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Update from Superintendent Dr. Janet Dunlop, March 27

March 27, 2020

We know this is a time of great stress. Although our district will operate differently for the remainder of the school year, we are in this together. My heart is breaking for our educators and students, especially our seniors, who will not be returning to their classrooms or participating in end-of-year events. I remain hopeful though. I know we will finish the year as strong as we always do. It will just be done in a different way.

Beginning April 6, our district will utilize distance learning methods, as mandated by the state. We are confident our creative educators and administrators will do everything in their power to continue connecting with Broken Arrow students in new, innovative ways.

What does this mean for our students and staff? 

Academics

Broken Arrow Public Schools will utilize distance learning methods in which students complete coursework at home. We are working hard to support our students in preparation for at-home learning, but we will also need your help in ensuring your children are prepared to participate in the educational activities provided to them. 

Students in Pre-K through fifth grade will receive assignments from their teachers via email. Students in grades 6 through 12 will utilize their Google Chromebooks to finish required assignments. For our English Learners and special education students, teachers will provide separate or modified assignments if needed for these students who receive various services.

We understand some homes may have limited internet access and will be in need of hard copies of the assignments. Our principals will provide teachers, students and parents more information regarding instruction and all pertinent details in the upcoming week. 

Please rest assured that your student’s teacher and principal will be in contact with you by April 6, so all students will be ready once we begin distance learning.

Last Day of School

Last night, the Broken Arrow Board of Education approved the amendment of the 2019-20 instructional calendar to authorize the last day of instruction to occur from May 8 to May 22. This will provide flexibility to allow teachers to work with students who are struggling to meet standards, as our goal is that all students are successful using the virtual format. In layman’s terms, all students will have an end date of May 8 unless teachers feel the need to continue working with students individually who are struggling, in which case their last day might be May 22.

Employees 

We are forever grateful for the number of ways our Broken Arrow family always comes together to take care of one another, especially during difficult times like these. An email was sent yesterday that outlined expectations and information regarding payroll for support employees. Should you have specific questions, please contact your immediate supervisor. And please don’t forget – you are truly valued.

Extracurricular Activities and Events

Unfortunately, all athletics, extracurricular activities and student/staff events are officially canceled for the remainder of the year with no plans to reschedule. This includes Broken Arrow High School graduation at the BOK Center, the Star Gala, Pinnacle Awards, Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center events, etc. However, we are determined to virtually honor and celebrate our seniors, teachers of the year, support employees of the year, retirees and service award recipients. So please make sure you are following our social media accounts to help us congratulate our amazing students and staff.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Seniors and Graduation

To the Class of 2020 and their parents:

My heart is broken. I wish circumstances were different and that we could proudly celebrate your accomplishments in person. However, your health and wellbeing are my top priorities. I know you’ve worked so hard for last 12 years of your life to walk across that graduation stage, proudly wearing your gold and black. I realize we will never be able to bring back your last weeks as a senior at Broken Arrow High School. And I understand your end-of-school activities aren’t how you imagined.

But I also know about your strength and tenacity. Yes, graduation will look different this year, but the message remains the same – you earned this. Although it won’t be held at the BOK Center, we are diligently working on ways to virtually honor and celebrate your accomplishments, and we promise to do everything in our power to still make it special.

It is my hope that you’ll always remember that your Class is one to be remembered. Your Class will be in the history books. Your Class will NEVER be forgotten. So stand tall, students, and know we are so proud of you!

If you have questions regarding cap and gowns or yearbook distribution, please be patient with us as we strive to find solutions. We will communicate with our seniors as soon as we have concrete answers.  

Child Nutrition

Over the past week, our child nutrition team distributed more than 5,000 meals to children in our community. You read that right - OVER 5,000 MEALS! Please give our child nutrition department a virtual round of applause for working hard to keep our children fed in a manner that is safe and effective.

Our district WILL continue providing free grab-and-go meals for students 18 and under while our school buildings are closed. View locations and times.

Children must be present to receive a meal, which will include lunch for the day and breakfast for the next morning. We are encouraging ALL families to remain in their cars, if possible. 

Student Medications

We understand that due to this unplanned closure of school buildings, some families may have left their child’s medications in the school clinic. Please contact your school principal for more information on how to obtain medications. As always, we will act out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health.

Employee and Student Personal Items

As Broken Arrow Public Schools has closed school buildings, we understand there may be employees or students who need to enter the buildings to gather important items, including technology, band instruments, athletic equipment, supplies, etc. Please know our team is working to create a schedule for you to safely pick up items. We will contact you as soon as a plan is in place.

Additional Learning Resources for Students

Our wonderful instructional team is preparing an ongoing list of additional learning resources for our students. The list can be found below.

ABCmouse (Grades PreK-2)

Adventure Academy (Grades 3-8)

ReadingIQ (Grades PreK-6)

PebbleGo (Grades K-3)

PebbleGo Next: (Grades 3-5)

Capstone Interactive eBooks: (3,000+ titles)

Additionally, Oklahoma’s educational public TV network, OETA, will broadcast instructional daytime programming for the state’s Pre-K through 12 students. 

I know this is a tough time for our community, state and nation. There are a lot of unknowns right now, but one thing is for certain – we will get through this together, as a Broken Arrow family. Keep in mind that we are only five days in to the closure, and we have many moving parts to manage. If you have questions that weren’t answered above, please be patient with us as we continue to gather information and provide the very best solutions possible.

We ask that you continue to monitor your email and visit the district website and social media channels for regular updates. Additionally, please expect another update from me by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30.

I truly thank you for your flexibility and support as we continue to navigate uncharted territory.

Sincerely,

Dr. Janet Dunlop
Superintendent of Schools