Dear families,
We are just a few weeks away from the start of the 2021-2022 school year and a return to in-person learning five days a week! It is an exciting time of year for everyone in the Tulsa Public Schools family, and we are eager to see all of our students back on campus on Thursday, August 19.*
Tulsa Public Schools is following the local data about the COVID-19 Delta variant closely.The Delta variant requires our attention: it is highly transmissible and more infectious for youth. It is important to remember that while the COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 12 and older, we still have approximately 17,200 children in our system who are not yet eligible for vaccination. We will continue to work with the Tulsa Health Department to closely monitor health conditions and their impact on schools and safety.
As we return to in-person teaching and learning five days a week, we will implement the following safety guidance and protocols:
Masking
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Our expectation is that every adult and student - regardless of vaccination status - wears a mask at all times indoors and outdoors when in the presence of others.
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Consistent with federal orders for masking on public conveyances from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks will be required on all Tulsa Public Schools buses.
Vaccination
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We are following the CDC’s recommendation that all children ages 12+ be vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to school and strongly encourage parents to take advantage of our city’s many resources for free vaccinations.
Additional Safety Measures
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Handwashing and cleaning: Hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations will be available at all sites; disinfectant cleaner and wipes will be placed in classrooms; and custodians will continue the use of electrostatic sprayers in our buildings.
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Contact tracing and quarantine: We will continue the contact tracing and notification process and recommended quarantine periods.
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COVID-19 rapid testing: We will offer COVID-19 rapid-testing for all students in grades pre-K-12 and all staff who have opted-in to the program. Click here for more information about our rapid testing program.
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Limited building access: We will limit non-staff visitor access to our buildings.
Tulsa Virtual Academy will be our only full-time distance learning option for families. In the event of a classroom or school quarantine or closure, students will engage in temporary distance learning.
We are continuing to finalize the full scope of our 2021-2022 safety plans and will be continuing to share information and updates with you through email and text message.
Thank you for doing your part to protect our community. If your child is age 12 or older and you have not done so already, please click here to make a vaccination appointment for your child today.
Best,
Deborah A. Gist | Superintendent
*Students entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 6th grade at middle schools, 7th grade at junior high schools, and 9th grade at high schools will have orientation days from Monday, August 9 - Wednesday, August 11. Contact your child’s school for more information.