Coronavirus Update - March 20

Parent information regarding the coronavirus

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Greetings NPS Parents,

Today, we participated in a conference call with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. We received several updates from Joy Hofmeister, who is the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, regarding statewide efforts surrounding the coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Possibility of Extended Closures: First and foremost, Superintendent Hofmeister asked us to prepare for the possibility of extended school closures. While this is certainly not what we wanted to hear, our nation remains in a state of emergency and we are prepared to do our part to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Distance Learning: Many of you have expressed concerns about the ability for students to keep up their academic pace during school closures. We have now been granted permission from state officials to further develop a distance-learning educational plan, should school closures extend beyond this initial two weeks. While we cannot provide instruction prior to April 6, if schools remain closed we will provide a distance-learning program to help ensure our students stay current on their existing skills and continue to build on their knowledge. We will keep you updated as this progresses.

Testing: We have continued to receive questions about testing. Today, White House officials announced that standardized testing will not take place this year for K-12 students. Superintendent Hofmeister affirmed this news and told us her staff will pursue the appropriate waivers to cancel state testing. However, there is the possibility that AP tests will continue in a different format, as College Board is currently developing a plan for remote testing opportunities. We are also waiting for further information from state officials about how students will eventually obtain their drivers’ license without completing an 8th-grade reading assessment.

Concurrent Enrollment: NPS students who are enrolled in concurrent enrollment courses that are held on an NPS campus will receive an email from their principal about their options for continuing their concurrent enrollment course. Students who are enrolled in concurrent online programs or were attending classes on university campuses should follow directions from the universities where they are enrolled.

I know you still have a lot of questions. Rest assured that we are working diligently to plan for every possible scenario. It is my promise to communicate with you regularly to ensure you have accurate and timely information. Please continue to check our website often, as we will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available at www.normanpublicschools.org/health.

Keep in mind that all school buildings and district offices are closed. If you need assistance please do not hesitate to reach out to the principal of your child’s school. You can also call the district’s main office at (405) 364-1339 and leave a voicemail. Messages are monitored and we will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

There is no question that this is a surreal and challenging time for us all. However, as long as we keep working together, we will get through it.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Current as of March 20, 2020