2 Test Positive in Liberty and Washington PreK: Arrott Issues Statement

Ponca City Public Schools Superintendent Shelley Arrott issued the following statement after two individuals in two school facilities tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The school administration could not confirm that the two positive cases were either adults or children, however; the Contact Tracing spreadsheet on the pcps.us website indicates that there are one student from each elementary site that are in isolation due to positive tests.

Superintendent Arrott’s full statement is below:

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August 27, 2020

Dear PCPS Parents, Staff, and Community Members:

Late today we were notified by the Kay County Health Department that two individuals in our schools tested positive for COVID-19.

It is our top priority to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, so we are quarantining two classrooms of close contacts to the positive cases at two elementary sites.

In addition, it was determined there were two other adults who were close contacts of the positive cases, and these adults will quarantine as well.

We have quarantined one classroom at Liberty Elementary and one classroom at Washington PreK Center.

The quarantines will be in effect for 14 calendar days beginning Friday, August 28 through Thursday, September 10.

All parents and staff have been contacted and were provided information and instructions regarding how to proactively observe their child for possible symptoms during the quarantine.

Thankfully, all students and staff are required to wear masks to help reduce the likelihood of further positive cases of close contacts.

Principals have prepared for Distance Learning to be provided by the teachers of these two classrooms, and school days during the quarantine will be counted as instructional days. Teachers are prepared for Distance Learning to occur and will remain in constant contact with the students and families to provide specific information. However, students and staff under quarantine cannot attend school or school events.

Contact tracing investigations were conducted and completed, and it has been determined there are no further school-related close contacts of the positive cases.

District maintenance staff will thoroughly clean both classrooms, and PCPS will continue to frequently clean and disinfect all surfaces inside all district schools.

It is important to remain vigilant to stopping the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
 Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
 Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
 Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
 Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
 Practice social distancing, leaving at least six feet between you and other people.
 Wear a cloth mask or face covering when social distancing is not possible.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, you are encouraged to contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Our greatest priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, and community members. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We will continue to stay in constant communication with our families and patrons.

Please feel free to contact Curtis Layton, Executive Director of Human Resources, or me, with any questions at 580-767-8000.

Sincerely,

Shelley Arrott Superintendent, Ponca City Public Schools

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For more detailed information, go here:  PCPS Contact Tracing Spreadsheet