Back To School Plans For School Districts Across Green Country

A constantly updated list of back to school plans for school districts across northeastern Oklahoma.

Broken Arrow Public Schools - The district is not requiring masks unless there is a state emergency. Broken Arrow is still encouraging both vaccinations and mask-wearing, even if the district is not mandating them. The re-entry plan has virtual options for pre-K through 12th grade and a blended option for high schoolers. The district also wants parents to monitor their children for COVID-19 symptoms.

Catoosa Public Schools - Staff and students are encouraged to wear masks despite the district being unable to mandate this rule due to state law. The district said there will be efforts to distance students apart, including reconfiguring classrooms and doing recess in pods for elementary students. The district said it will determine if a closure is necessary should there be a COVID-19 case. Should a closure happen, the district will pivot to distance learning. Click HERE to view the district's full return to classroom plan.

Jennings Public Schools - The district is offering families in-person, blended, and distance learning options and it has a full “Return to Learn” plan for COVID-19 as students start the semester. Masks will be available to students but are optional. The school will encourage social distancing and will assign seats on school buses to ensure safe spacing. Jennings is asking parents to pre-screen their children for symptoms at home. HERE is the JPS checklist.

McAlester Public Schools - On Monday, school board members will vote to update the district’s mask policy. 

Tulsa Public Schools - Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist said "All Tulsans, including our team members, including our students who are 12 and older should get vaccinated,". Gist also said it's their expectation that all students and staff will wear a mask when the new year starts.

Union Public Schools - The initial plan is to bring students back on August 18 without a mask requirement. The district is only strongly encouraging students and teachers to wear a mask on campus, but it will not be required. Parents have the option to either choose in-person or virtual learning for their students this year. The district said if a case outbreak happens, it can decide as a board to do distance learning for two weeks as needed.

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Helpful links for parents and students regarding school and COVID-19 can be found below:

Clary Sage College Offers Free Back-To-School Hair Cuts For Children - It will take place Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Clary Sage College near 31st and Sheridan. No appointments are needed, but masks are required for everyone who attends the event.

State Doctors Discuss The Upward Trend Of Pediatric COVID-19 Cases - News 9 contributor Scott Mitchell hosted a panel discussion Monday evening (August 9) on his Facebook page that included four local physicians; Dr. Larry Bookman, Dr. Dwight Sublett, Dr. David Chansolme and Dr. John Amitage.

Families Hesitant To Send Students Back To School As Delta Variant Surges - The rise in COVID-19 cases is causing families to rethink whether to send students back to in-person learning. Family and Children's Services Medical Director Stevan Lahr says virtual learning can be hard on children's mental health.

WATCH: OU Health's Dr. Bratzler On Delta Variant, Returning To School - Based on data from the CDC, only about 1 in 5 Oklahoma kids ages 12 through 17 are fully vaccinated, and those under 12 aren't eligible at all.