WHAT IS OKEMAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS DOING TO UNDERSTAND COVID-19?
The health and safety of our students and staff is the top priority at Okemah Public Schools. District administration is working closely with state and local health officials to stay abreast of all current information regarding the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Although there are no known cases in Okfuskee County, we are receiving status updates by our local health department.

HOW DOES CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) SPREAD?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. More specifically, COVID -19 can spread among people that are in close contact (within 6 feet) of one another or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY FROM GETTING THIS VIRUS?
There are basic steps recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are as follows:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick; put distance between yourself and other people (6 feet or more).
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue and immediately throw away the tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow.
Stay home if you are sick.

WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF THERE IS A CASE OF COVID-19 IN MY CHILD’S SCHOOL?
Yes, using our automated notification system and social media, Okemah Public Schools will notify parents as soon as we are officially notified of any confirmed case of COVID-19 in a student or campus staff member.

IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT CLEANING THE BUILDINGS AND BUSES FOR COVID-19?
Yes, Okemah Public Schools began deep cleaning and disinfecting all school sites and school buses on Friday, March 13, 2020. All door knobs, lockers and flat tabletop surfaces are being disinfected and will ready for students to return to school.
The chemicals for disinfecting all spaces were specified by the Center for Disease Control.

WHEN OPS CLOSES SCHOOL UNTIL APRIL 6th, DO WE HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME UP?
This decision will ultimately be made by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). The state leadership will determine the time to be made up and how that will occur. At this time, there has not been any decision made regarding the extension of the school year.

WHEN SCHOOL IS CLOSED, WILL WE CONTINUE TO HAVE ATHLETICS AND FINE ARTS ACTIVITIES?
No, if OPS is closed due to the potential spread of COVID-19, all extra-curricular will be cancelled during this time period. All practices, rehearsals and contests will be cancelled as well. The purpose of a full closure (quarantine) is to stop the spread of infection through social distancing.

WILL STUDENTS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTION DURING A SCHOOL THE CLOSURE?
No, the State Department of Education voted on March 16, 2020 to discontinue all instructional services, grading, extra-curricular activities, conferences, and training and staff development.

ARE THERE LOCATIONS FOR STUDENTS TO GET FOOD?
Yes, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, meals will be provided to those 18 and under and/or individuals currently enrolled in school. Meals will be served at three (3) different school sites once per day. As of right now, meals will be served 5 days per week. The following school sites have been selected:
Okemah Middle School – 204 W. Date
Okemah High School – 704 E. Date
Oakes Elementary School - 101 N. 16th

The school district will provide curbside service at these sites from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for breakfast and lunch. Only one meal (breakfast &lunch combo) per student will be provided.

We will provide “Grab and Go” meals only. Since we are only providing curbside service, a staff member will be available to hand your child their meal while you are still in your car.
Furthermore, OPS will run buses to additional locations for meal pick up by students. These meals will also be “Grab and Go” as well. Buses will arrive at 10:30 a.m.

Boley Community Center – Boley Main Street
Tony Dean Baseball Facility – One block north of 7th and Columbia
Okemah Farmer’s Market – 2nd & Broadway
Bearden Area – South side of Bearden School

DOES THE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DELIVER OR SERVE FOOD?
No, OPS is grateful for the many requests from our community to assist and volunteer. Given that the CDC is recommending that everyone practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of infection, we will be utilizing our current food handlers/staff to cover this service.

WILL SUPPORT EMPLOYEES BE PAID DURING THE SCHOOL CLOSURE.
It is our intention to pay support staff their April checks. Many support staff are considered essential operational employees and will be working on-site or remotely from home. As we move further into the month of April, we will have more guidance from state and federal governments regarding school closures.
Support employees are encouraged to be proactive and stay in contact with their supervisors for all additional information regarding work expectations.

WHAT IF I TRAVELED OVER SPRING BREAK?
If you have traveled over the break by air or on a cruise ship, the CDC has recommended that you voluntarily quarantine you and your family members for a period of 14 days.

INFORMATION SEEMS TO CHANGE SO QUICKLY, HOW CAN I BEST STAY INFORMED?
District Superintendent, R.L. Vick II will provide video updates and/or web updates.
Follow OPS on our social media platforms: Facebook and Twitter.
Check our website for the latest additions.

Add Oklahoma State Department of Health (OKSH) and The Center for Disease Control (CDC) to your favorites on your computer or phone.