Jenks Public Schools Release Statement Regarding At-School Learning

The Jenks Public Schools district issued a statement Thursday to address concerns and confusion regarding the decision to return to at-school learning next week.

The statement said in part “District leaders acknowledge stating the desire to be at a yellow level for two weeks before returning to at-school learning. Although the yellow level was always a part of the conversation, the process also included reviewing recommendations, guidance, and data, in addition to lessons learned from other public and private schools as they have transitioned to in-person learning.”

The complete JPS statement is below:

2020JPS Parents & Guardians, Please take a moment to carefully read the following message. Details on the At-School Learning Decision There has been concern and confusion surrounding the District’s decision to pivot to at-school learning on Thursday, September 10. For several weeks, there have been communications about entering the yellow level of the color-coded COVID Alert System created by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). District leaders acknowledge stating the desire to be at a yellow level for two weeks before returning to at-school learning. Although the yellow level was always a part of the conversation, the process also included reviewing recommendations, guidance, and data, in addition to lessons learned from other public and private schools as they have transitioned to in-person learning. This part of the plan should have been stressed more often and stated more clearly. For that, we sincerely apologize. In a global pandemic, we are learning many different things quickly, and in some cases by the hour. For example, we only recently learned the color-coded guidance from the OSDE expires on September 30, and they have no plans to provide further guidance. Our focus had to shift back to managing our cases at the local district level as other school districts across the state are doing. We do not have a set rubric to determine the closure of a room, a grade, a school, or the district. We will institute contact tracing when there is a positive case of COVID-19 to determine those who have had close contact. Those individuals will be notified as soon as possible and asked to quarantine for 14 days from the date of close contact. We will manage closures on a case-by-case basis and will respond as needed. Some or all students may pivot to distance learning if necessary. Virtual Learning Those students who opted to participate in the Trojan Connect Program (all virtual) will continue in virtual learning. Please be aware, availability in the Trojan Connect Program is limited. If you would like your student to be considered for participation in the Trojan Connect Program, please call your student’s school site (numbers listed below). *Dial 918-299-4415 and enter the following extension when prompted:

East Elementary – 5502

Northwest Elementary – 1702

Southeast Elementary – 5807

West Elementary – 5601

East Intermediate – 6531

West Intermediate – 2902

Middle School – 5307

Freshman Academy – 2269

Alternative Center – 2420

High School – 2225

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about at-school learning and to view a complete list of all safety guidelines and protocols in place.