Pioneer Tech Announces Plan for School Year

Pioneer Technology Center’s Continuation of Operation plan explaining procedures for the start of school in August has been uploaded to their website, pioneertech.edu. This guide will help students and parents understand PTC’s approach to the continuation of learning and to promote a safe education environment for the 2020-2021 school year.

All Full-Time program courses will open “in person” to all students on Thursday, August 13th. The goal for this school year is to limit exposure to COVID-19 while providing quality educational opportunities and maintaining the tech center’s high standard of academic rigor.

In the event of a resurgence of COVID-19, implementation of an A/B blended learning schedule or distance learning schedule may go into effect for the PTC campus. During a more severe disruption of instruction, the administration may elect to incorporate additional learning strategies which could deviate from the traditional CareerTech model.

Safety is a top priority for PTC. For that reason staff, students, guests, and clients who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should not enter the facility. Face coverings will be required for anyone entering Pioneer Tech’s campus. Students, guests, clients, and stakeholders will have their temperature taken daily or upon entering PTC. Individuals who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be allowed access to any PTC facility.

Bus transportation will continue with face coverings required for the driver and anyone riding the bus. Students will observe social distancing requirements while on the bus. Temperatures will be taken before students enter the bus and windows will be open, weather permitting. Hand sanitizer will be available for students and after each bus route is complete, the bus will be sanitized.

Classroom protocol for students includes wearing a face covering; some exclusions may apply in specific industrial/shop areas where safety is a concern. All work stations and high touch classroom areas will be disinfected after each class.  Instructors will create seating charts for students during on-campus classroom activities and program-specific protocols will be addressed by the classroom instructor.

Quarantine and isolation procedures can be reviewed in the Continuation of Operation Plan at pioneertech.edu. Students and staff will have limited participation in on-campus large group activities through the duration of the 2020-2021 school year.  Alternatives to school-wide group activities such as video presentations and/or online discussions will be considered before scheduling any event.

The Cosmetology program will be open and provide services to clients. Those entering Cosmetology for services must use an appropriate face covering, receive a temperature check, and/or follow the safety protocols of the Cosmetology Instructor.

Clinical rotations are available on a limited basis to adult students with the appropriate protective equipment. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education is working to identify requirements for clinical opportunities for high school students.

For questions and concerns regarding the Continuation of Operation Plan for Pioneer Tech, contact Kahle Goff, Executive Director of Full-Time programs at 580-718-4297 or [email protected].