COVID-19 Update

March 16, 2020

Dear Sandite Families,

Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your students. It is an incredible honor to serve the students in Sand Springs and we will always strive to provide a quality program with a high degree of integrity. As you are well aware, we are faced with an unprecedented situation in our community, state and nation. The COVID-19 crisis has elevated quickly and has created a situation where we must react in unison to minimize the impact. The State Board of Education has officially ordered the closure of all Oklahoma schools beginning March 17 and lasting until April 6. This includes extra-curricular activities. Therefore, Sand Springs Public Schools will be closed until April 6, 2020.

Our custodial staff will continue deep cleaning in our buildings during the extended closure. Our team is working on contingency plans regarding employees and students with additional guidance from the State Department of Education. The plan for continuation of instructional programming is being developed and will be communicated to families and students when finalized. Because this situation is fluid and changes continually, we want to ensure the best possible learning scenario for students. Our Child Nutrition Department is developing a plan to provide breakfast and lunch during the closure period. Please watch for more information later this week. 

Please continue to practice strategies that prevent personal sickness–frequent handwashing, social distancing, etc. 

The following links provide additional information on COVID-19 and you might find them helpful:

CDC At-Risk Groups

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

Centers for Disease Control

http://cdc.gov  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/children-faq.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html 

Tulsa Health Department

https://www.tulsa-health.org/ 

CDC Travel Guidance             

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html   https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

As this situation changes rapidly, we encourage you to stay connected over the closure period by checking for district updates on the official Sand Springs Public Schools social media sites or online at www.sandites.org. We will continue to monitor developments regarding the virus and will keep you informed. I appreciate your help and cooperation in our efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

Thanks for your patience and understanding during this situation.

Sherry Durkee, Superintendent

Sand Springs Public Schools