But a parent Jonathan Broome said it's too soon to go back.
“They saw that COVID was still bad enough that they weren’t going to bring them in when they started school, and nothing has changed as far as the COVID numbers, everything is still about the same,” Broome said.
He's worried about his two daughters, Rebecca and Sofia, getting back in the classroom for their own reasons. One, in special education, and the other in Advanced Placement, which is not an option online. “I know everyone is in a hurry to get them back to normal, but I just want to make sure that everyone is safe,” Broome said.
The schools website can be found here.
Here is a reference sheet for parents, click here
For the daily checklist click here
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