Summer Update on Plans for the School Year

Dear Sandite Families,

I hope your summer is going well so far. We are in the midst of planning for the upcoming school year and want to keep you in the loop. As of now, we are planning to start the school year in August following our calendar that was adopted by the Board of Education in March. You can find the calendar at https://go.aws/3e64nnY. Through consultation with state and local health officials and following the CDC guidelines, we are working on guidance for Sand Springs Public Schools for the safest start possible during the current pandemic situation. These will be shared later this summer so that families can understand the parameters that will be put in place to help protect our students’ health. A safe back to school process will take the cooperation of all in following the guidelines suggested. The education of our students is critical and as we reopen in August, and we know we must prepare for a potential loss in skills greater than what is normal during the summer months. We will be delivering solid instruction to ensure our students make appropriate academic gains. 

We  understand there may be some families who are still concerned about their children attending school based on COVID-19. As many of you know, our district has operated  a successful Virtual Academy program since 2011. Our Virtual Academy has grown considerably over the last few years and we have learned how to deliver instruction in a virtual, or blended model with a high degree of integrity. We will now be expanding our Virtual Academy, shifting its location from Charles Page High School to the recently vacated Central Ninth Grade Center location. This is a strong educational option for students who may have thrived in the distance learning model offered this spring and will provide a great choice for families who might choose to keep their student home as we are still learning how to maneuver through this time.  Unlike the spring semester, learning through our virtual or blended options will offer new instruction with student work expectations, similar to the traditional classroom. The district is committed to working with students individually to create an educational plan to accommodate students and families while still balancing participation in the large array of activities that are established traditions of Sand Springs. Students in our Virtual Academy may participate in extracurricular activities and other events planned at each site.

The planning and start of a new school year is always an exciting time. If you have any questions at all, please contact Sand Springs Public Schools at 918-246-1400! 

Stay healthy. Stay strong. Stay positive.

Sherry Durkee, Superintendent

Sand Springs Public Schools