TPS Reinforces Mask Policy As Students Head Back To Class Tuesday

Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) is going back to its previous COVID-19 protocols, as students are going back to class Tuesday.

The district released a letter it sent to parents Monday.

The update comes as two TPS high schools are starting off 2022 at home, in distance learning.

The district said Will Rogers and McLain high schools will be in distance learning because of staff shortages.

In a letter to parents, the district shared its expectations for masks going forward.

All elementary students are expected to wear a mask.

TPS said at middle schools, junior high schools, and co-located middle and high schools, district leaders will continue to recommend masking, but they will not be expected.

And the same goes for district offices -- masks are only recommended.

Back in November, high school students and staff were allowed to stop wearing masks back because cases were down and more students had access to the vaccines.

At the time, the district said it hoped elementary, middle, and junior high schools would be able to drop mask-wearing all together by January 4th, which is tomorrow, but that was before the recent surge in cases and the new Omicron variant.

Right now, TPS is reporting on its website a total of 12 COVID-19 cases, eight students and four staff members.

The big picture is that the district recommends all adults and children - regardless of vaccination status - wear masks indoors and outdoors when around other people, but that it is expected of elementary students.