As Cordell Schools starts up its first official full week, updates to its “Return to Learn” plan have been made in preparation for dealing with the ongoing pandemic.
During this month’s school board meeting, the board of education voted to approve revisions that Superintendent Brad Overton had made to the “Return to Learn” plan.
These revisions include plans on what to do if a student is exposed to someone with symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19.
Now, the vaccination status of a student will affect their need to quarantine.
The plan currently says that if exposed to someone with symptoms of or confirmed to have COVID, the exposed person will only need to monitor for symptoms and be allowed to attend class and activities so long as they are fully vaccinated and show no symptoms.
The flipside to this is that should they experience no symptoms after coming in contact with someone with symptoms or that has COVID, the exposed person must quarantine for 7 -10 days and attend no extracurricular activities for 14 days if they are not vaccinated.
In a statement put out last week, Overton addressed parents and guardians of students in regards to the start of the new school year and dealing with COVID.
“The Vaccination status of the individuals will make a difference in determining quarantines,” Overton said in the statement. “Fully vaccinated individuals will be able to attend class and participate in activities as long as they are showing no symptoms. Proper wearing of masks can also have an effect on quarantine status.”
A more detailed explanation of the “Return to Learn” plan’s additional revisions can be found on either the Cordell Schools’ website or its Facebook Page.
This year, masks are not required for students although Overton said they are strongly encouraged. The requirement of masks in Oklahoma schools is not a possibility unless Gov. Kevin Stitt was to issue a state of emergency. A move he has said he is unlikely to make.
“Some of our teachers have underlying health issues and others have family members that are considered to be at high risk, these teachers may request that students wear masks in their classroom, again, masks are optional,” Overton said. “I encourage teachers and students to do what they feel is best for themselves as far as staying safe and healthy.”
Cordell Schools will continue to take other precautionary measures similar to what it took last year such as contact tracing in conjunction with the Oklahoma Health Department, limiting the number of adults in the school buildings, social distancing, and added sanitization.
Virtual learning will still be provided, however, it will only be allowed under very limited circumstances.
”I believe that the best method for Cordell Schools to deliver quality instruction is face to face,” Overton said. “Virtual students had a difficult time last year, face to face instruction is our best option. Distance learning will be available when a student is required to quarantine and that instruction will be provided by the classroom teacher.”
In recent months, COVID cases around the nation have risen once more, and younger people have begun to see a greater impact according to health officials.
“We are seeing a greater impact among younger individuals. However, vaccination rates also decline along with age among those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines,” Oklahoma State Department of Health District 5 Community Engagement and Health Planning Manager Debra E. Johnson said. “Studies are also showing negative long-term effects in children.”
Although some schools in the nation have attributed rising cases to schools starting back up again, Johnson said that it is a bit premature to equate new cases with school resuming here in Oklahoma.
During a rally last week, officials from Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health addressed how recent COVID cases have been affecting children.
“One week ago, there [were] 36 [pediatric patients admitted to hospitals]. Two weeks ago, there were 25. This number is increasing rapidly, and we as pediatricians are worried about the kids in our community.” pediatric hospitalist Dr. Stephanie DeLeon said during the rally. “The patients being admitted now are symptomatic and they are sick. This is not the same COVID that we were seeing last year.”
Overall in regards to Cordell Schools, Overton seemed optimistic in his statement to parents last week and called for parents and the schools to work together to have a safe school year.
“I believe our students need to be in school and need to stay in school,” he said. “I am hoping with the added safety measures of cleaning along with masks and social distancing that we can keep your student in school and safe. In order for our students to stay in school, it will require a group effort. We must all work together.”