Greetings NPS Parents,

We made it! This is certainly not how we thought the school year would end but it has been amazing to see how everyone has supported our students during this time. While our teachers, administrators, and support staff quickly adjusted, it was often parents and caregivers who really spearheaded continued learning for our students. Countless volunteers stepped up to continue supporting our students in need and we even had a crossing guard refuse to leave his post, electing to instead create videos for students to let them know how much he cares about them.

We have always known it takes a village to raise a child. However, it has become abundantly clear that it takes the entire community during a global pandemic. And we are fortunate to live in what I believe is the very best and most supportive community in Oklahoma. As we approach summer months, below are several updates.

Meal Service: To serve our students who are in need of food, we will continue our weekly meal service. Parents are encouraged to complete student meal order forms each week, which are available at www.normanpublicschools.org/meals. Order forms help our child nutrition teams plan adequate meals for each school and are posted on the website every Friday for the following week. Please note that meals will not be distributed on Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 25. Rather, meals will be available for pickup Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27 of that week.

Graduation Ceremonies: We continue to work with our partners at the University of Oklahoma to secure a date for a traditional, in-person graduation ceremony for our seniors. We are very close to securing a date in early August and we will notify you as soon as this is confirmed. Until then, please tune in to our virtual graduation ceremonies. Norman North is Thursday, May 21, and Norman High is Friday, May 22. Both are at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast at www.facebook.com/NormanPublicSchools or https://bit.ly/NormanPublicSchoolsYouTube. And if you missed the senior recognition ceremony for Dimensions Academy, you can view it here.

Enrollment Verification: To help our schools prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, please complete an Information and Verification Form for each child in your home who is currently attending Norman Public Schools. These forms are due May 20 and can be found at www.normanpublicschools.org/enrollment.

NPS ExpandED: As a result of Covid-19, many families find themselves in circumstances that require greater flexibility. If you are thinking about transitioning your child to an online school this fall, we encourage you to consider NPS ExpandED, which is a rigorous education solution designed to provide students with the flexibility to complete coursework outside of traditional school buildings and also participate in extracurricular activities. You can learn more about this program at www.normanpublicschools.org/expanded.

Distance Learning Dashboard: Although distance learning has ended, we will leave the dashboard up over the summer for families who wish to continue accessing the educational resources. Please feel free to continue visiting www.normanpublicschools.org/distancelearning to access the enrichment activities.

Mental Health Resources: Please remember that our school counselors remain available to serve students and there are a variety of resources available to those who are experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma. Also, we encourage you to help keep our students safe by anonymously reporting abuse, suicide risks, bullying and more to Norman Crimestoppers at 405-366-STOP or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/1323.

We will continue to keep you informed of any relevant updates with regard to Covid-19 as information becomes available. However, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s principal, teacher or school counselor if you need something. Although the official school year has ended, we are still here to serve you so please let them know if we can be of assistance to your child or family. Please continue to stay safe and we look forward to seeing you next school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

https://youtu.be/ESy4LqN3G8Y

Greetings NPS Parents,

We are in the final stretch of distance learning and what a perfect opportunity to celebrate our exceptional educators during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers have certainly gone above and beyond to support students during what has been a challenging end to the school year and we appreciate their passion, creativity and dedication now more than ever.

I also want to recognize and thank all the parents and guardians who have invested their time and energy into continuing the learning process at home. Moms, dads, grandparents and so many more have juggled enormous responsibilities during this time while also assisting children with the education process. Please know how much we appreciate you as well.

As we approach the last day of the academic year, which is May 13, we have several updates to share with you.

Graduation Update: From the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, I have promised a traditional, in-person graduation ceremony for our seniors. We are working closely with our partners at the University of Oklahoma and are very close to securing a date in early August for our graduation ceremonies at Lloyd Noble Center. We will communicate an exact date as soon as we have confirmation. Please remember that we will also host virtual ceremonies on the originally scheduled graduation dates.

Item Pickup: We anticipate that students and parents will be able to safely collect items from their school soon. We are currently working on a pickup schedule for late May. Please continue to read updates from school principals, as they will provide specific details when the pickup schedule is finalized for each school.

Student Meals: Free meal service for students who are in need continues. Families who will pick up food next week are encouraged to use the food order links below. This allows our child nutrition team to plan adequate meals for each site. Please visit www.normanpublicschools.org/health and click on Student Meals for more information.

• Monday, May 11 – four children or less per vehicle
• Tuesday, May 12 – four children or less per vehicle
• Families with five or more children click here to place order

NPS ExpandED: As we approach the end of the school year, many families find themselves in circumstances that require greater flexibility as a result of Covid-19. If you are thinking about transitioning your child to an online school this fall, we encourage you to consider NPS ExpandED, which is a rigorous education solution designed to provide students with the flexibility to complete coursework outside of traditional school buildings and also participate in extracurricular activities. You can learn more about this program at www.normanpublicschools.org/expanded.

School Counselors: As a reminder, our school counselors remain available to serve our students. Please remember that there are a variety of resources available to students and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma. Also, we encourage you to help keep our students safe by anonymously reporting abuse, suicide risks, bullying and more to Norman Crimestoppers at 405-366-STOP or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/1323.

We continue to update answers to commonly asked questions about school closures at www.normanpublicschools.org/health. You can also find detailed information about distance learning at www.normanpublicschools.org/distancelearning. And there’s still time to complete the 2020 Census, which provides critical funding for our schools. You can take the Census online by clicking here, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us as we navigate these challenges. My heart continues to be with so many people who have been impacted by the coronavirus. It is my hope that we will turn a corner soon and I’m looking forward to an even brighter future for our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

NPS Parents,

Last night, we recognized the amazing accomplishments of our teachers and staff and announced that teacher librarian Jessica Eschbach has been named the 2020 Norman Public School District Teacher of the Year.

Veteran educators, as well as those who are just entering the profession, were also recognized during the celebration. The district’s Rookie Teacher of the Year, Katie Messner, accepted the award for her excellence as a first-year kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Elementary while Jessica Bigbee of Washington was named the district’s Special Education Teacher of the Year.

We also recognized Janine Warren, the district’s accounting coordinator, as the Lois Annesley Support Employee of the Year, showed appreciation for our amazing retirees and honored Norman Regional Hospital CEO Richie Splitt with the Public Education Ambassador of the Year Award. Click here to watch the ceremony, which was virtual but still a lot of fun!

Free meal service for students who are in need continues. Families who will pick up food next week are encouraged to use the food order links below. This allows our child nutrition team to plan adequate meals for each site. Please visit www.normanpublicschools.org/health and click on Student Meals for more information.

• Monday, May 4 – four children or less per vehicle
• Tuesday, May 5 – four children or less per vehicle
• Families with five or more children click here to place order

As we approach the end of the school year, many questions remain about what next school year will look like. Rest assured that as we continue forward we are laser focused on the safety of our students, teachers, administrators and staff. While we do not know what the future holds, we are working hard to prepare for any scenario.

This includes bolstering NPS ExpandED, which is the virtual education solution we introduced in 2019. This is not distance learning. Rather, NPS ExpandED is an innovative and rigorous program that was designed to serve students who benefit from a customized, virtual education solution. The program provides participating students with the flexibility to complete all of their coursework outside the traditional school building or blend their learning experience by attending some classes at school. NPS ExpandED students also have the unique opportunity to participate in on-site extracurricular activities.

I encourage you to remember this program if you are interested in virtual education solutions due to the uncertainty of what lies ahead, personal health situations or simply if you prefer online learning options for your child. We want to do everything we can to ensure we continue to accommodate the growing needs of our students and families. You can learn more at www.normanpublicschools.org/expanded.

Thank you again for your flexibility and understanding during this difficult time. While our schools might be empty, please know that our hearts never left and we are here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

NPS Parents,

We are well into distance learning, and we continue to see examples of ingenuity, creativity and positivity. For example, a Norman High senior created an online show to highlight what’s good about Norman during the global pandemic. His uplifting show, Nice Norman News, encourages graduating seniors to anticipate the future with excitement rather than sulk in what the pandemic has taken away. It is things like this that reinforce my own optimism for the future of our outstanding senior class, as well as the confidence I have in all of our amazing students and our exceedingly talented educators.

Student Meals: Families who will pick up food next week are encouraged to use the food order links below. This allows our child nutrition team to plan adequate meals for each site. Please visit www.normanpublicschools.org/health and click on Student Meals for more information.

• Monday, April 27 – four children or less per vehicle
• Tuesday, April 28 – four children or less per vehicle
• Families with five or more children click here to place order

While we have provided weekly meals for our students in need, there are many who rely on additional food programs to help get them through difficult times. In addition to our amazing child nutrition team, I want to recognize everyone who has worked tirelessly to ensure students receive food through our partner programs. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate each and every one of you.

Item Pickup: We continue to closely monitor developments in local gathering restrictions and guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and are developing plans for students to safely collect yearbooks, student photos, diplomas and items left at school. Please continue to read updates from school principals, as they will provide additional information when it becomes available.

Celebration of Excellence: Each year, we host a Celebration of Excellence event where we recognize our educators and announce the NPS Teacher of the Year. We will host a virtual celebration this year and we invite you to tune in to the district’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NormanPublicSchools on April 30 at 5 p.m. We are excited to honor our outstanding educators and hope you will join us from the comfort of your own home.

School Counselors: As a reminder, our school counselors remain available to serve our students. Please remember that there are a variety of resources available to students and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma. Also, we encourage you to help keep our students safe by anonymously reporting abuse, suicide risks, bullying and more to Norman Crimestoppers at 405-366-STOP or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/1323.

Summer School: We have updated information about summer school, which can be found on our website. Elementary summer school is offered free of charge to students who meet specific eligibility criteria and are invited by their teachers to attend. We also offer two online summer school options for high school students. Click here for more information, or contact your school principal or counselor with questions.

We continue to update answers to commonly asked questions about school closures at www.normanpublicschools.org/health. You can also find detailed information about distance learning at www.normanpublicschools.org/distancelearning, including information about free home internet offers and who to contact with questions about technology. As a reminder, the last day of instruction is May 13. And there’s still time to complete the 2020 Census, which provides funding for our schools. You can take the Census online by clicking here, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support our students during this incredibly difficult time. My heart remains heavy for our students – especially our seniors – and also for so many families who are suffering from the devastating impacts of the coronavirus. But my optimism is unwavering and I am confident our students will persevere as we continue to support them together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Current as of April 24, 2020

We are two weeks into distance learning and I continue to be impressed with the ingenuity of our teachers and students. While we would certainly rather be in our school buildings, it is inspiring to see the creative ways they connect with each other and we have found several positive innovations we can carry forward.

Mental Health Resources: That said, we know this continues to be a difficult time for many. Our school counselors remain available to serve our students. Please remember that there are a variety of resources available to students and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma. Also, we encourage you to help keep our students safe by anonymously reporting abuse, suicide risks, bullying and more to Norman Crimestoppers at 405-366-STOP or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/1323.

Student Meals: We will continue to provide free meals for students in need. In fact, we provided more than 65,000 meals this week alone. Families who are picking up food next week are encouraged to use the links below to indicate the date and school site where you will pick up next week’s meals. This allows our child nutrition team to plan adequate meals for each site. Please visit www.normanpublicschools.org/health and click on Student Meals for more information.

• Monday, April 20 – four children or less per vehicle
• Tuesday, April 21 – four children or less per vehicle
• Families with five or more children click here to place order

While we have provided weekly meals for our students in need, there are many who rely on the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma‘s Food for Kids backpack program to provide meals to get them through the weekend. I want to recognize the teachers, administrators and staff who packaged these meals, as well as our transportation team who delivered them to more than 500 students in need.

Senior Celebrations: I also want to thank those who have stepped in to help make our seniors feel loved. From adopt-a-senior campaigns on social media to signs placed at our high schools, it is clear that our community is rallying around these special students in unique and creative ways. We are excited to launch our Senior Spotlight campaign and we continue to work hard to plan meaningful experiences for our seniors as the year comes to an end. More information will be provided by high school principals at the appropriate time.

We continue to update answers to commonly asked questions about school closures at www.normanpublicschools.org/health. You can also find detailed information about distance learning at www.normanpublicschools.org/distancelearning, including information about free home internet offers and who to contact with questions about technology. As a reminder, the last day of instruction is May 13. And there’s still time to complete the 2020 Census, which provides funding for our schools. You can take the Census online by clicking here, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail.

Social distancing is hard; there’s no doubt about it. But right now, it is critical that we stay the course to protect each other and our loved ones. So many people are suffering in our community and it will take all of us to stand in unity to support those in need. This will not last forever and there are better days ahead. Norman is a strong community and we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Current as of April 17, 2020

NPS Parents,

Our first week of distance learning is complete and I could not be more proud of our educators, administrators and staff who worked so hard to make this happen. If you stop to think about it, these passionate professionals implemented a distance learning program in a matter of days. And while this approach to learning is not ideal, I know our students will benefit from the tremendous amount of effort that went into providing lessons that will help them maintain and enhance their academic knowledge.

That said, we understand distance learning can be overwhelming. Parents have many responsibilities and added pressures during this incredibly difficult and unprecedented time. As we tell our students, just do your best and ask questions if you have them. Take a deep breath and rest assured that this is a temporary situation. Give yourself grace and be patient, keeping in mind that school closures have completely upended your child’s routine and this causes students to react in very different ways. Remember that our educators stand ready to help so please do not hesitate to reach out to them.

Student Meals: We have made some adjustments to our student meal service to streamline meal pickup. Beginning next week, weekly meals for up to four children per vehicle will be distributed in the car lines of our traditional school sites on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families who have more than four children should pre-order the meals and must pick them up at the NPS Central Kitchen, located at 111 N. Berry, on Mondays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

As an alternative, families who cannot pick up the weekly meals on Monday at traditional school sites may pick them up Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families who cannot pick up weekly meals on Monday or Tuesday are encouraged to contact our Child Nutrition office at 405-366-5908 to make alternative arrangements. Families may only pick up weekly meals for their children one time per week. Please use the links below to indicate the date and school site where you will pick up next week’s meals. This allows our child nutrition team to plan adequate meals for each site.

• Monday, April 13 – four children or less per vehicle
• Tuesday, April 14 – four children or less per vehicle
• Families with five or more children click here to place order

Graduation: We are excited to announce that we will facilitate virtual graduation ceremonies, which will be broadcast online at 7 p.m. on the originally scheduled commencement dates and times. Norman North’s virtual commencement ceremony will be Thursday, May 21 and Norman High’s will be Friday, May 22. Please look for communication from high school principals about how to participate in these events. We will provide additional information about these ceremonies soon.

Additionally, I remain committed to providing a traditional, in-person graduation at a later date. I know this is a difficult year for seniors and we will do everything we can to celebrate these students and make sure they know how proud of them we truly are. Parents and/or students who ordered graduation items can pick them up in a drive-through fashion according to the following schedule:

• Norman North – April 15 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
• Norman High – April 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I also want to encourage you all to take the 2020 Census. As you know the Census is integral to the distribution of more than a trillion dollars in federal funding. Ensuring that you—and everyone in your household—is counted not only helps NPS get the federal funding it needs, but also helps Norman as a whole get funding for things like roads, health care and many more vital public services. You can take the Census online by clicking here, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail.

We continue to update answers to commonly asked questions about school closures at www.normanpublicschools.org/health. You can also find detailed information about distance learning at www.normanpublicschools.org/distancelearning, including information about free home internet offers and who to contact with questions about technology. As a reminder, the last day of instruction is May 13.

My heart continues to be with so many people who are suffering as a result of this horrible virus. These are certainly trying times but I remain optimistic and focused on providing academic resources that will serve our students now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Current as of April 10, 2020

NPS Parents,

It has certainly been a long week. Rest assured that our curriculum staff, principals and teachers have been hard at work preparing for distance learning, which begins Monday.

Starting next week, teachers will reach out to their students to provide enrichment opportunities specific to their class. Parents are also encouraged to also take advantage of the grade-level resources on the NPS Distance Learning Dashboard to provide additional education opportunities for their children. Families who do not have internet will receive a menu of learning opportunities mailed to their home. The last day of instruction for this school year will be Wednesday, May 13.

Many parents have expressed concern that their student may fall behind during distance learning. Please keep in mind that students across the nation and around the world are dealing with school closures during this global pandemic. Our teachers are professionals in their field and stand ready to help your child during – and after – school closures. They continue to be your child’s teacher now and will work with them through distance learning. And, when students eventually return to school, our teachers will be there to meet students where they are academically and guide their educational advancement so please do not worry.

Weekly meals for students in need will continue to be provided on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please visit www.normanpublicschools.org/health and complete the forms located in the Student Meals section to help our Child Nutrition team plan accordingly. Families who cannot pick up student meals on Monday can do so on Tuesday. Families who are not able to pick up meals Monday or Tuesday can call 405-366-5908 to make alternative arrangements. As I have shared before, I am incredibly proud of our Child Nutrition team members for their continued commitment to ensure our students are fed despite schools being closed.

Student safety continues to be our top priority, even during school closures. That is why all playgrounds located at our school sites have been closed to comply with local orders and prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can also help keep students safe by anonymously reporting abuse, suicide risks, bullying, drugs, guns, threats and more by calling Norman Crimestoppers at 405-366-STOP or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/1323.

Students who have musical instruments at school can expect to receive more information next week about how and when the instruments can be retrieved. Our Fine Arts team has been working to create a plan that ensures the safety of all involved.

Another very important item is the 2020 Census, which I encourage you to complete during school closures. When you submit the census for your household, you help ensure that our public schools receive federal funding and that the local community gets the resources it needs for hospitals, roads, public services and more. You can take it online, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mail. The Census only comes around every 10 years so it is critical that everyone completes it to ensure public services receive adequate federal funding. Learn more at www.2020census.gov.

Moving forward, you will receive more frequent communication from your child’s principals and teachers. However, I will continue to keep you informed with weekly district-level updates. As a reminder, answers to questions about graduation, yearbooks, grades, testing, and many other issues surrounding COVID-19 are available at www.normanpublicschools.org/health.

My heart is with those who are suffering in our community as a result of this horrible virus. So many of you also work on the front lines and continue to put your own health at risk to serve and care for others. On behalf of everyone at Norman Public Schools, we thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Current as of April 3, 2020

Please follow the link to watch Dr. Migliorino’s video describing the impact of the uncertainty the district is facing, and he shares inspiring words to students and parents, faculty and staff.

https://youtu.be/NkmGbmlabZY

March 25, 2020

Greetings NPS Parents,

The State Board of Education today voted to close school buildings across Oklahoma and transition to distance learning for the remainder of this school year. They made this decision to comply with state and federal social distancing requirements and prevent further spread of COVID-19.

It is important to point out that “distance learning” does not necessarily mean “online learning,” as we are aware there are many families without access to the internet. Our curriculum team continues to work diligently on a student-centered framework that will outline enrichment activities and opportunities for students to maintain and enhance their academic skills in creative ways. You can expect to receive detailed information from your child’s school about the distance-learning education plan at some point within the next two weeks.

We also do not want you to feel additional pressure during this already difficult time. The distance-learning plan will be strongly encouraged to help your student continue their academic progress. However, student grades have been frozen, which means they will not decrease as a result of school closures. We understand distance learning is not ideal when compared to traditional, in-person instruction. But we are doing our best to adjust and adapt during a global pandemic that has resulted in a national emergency. And we will get through this.

I understand and agree with the State Department of Education’s decision to close schools to protect the health and safety of our students, families, staff members and the greater community. But it doesn’t make it any easier to emotionally process this new, but temporary, reality. I empathize with so many of you who have expressed concern about your child’s academic progress and missed milestones. It is not fair. It is not easy. But we must continue forward.

My heart is heavy for our high school seniors who have experienced their last time in a teacher’s classroom, at a fine arts performance or an athletic event. And so many other students who, when they return to school, will be in a new grade or at a new school building altogether. I am absolutely heartbroken over this. That said, one of our core values is optimism, and we must choose to focus on things we can control. At some point, we will provide an opportunity for seniors to participate in a traditional, in-person graduation ceremony. I do not know when this will be, as I cannot predict how the coronavirus outbreak will unfold. But rest assured that we are working on this and will share details when they are available.

In closing, this morning I recorded a message that I wanted to share with you, which is linked below. This continues to be a difficult time. But this “new normal” is temporary, and I am confident we will get through this if we show compassion for others and continue to work together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Letter from March 12, 2020

Greetings NPS Parents,

We are aware of and understand the growing concern regarding the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has stated that, at this time, schools should plan to remain open following Spring Break.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance outlined by local and state officials as the situation evolves. We have also taken additional preventative measures, such as canceling all out-of-state travel for school-sanctioned events. Additionally, the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) has postponed all state basketball tournaments and playoff-level music contests for this weekend.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and we encourage you to stay connected over the break by checking for district updates in your email or online at www.normanpublicschools.org/health as we will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Current as of March 12, 2020

Letter from March 10, 2020:

Greetings NPS Parents,

I understand that many of you have questions and concerns regarding developments surrounding the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and working diligently to ensure that we are prepared for every contingency. We are also following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health and are in frequent communication with local health officials.

Information for travelers

We understand many families have plans to travel during Spring Break. We are following guidance provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education with regard to travel. Therefore, individuals returning from a Level 2 or 3 country as identified by CDC must self-quarantine upon return for a period of 14 days before returning to school. This applies to all students, teachers and other school or district staff. Please refer frequently to the CDC Travelers’ Guidance as countries may be elevated to Level 2 or 3 at any time. Travelers returning from Level 2 or 3 countries should:

• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period.
• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
• Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
• Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).

Our faculty will work remotely with your children to help them remain current in their studies during such time. After the 14-day period, if your child is symptom free, they may return to school. We recognize that attendance is important, however, we are discouraging attendance-based incentives at schools and will be as flexible as possible with regard to student absences. We will work with individual families as needed on how to handle these excused absences, exemptions, etc.

Additionally, we encourage individuals who plan to travel to other international locations, or to areas within the United States that have a large number of COVID-19 cases, to carefully watch for signs of the virus. We also encourage you to consider a voluntary self-quarantine for 14 days upon return if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

Preventative measures in schools

Several preventative measures have already been put in place in our schools. Many of these processes are also implemented annually during cold and flu season. We have:

• Increased the frequency of custodial cleaning at all school sites, focusing on common hand-touch areas and high-traffic locations
• Deployed new, highly effective electrostatic cleaning sprayers – used most often by the healthcare industry – to safely clean surfaces in schools.
• Installed additional hand sanitizing stations throughout school facilities
• Continued to routinely clean and disinfect school buses and activity vehicles
• Encouraged staff and students who are ill to stay home
• Continued to monitor daily flu counts, which continue to decline
• Separated students who present flu-like symptoms from others while they wait to be picked up

If local health officials recommend school closings, it is our intention to continue to provide services for students to the extent possible. We have been working diligently to develop contingency plans should school closings occur and we will communicate details of such plans if they become necessary.

Personal prevention measures

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever (100.4 F or greater), cough and shortness of breath. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. As a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
• Immediately throw used tissues into the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

If a staff member or student has been exposed to COVID-19, call ahead before visiting your physician and contact the Cleveland County Health Department at (405) 794-1591.

CDC resources

• CDC – Coronavirus Information
• CDC – Guidance for Travelers
• CDC – COVID-19 and Children
• CDC – What to Do if You are Sick

Once again, I understand that there are concerns and questions regarding this topic. We will continue to monitor developments regarding the virus and will keep you informed. I appreciate your help and cooperation in our efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19. For more information about our student health policies and procedures, visit www.normanpublicschools.org/health.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Current as of March 10, 2020