© 2024 Public Radio Tulsa
800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 631-2577

A listener-supported service of The University of Tulsa
classical 88.7 | public radio 89.5
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

TPS Moving In-Person Classes to Distance Learning for the Rest of 2020

Matt Trotter
/
KWGS

Updated Dec. 1, 11:15 a.m. to correct end of fall semester.  

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist announced Monday afternoon all pre-K through third-grade students will move to distance learning on Wednesday for the rest of 2020.

Pre-K and kindergarten students returned to their classrooms Nov. 9, while first through third graders came back Nov. 16. They will be on distance learning at least through Dec. 18, the last day before winter break.

Gist told the TPS Board during a Monday afternoon work session the decision was based on local trends and Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart’s advice that continuing with in-person learning is "extremely risky."

Tulsa County's seven-day average rose significantly leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, and that trend is expected to continue. Almost all local ZIP codes are in THD's red zone for new infections.

Gist told the TPS Board she started getting angry reactions from parents almost immediately after sending the email announcing her decision, and she shares in their anger.

"I’m actually furious. As I have said many times, we have the ability to control this situation. We can manage this virus. Instead, as a society, we have decided not to do so," Gist said. "Far too many people have decided not to manage their own behavior, and too many of our leaders are not making choices that prioritize wellness, life, and our most valuable and most vulnerable children."

The shift to distance learning includes students in special education and deaf education programs. Bringing those students back for in-person learning will be a priority for the district.

The TPS Board largely supported Gist’s decision, though some wanted the move to distance learning to be immediate.

"Although it’s the right decision in my opinion, it’s also — you know, when I tell my kids today, they will be heartbroken," said board President Stacey Woolley, who arrived late to the work session because she was filling in as a substitute teacher.

Board member Suzanne Schreiber said in order for kids to stay in school, the district needs more than state officials encouraging people to wear masks, wash their hands and watch their distance.

"And it’s not just a state mask mandate. You watch other states that have had incredible rises that have done some capacity limits, different ways to enforce regulations, and their numbers go up and come right back down," Schreiber said.

Fourth through sixth graders were supposed to return to their classrooms this week, but the TPS Board voted Nov. 19 to keep them on distance learning for the rest of the semester. The board decided in late October middle school, junior high and high school students would remain on distance learning until January.

Winter sports will continue according to safety protocols. The district's Care and Connect program offering in-person help for students on distance learning will also continue.

TPS will keep offering breakfasts, lunches and suppers to all Tulsa kids with grab-and-go meals at school sites weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mobile Meals service will continue; routes are available on the district website.

District officials and the board will consider a potential January return to in-person learning over the coming weeks. The fall semester ends Jan. 15.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
Related Content