Jenks Returns To Class As Some Parents Relieved, Some Say It’s Too Soon

After Jenks Public Schools started the year with distance learning, students will be heading back to class for in-person learning next week.

Many parents said it’s a relief and they’re happy the district is giving them back the choice to send their kids to school. Other parents, however, said they’re sticking with virtual because it’s still too soon.

Just seven days into the new school year, Jenks Public Schools sent a letter to parents, announcing school will be back in session next Thursday for students who choose in-person classes. It's a decision that caught some families off guard.

“It’s frustrating," said David Crow. "This district is all over the place.”

David Crow has a child in 4th grade at Jenks and said he’s concerned about what will happen when the school resumes after hearing of other districts’ struggles.

"They’re seeing outbreaks in these schools, with kids being quarantined, and they know Jenks will face the exact same thing," he said about other parents.

He said his family is sticking to the virtual learning program until at least the end of the year.

Jenks Public Schools said COVID-19 numbers are trending down in Tulsa County and the district is ready to give kids the option to learn in person.

"I’m incredibly excited, as well as a bunch of other parents, to have the opportunity to send our kids back to school," said Angela Landrum.

Landrum said she believes parents deserve a choice. She's a single parent and has three kids in Jenks Public Schools. She said distance learning has been challenging for many families.

“We spend most of our time trying to figure out the technology," she said.

 Jenks Public Schools said distance learning was never meant to be long-term for their school district and said they have a contact tracing plan for positive COVID-19 cases.

“We know what’s best for our kids and that is to have them back," Landrum said.

The district said they could pivot back to distance learning if the need arises.

If parents want to opt int the virtual option now, they need to call the teaching and learning department at 918-299-4415 ext. 2260.