Some Owasso Parents Frustrated, Excited To Return To In-Person Learning

Owasso Public Schools are returning to in person classes on September 17, after two weeks of "pivot-to-home" learning.

Some parents said they've been fighting for this choice and are excited their kids can go back, while others said this decision is too soon.

Owasso Public Schools students have been learning from home for the past two weeks.

On Friday, the district sent a letter to parents saying that because COVID-19 numbers are down, they're ready to have kids back in the classroom.

"We're stuck between a bad choice and a bad choice," said Heath Vogt.

Vogt is a dad to an Owasso 9th and 7th grader.

He said this decision is confusing since the district initially said they would wait until Tulsa county was in a lower risk category, but then clarified that those numbers would likely take too long to reach.

Vogt said he's not sure what to do because he's high risk for COVID-19 but is also worried about choosing the online program.

"If we go online, they'll be starting from scratch with different electives," he said.

He said he wishes the curriculum would be the same for kids online and in the classroom.

"I wish they would continue the online virtual like they have now," said Vogt.

"A lot of people were really excited about it," said Autumn Gunter.

Gunter, a parent to a 9th grade student, said she's happy with the decision.

"I'm wanting to stick with this. I'm tired of the wishy-washy stuff. The kids learn better hands-on with a teacher. They're experts, not me," Gunter said.

Gunter said school leadership has let many parents down by not listening to them originally but said it's good to now have a choice.

School is set to start Thursday, September 17. Masks will be required, and the district says they may have to pivot to home again if the need arises.

For more information, visit the Owasso district website here.