The following statement is from Ponca City Public Schools Superintendent Shelley Arrott.
PCPS Families, Staff, and Community,
Based on the latest guidance from health experts and the Oklahoma State Department of Education, all Ponca City Public School activities, practices, and events have been suspended effective immediately, Sunday, March 15, through the end of Spring Break, March 22.
Other District leaders and I, along with all other state school superintendents, are participating in a conference call with Joy Hofmeister, the Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction, on Monday, March 16 at 2:00 PM. I will address all stakeholders after this conference call with any updated decisions made based on the guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the Governor’s Office, the Centers for Disease Control, and
the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
As of today, March 15, there have been no changes regarding an extension of Spring Break, so at this time, students will report to school on Monday, March 23rd. Thankfully, we have Spring Break to gather information and seek guidance from state and national agencies. However, I do realize that the earlier we make any decisions regarding an extension of Spring Break, the better it will be for our families as they make plans to care for their children. I am monitoring this situation, literally, by the minute, and our state agencies are providing Oklahoma schools information constantly.
We are continuing to finalize plans for providing instruction, feeding our students, and planning for our hourly employees to continue to earn wages in the event the decision is made to extend Spring Break. If plans do change or even if they do not change, I will keep you updated through the PCPS App, local media outlets, social media, and each update will be posted on our District website, www.pcps.us, under the COVID-19 Updates Link. Please know that I will communicate with our community regularly, so continue to watch for updates.
Please remember, the best prevention for viruses like the flu also prevent the spread of COVID-19 and decrease the chance of community spread. It is important to note there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the PCPS District. Even though COVID-19 is a virus, it is important to slow the spread so our healthcare providers have the capability to treat our most vulnerable.
Please remember:
Practice social distancing when possible
Wash hands frequently while at home or in the community
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we acquire guidance to inform us to make the safest decisions possible during these globally unprecedented times. I am committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of the health and safety of our students, staff, and community.
Warmest regards,
Shelley Arrott
Superintendent, Ponca City Public Schools
