PCPS 2022-2023 School Year Begins With Covid Protocol Updates

Ponca City Public Schools is pleased to report there are major updates to the latest COVID-19 recommended protocols that have been released by the CDC:

1. It is no longer recommended that schools implement physically distancing strategies such as keeping students 3-6 feet apart.

2. Universal case investigation and contact tracing are NOT recommended, but can be utilized as a useful strategy in responding to a school outbreak. (Close contacts do not have to quarantine, not even family close contacts, unless symptoms present. However, since our PreK-5th graders and students in a self-contained class are in the same classroom all day, we will notify families if there is a positive case, just so you can monitor your child for symptoms).

3. Positive cases still must isolate for five days and mask wearing is recommended for an additional five days if there are no further symptoms.

As we gather back together, there will likely be some spread of COVID-19; however, guidelines have shifted to: Isolate if you feel like you may have COVID and get tested; otherwise, resume activities. We will continue to use common sense safety protocols to mitigate COVID, but we do not expect major disruptions with close contacts.

If your child is symptomatic, please get them tested for COVID-19 at the Kay County Health Department, a pharmacy or an Urgent Care facility. Isolations for positive tests are five days. Day 0 is the day symptoms started OR a positive COVID-19 test result is received with no symptoms present.

Please call your child’s school if they test positive or are symptomatic. They are trained and will tell you when your child may return to school. PCPS employees need to reach out to Jennifer Dye, Executive Director of Human Resources, if they test positive or are symptomatic.