PLEASE NOTE: The details in this section are subject to change as directives from governing authorities and health officials respond to new information and developing environmental conditions.

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Union Parents:

In the last 15 months, we have all had to deal with an unprecedented level of change. First, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding. I know it has not been easy for students, parents and teachers as we have made major adjustments this past year in response to the pandemic.

I continue to be extremely proud of the way that students, families, teachers and staff have adapted quickly to virtual or in-person learning. I am grateful to the Union community during a very difficult time in which most of us were asked to do things we never experienced before.

COVID-19 remains a great challenge. The situation requires careful monitoring, which we are doing daily, using guidance from the Tulsa Health Department to inform our decisions. Given the growing spread of the virus in Tulsa County, we are taking steps to provide the safest learning environment possible for our students and staff. At the same time, we acknowledge that there is no plan that completely eliminates risk.

By adhering to health and safety guidelines, we have been able to continue school largely uninterrupted during the past year. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff continues to be our #1 priority. Union Public Schools will continue to follow the guidance and expertise of state and local officials in order to protect our students and staff. This document provides detail on the safety measures planned for the 2021–2022 school year. We encourage you to check our website for updates, as this is where you will always find the latest information at www.unionps.org/coronavirus.

I deeply appreciate your support as we move forward to ensure our students get the education they deserve in the safest way possible.

Sincerely,

Kirt Hartzler, Ed.D., Superintendent

Return to School Update

As we plan for the upcoming school year, we may continue to face some uncertainty regarding the impact of COVID-19. District policies and practices will need to remain flexible and nimble as we respond to new information and work through the many issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we develop our plan to return our students to a safe learning environment. We have learned a lot during the pandemic and some of our precautions / protocols that were developed during the past year will continue. If all families can help us reinforce at home the importance of following the recommended safety guidelines, we may be able to minimize the potential spread and keep our schools open.

This document is intended to be a fluid, working document which will change as needed based on the current COVID-19 status and recommendations of health professionals. It is not intended to be a complete plan, but an initial outline of strategies and protocols based on the current community health threat to our students and staff. If the information is changed it can be found on the Union website at www.unionps.org/Coronavirus.
 

Union’s Learning Options – (2021-2022 School Year)

Parents have been given an option to choose one of two learning environments for each of their children, either: Option 1: In-Person Learning (Grades Pre-K to 12); or Option 2: Virtual Learning (Grades K – 12). Should you have questions, please contact your child’s principal. Phone numbers and email addresses can be found on Union’s website at https://www.unionps.org/schools under the “Schools” tab. We want all parents to be comfortable with the learning option that is best suited to the needs of their particular student.

Free Curbside Meals

Union Public Schools will offer curbside meal pickup for virtual students, beginning the first day of school on Wednesday, August 18. Meals will be free through June 2022 for ALL students.

Breakfast, Lunch, supper and weekend meals (on Fridays) will be available for curbside pickup Monday-Friday following the district calendar at these sites:

• High School: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• 6^th/7^th Grade Center: 10 to 11 a.m.
• Ellen Ochoa Elementary: 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Resources

• COVID-19 Decision Tree for Students / Spanish
• Union families may qualify for this free internet service. Visit www.tulsaresponds.org
• COVID-19 Keeping School Meals Safe At Home
• Where can I get vaccinated against the COVID-19? ¿Dónde me hago vacunar contra el COVID-19? See document.
• Masks Opt Out Forms – English / Spanish

Safe Return & Continuity of Services Plan

Download Plan in English or Spanish for reference.