As the 2021-2022 school year begins, administrators are taking measures to help students, teachers and support staff return to a safe environment.
According to the Center for Disease Control website, research shows that students benefit from inperson learning and safely returning to in-person instruction is a priority.
Area schools will be following the guidelines put forth by the CDC, the Oklahoma State Department of Education and Lincoln County Health Department as they take into account the individual needs of their districts.
The districts in the Lincoln County News coverage area include Agra, Carney, Chandler, Dale, Davenport, McLoud, Meeker, North Rock Creek, Prague, Stroud, Wellston and White Rock.
All of the schools will start the year with in-person learning with plans prepared to go to virtual, online or distance learning in the event of a COVID outbreak or other need such as inclement weather.
Distance learning is offered if parents are not comfortable sending their children to school. There is also a blended option for students who choose to take all solid courses virtually through an online platform but attend elective courses on campus, such as band, drama or athletics. The plans vary among the 12 schools so parents should contact their school for more information.
Masks are not mandated in any of the school buildings but strongly recommended when social distancing is not possible. If a student rides the school bus, they may be required to wear a face covering.
Many other procedures are in place to prevent the spread of disease including ventilation, cleaning and disinfection. Frequent use of hand sanitizer and hand washing will be encouraged. Parents are asked to monitor their children’s health and even take temperatures each morning before sending them to school. Students can bring their own water bottles to fill as water fountains won’t be used otherwise.
McLoud students have already begun their school year with orientation for all students accomplished last week. After a teacher workday and intermediate school orientation on Monday all classes started in-person on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Carney and White Rock Public Schools started today, Aug. 5. Families had the opportunity to meet the teachers, see their classrooms and pick up schedules on Monday. Carney is providing school supplies needed for the entire year for elementary and middle school students at no cost to the students.
Agra Public Schools will hold an Open House, 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10, for all students and their parents or guardians to meet the teachers. Classes will begin on Thursday, Aug. 12. Agra will provide school supplies for each student as well as three meals a day. All prekindergarten through sixth grade students can take advantage of a free After School Program to get help with homework, reading and math remediation and other enrichment activities.
Online enrollment for Chandler Public has been ongoing since the beginning of the month with parents submitting required documentation to the schools. The Rotary Club of Chandler is providing school supplies for every elementary student in Kindergarten through sixth grade. The first day of school for Chandler students is Aug. 12.
Students at Dale Public Schools can meet their teachers 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9. The first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Davenport students start classes Monday, Aug. 9. Students in pre-K through sixth grade can pay $30 to the school for their supplies to last the entire year. Upper classmen will be told what supplies are needed from each teacher when they go to class.
Meet the Teacher night for Meeker Elementary School students is 4:30-6:30 p.m., Aug. 10, at the elementary school building. Middle and high school students can pick up their schedules at that time in their buildings. They will be told what supplies are needed when they go to class. School supply lists for elementary students were provided to parents with enrollment forms. The first day of school is Aug. 12.
Students at North Rock Creek Public Schools can meet their teachers 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10. The first day of school is Aug. 12. Supply lists for elementary students can be found on the school’s website. Middle and high school students will be advised of needed supplies when they start classes.
Prague classes also begin Aug. 12 with freshmen orientation in the gym at 6 p.m., Aug. 10 and a Meet the Teacher night at 6:30 p.m.
The first day of school for Stroud Public Schools is Aug. 12. Parkview Elementary students can meet their teachers 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11. Parent Night is 6-7 p.m., Aug. 17. Parents can pay $10 and all classroom supplies for the entire school year will be provided. Middle School and High School students can pick up their schedules Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 4-5. Middle School students can purchase needed paper and pencils for $2.
The Wellston community is celebrating Back to School with a Health Fair sponsored by the LC Health Department and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. It will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17, in conjunction with Meet the Teacher Night in the elementary school multipurpose building.
COVID shots will be available as well as the seventh grade Tdap immunization. Free health screenings will be offered and door prizes given away. Admission is free. Immediately following the event, students of all ages can enjoy a Back to School Bash from 7-9 p.m. put on by the middle and high schools. It will be on the blacktop behind the school.
The first day of school for Wellston students is Thursday, Aug. 19. Parents of Pre-K through fifth grades can pay $30 to have teachers provide supplies for the year or get the list on the school website if they want to purchase them.