Due to a severe increase in COVID cases in our state, and an even more troubling forecast in the weeks to come, the Oklahoma School for the Deaf will move to distance learning for the remainder of November and December. We plan to resume in-person educational, residential, and athletic activities beginning in January 2021. Basketball games will be moved to January, and we hope that public health conditions at that time provide for safe competition.
Our campuses in Sulphur, Chickasha, and Edmond will be closed to students and staff except for work that is absolutely essential. Essential work will continue on campus as needed with caution and limited staff. Administrative leave will apply for staff who cannot telework.
Beginning in January 2021, OSD will implement a new protocol in responding to COVID cases among our staff and students. This new protocol will allow OSD to partner with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to appropriately identify, isolate and quarantine staff and students affected by COVID, and to continue to safely conduct in-person school activity rather than closing the campus for 2 weeks each time a case presents. This new protocol will allow us to remove COVID threats as needed, and also provide a safe and dependable in-person learning and work environment for students, families, and staff.
It is with great regret that I share this letter with you. So many of us feel frustrated and helpless. I want to thank each and every one of our students and families for your continued support and patience throughout this ordeal. Staff, thank you so much for your hard work, flexibility, and creativity throughout 2020.
I’d like to remind us all to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We can all do our part to limit the spread of COVID and give our kids a better chance of returning to normal as soon as possible. I encourage everyone to think of ways to do your part for the benefit of all. I look forward to seeing all of you in person in January 2021. Families will still be able to continue distance learning throughout Spring 2021 if they choose.
Families, please use the OSD website to find contact information and current COVID information, and contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you.
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