Visit this Page for Updates about Union's Covid-19 Response
COVID-19 Updates
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.
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 are given an option to choose one of two learning environments for each of their children. Current Union students and all new students to the district are able to select which learning pathway is right for each of their children. Should you have questions, please contact your child’s principal. Phone numbers and email addresses can be found on Union’s website at www.unionps.org under the “Schools” tab.
Option 1: In-Person Learning (Grades Pk-12)
Option 2: Virtual Learning (Grades K – 12)
Interruptions at School
In the event of a large outbreak of COVID-19 or a high risk of community spread at one or more schools, Union may decide to activate distance learning for all students who select “In-Person Learning.” Union will work with the Tulsa Health Department and other health officials in determining the level of risk. Please know the district’s ability to conduct contact tracing and notify all parties may be limited and delayed, depending on a number of factors. We will honor FERPA (student confidentiality) and HIPAA (medical confidentiality), but will do our best to notify students and families on a timely basis in the event there is an exposure to COVID-19 at school.
Health Monitoring of Your Student
It is important that all families partner with the district in monitoring the health of students and families. Students with a fever or other prominent COVID-19 symptoms (dry cough, shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, body aches, chills, etc.) should not be sent to school until they are fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours.
Families are expected to monitor the health of their children. Parents or guardians will need to notify the school if their child is symptomatic or has had possible exposure to COVID-19. If anyone in your household has had a possible exposure to COVID-19 and is being testing, please quarantine your student until test results are received.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to update COVID-19 guidelines including recommended quarantine guidelines. Union Public Schools will utilize guidelines provided by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) if practical and appropriate for local conditions.
Click the link to view full details from the CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov ​
Safety Strategies
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, Union is prioritizing the following the safety strategies:
Quarantine Guidelines
View full quarantine details from the CDC website.
Facial Coverings
At this time there are no facial coverings requirements. Facial coverings are an option for students, staff, and guests to wear while on Union property but are not required. Face coverings cannot violate district Board Policy 5060 regarding appropriate dress/student attire.
Physical Distancing
At this time there are no physical distancing protocol in place for the 2021-2022 school year.
Elementary Cohorts
At this time there is no plan to cohort students for COVID-19 related prevention.
School Calendar / School Hours
View district calendar and school hours for the 2021-22 school year.
Transportation
Union plans to provide traditional transportation at the beginning of the new school year. Transportation rules can be found in each school’s student handbook.
Please know there may be times when the district is unable to provide bus service for all students due to driver shortages, etc., so routes may be cancelled with little advance notice. In the event routes need to be cancelled, the cancellation of routes will start with grades 10 through 12, then 9th grade, then 8th grade, etc. The cancellation of routes will not impact special education routes unless specifically noted.
Athletics,
Fine Arts & Other
​Extracurricular Activities
At this time there are no COVID-19 related protocols in place.
Breakfast and Lunch
At this time there are no COVID-19 related protocols in place.
Extended Day Program (EDP) & After-School Programming
The district will continue to offer the EDP program to the families of Union students. The district is also working with community partners to offer after-school opportunities for our students.
District Protocol – Cleaning, Disinfection & Ventilation
The following actions will be taken by Union to reduce the chance of COVID spread:
• Each classroom will be provided an adequate supply of hand sanitizer, spray disinfectant, and towels. When available, disinfectant wipes will also be provided.
• Adequate provision of hand washing stations, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes in common areas.
• The district will continue to disinfect all spaces as often as possible with the goal of one time per day minimum.
