Arrott Explains Tomorrow’s Po-Hi Pivot to Virtual Learning

PCPS Superintendent Shelley Arrott provided KPNC with an exclusive interview and explanation of the pivot by Ponca City High School to full virtual learning starting tomorrow, the 11th of November.

She said that with 11 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and 27% of the student body on quarantine, school administration officials and the Board of Education starting looking at options to reduce the spread of the virus.

Working with the Kay County Health Department, it was determined that, although the initial 7 confirmed positive cases looked like isolated incidents of the virus, the number of students and staff involved dictated that the high school pivot to distance learning.

Arrott said there are currently 335 students and staff in quarantine.

“We want to get control of this. We want to stay in school as much as possible,” Arrott stress. She also underscored that this action is only for Ponca City High School. All other schools in the district will have in-person instruction as usual.

Arrott encouraged parents to go to www.pcps.us for the latest news and numbers.

She also said that all teachers will be ‘on site’ if they are not in a quarantined status.

All previously-scheduled official competitions will continue during the virtual learning period, as decided by the School Board.

“The School Board wants to maintain as many experiences as possible,” said Arrott. “For instance, there are swim meets scheduled for tonight and Thursday. Those will still take place as scheduled.

Arrott said she and her staff are working on a comprehensive press release, and that will be sent out.

“We want to do everything we can to keep everyone in school as much as possible. Some students are on their 3rd quarantine, others haven’t been quarantined at all,” she said.

“We have to do what’s best for our kids and their families.”