Union Public Schools - 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.

Visit this Page for Updates about Union's Covid-19 Response

City of Tulsa Enacts Mask Ordinance

Visitors Must Wear Masks at Union Offices

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Union Parents:

Dr. Hartzler In the last four months, we have all had to deal with an unprecedented level of change. First, I would like to thank you for your patience. I know it has not been easy for students, parents and teachers as we adjusted to Distance Learning and an end to the school year that none of us would ever have predicted. In true Union style, everyone adapted quickly to the new Covid-19 reality, and I am proud of the outpouring of support we received from teachers, parents and our community partners. We have a wonderful support system and we are grateful.

As we move forward in preparation for the 2020-21 school year, I know Union parents and students want to know their learning options and the safety measures that will be in place. Students and staff will be required to wear a face covering at all times while in a school building or in a school vehicle unless they are alone in the room or vehicle. (Face coverings do not include bandanas or scarves).

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 in place; however, I want you to be prepared for changes, as the situation will continue to be fluid. We encourage you to check our website weekly for updates, as this is where you will always find the latest information at www.unionps.org/coronavirus.

In our recent survey of parents, 67 percent of parents said they prefer their child attends school in person with safety measures in place to protect them. The remaining 31.4 percent said they would prefer a virtual or distance learning option. (About 2,600 parents responded in all, representing approximately 25 percent of our student population).

As a result, parents will be asked to choose between one of two learning options for their student:

1) in-person learning; or
2) virtual learning at home.

We need your reply no later than Monday, July 27, 2020 by 5 p.m. Traditional in-person learning is the default position, so if we don’t hear from parents, our assumption will be that your child has opted for traditional school. (See the instructions on P. 7 of the download above for how to enroll in the virtual option on Infinite Campus).

A couple of important things . . . Once you select a learning option, your student will be committed to that option, either virtual or in-person, for the entire semester. In the event school is cancelled for any period of time, students will be provided instruction through our distance learning plan. (Please see Union’s Learning Options on P. 5).

The first day of school has changed to Monday, August 24. This will provide us with more time to make adjustments. Also, we have suspended “Late Start Fridays” for the 2020-21 school year, so school start times will be consistent for the school year. Please check the website to see if your school start/end time has changed. Some slight adjustments were made for students in grades 6-9.

I know you will have many questions. Please read the document below for details and check our website for updates. 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 / Reentry Plan for Students, Parents & Teachers

Download Plan in English or Spanish for reference. See FAQ / Spanish FAQ

Introduction and Challenges
. . . COVID-19 will happen!

As we plan for the upcoming school year, we are faced with uncertainty unmatched in recent years. 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 initial plan to return our students to a safe learning environment.

Since you will be faced with a decision regarding the learning pathway for your child, we feel it is essential for us to communicate to you the expectations for our students and our staff as they return to school. We also want to share what precautions will be taken by the district to minimize the exposure and possible spread of COVID-19 so you can determine the learning pathway you prefer for your child.

This will be a challenging year for all of us as we try to keep our students and staff healthy and continue to provide face-to-face learning. With that in mind, it is going to require support from
families in helping our students realize the importance of wearing masks and utilizing proper handwashing and sanitizing procedures. 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.

Given the nature of this virus, it is not a matter of “if,” but when our schools will experience an event . . .

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. Information will be updated on a weekly basis as recommended by the Reentry Task Force members. We recommend checking the Union website frequently at www.unionps.org/Coronavirus for updates.

Reentry Task Force and Input

Union’s Reentry Task Force, formed in May 2020, has been working to create and present a plan for the return to school in the fall of 2020. The information presented is part of an overall plan to safely return students and staff to an In-Person Learning Environment when school begins in the 2020-21 School Year. The committee consists of 29 members and includes two board members, two parents, two teachers, two support employees, two elementary principals, two secondary principals, the lead school nurse, the head athletic trainer, and fifteen other district administrators. We thank them for their service. See members.

Union’s Learning Options – 2 CHOICES

As Union Public Schools plans for the 2020-21 school year facing the challenges associated with COVID-19, we know it is imperative that we offer our students options for an exemplary educational experience. For the upcoming school year, there will be two learning pathways offered to our students:

in-person learning; or
virtual learning.

While we are planning for two different instructional environments, please know we will continue to consult with local and state health officials and the recommendations from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for school opening and operations.

Parents will be able to choose one of two learning environments*

Union Public Schools’ families will select which learning pathway is right for their student(s). If electing to attend the in-person learning option, no action is needed. (That is the “default” option). In order to effectively plan, we are asking parents who are selecting Virtual Learning to submit this request by 5 p.m., Monday, July 27. Making this decision as soon as possible allows Union Public Schools to plan for student schedules, staffing, and preventative health and safety measures. Instructions to submit request posted below.

*Note: Both Virtual and In-Person Learning will have similar expectations around coursework and grading.

Option 1:
IN-PERSON LEARNING

Learning at school grades PreK-5

Teachers will provide face-to-face instruction
Students will attend class in-person five days a week
Schools will be open during regular instructional hours
In the event school is cancelled for any period of time, students will be provided instruction through our distance learning plan
Specific safety measures are described on P. 8 of this document.

Learning at school grades 6-12

Teachers will provide face-to-face instruction.
Students will attend class in-person five days a week
•Schools will be opened during regular instructional hours.
In the event school is cancelled for any period of time, students will be provided instruction through our distance learning plan.
In-person includes the blended class options; Union Career Connect; and Service-Learning opportunities students chose during spring enrollment.
Specific safety measures are described beginning on P. 8 of this document.

*Note: Both Virtual and In-Person Learning will have similar expectations around coursework and grading.

Option 2:
VIRTUAL LEARNING

Elementary Students (Grades PK-5)

Learning at home
A Union teacher will deliver all instruction remotely and provide support utilizing the Seesaw Learning Management system
A Union teacher will use Union curricular materials and Oklahoma Academic Standards while maintaining the continuity of learning
Virtual learning is a minimum of a one-semester commitment (i.e., there is no “flipping” back and forth between models within a semester)
Students will check out the following at each grade level:
- Pre-K – a device will be provided
- Kindergarten – 2nd grade – iPad
- 3rd – 5th grade – laptop
Elementary virtual learning information can be found here: English / Spanish

Secondary Students (Grades 6-12)

Learning at home
Students will receive instruction and coursework through one of our contracted virtual programming and curriculum offerings supported by Union teachers
This program will ensure a student has the credits they need for graduation;however, some class choices may be limited
In-person participation in extracurricular activities (fine arts and athletics) may be available by request. Transportation will not be provided for extracurricular
activities.
Virtual learning is a minimum of a one-semester commitment
The virtual program does not meet NCAA clearinghouse requirements
Students will check out a laptop
Virtual class options can be found here: English / Spanish

Instructions for Selecting In-Person or Virtual Learning

In-Person Learning - No action is needed. Your student(s) is automatically enrolled for in-person learning.
Virtual Learning - You will need to complete a simple form: Virtual Learning Enrollment Request.

In order to effectively plan, we are asking parents who are selecting Virtual Learning to submit this request by 5 p.m., Monday, July 27. Making this decision as soon as possible allows Union Public Schools to plan for student schedules, staffing, and preventative health and safety measures.

We value each of our students and families and appreciate the trust you have placed in our school system. We look forward to seeing you for the 2020-21 school year!

Schools will plan for student schedules, staffing, and preventative health and safety measures.

Should you have questions, please contact your child’s school. School phone numbers can be found here.

Free and Reduced Meal
Online Application for
In-Person & Virtual Learning

Union Public Schools School Year 2020-2021 Free and Reduced Meal Application is now available for BOTH In-Person and Virtual Option Learning online at:

http://unionps.schoollunchapp.com

If your child’s application was approved last year, you still need to fill one out this year: Your child’s application is only good for that school year and the first few days of the new school year.

Direct Questions to:

Carissa Trost ( [email protected] )
Child Nutrition Financial Clerk
Union Public Schools
Education Service Center
8506 E 61st Street Tulsa, OK 74133-1926
P: 918.357.6136