BAPS to delay start of school year by two weeks
Broken Arrow Public Schools has decided to push back the start of the 2020-21 academic school year by two weeks to continue monitoring COVID-19 data within our school boundaries, as determined by local and state health departments.
The first day of school is now Sept. 3 for grades K-12 and Sept. 8 for Pre-K. All back-to-school events, such as Meet Your Teacher, will be carried out as planned but with a two-week delay. Should these dates change for any reason, families will be notified as soon as possible.
“As we continue making data-driven decisions, we will utilize the extra two weeks before school starts to focus on protocol, planning and preparation,” Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Janet Vinson said. “During this time, district administrators and staff will receive additional training on proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques; will be able to adjust and plan for a possible staggered schedule or distance learning situation, should the need arise; and to prepare our Virtual Academy for the 5,000+ students who have already enrolled in the program.”
Additionally, the deadline to enroll students in the Virtual Academy was extended to Aug. 19 by 5 p.m. in an effort to assist more parents and students with the right choice for their academic needs.
“While I know this has been a difficult time as we head into the new school year, we want to thank our parents and students for being patient as we strive to provide the safest environment for our students and staff,” Vinson said. “We know these changes may pose additional questions or concerns, but please know our team is working around the clock to ensure the best outcome for as many people as possible. Your flexibility and empathy are crucial to everyone’s success.”
Broken Arrow Public Schools works in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to determine risk assessment and levels of COVID-19 infection rate, taking into account 7-day rolling averages and daily ZIP code-based data to better serve the public’s safety needs.
“Our focus on education and development will not be tempered as we strive to find innovative ways to mold and shape our students in these unprecedented times,” Vinson said. “With this being a community and public health issue, we can only be responsible for educating students and keeping staff and students safe. Although we did not create this pandemic, we will do everything possible to mitigate further spread and avoid putting our students and staff in harm’s way.”
Employees should expect to receive a new work schedule from the human resources department within the coming days.
More information will be provided at the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed via the district’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/baschools.
FAQs:
What is the difference between distance learning and the Virtual Academy?
Distance learning is temporary and is only used as seen necessary by district leadership. During distance learning, students will use Canvas (our online learning platform), Zoom meetings and other modes of learning provided by their regular classroom teacher. When these students aren’t in distance learning, they are in their school building with their teacher and peers. During distance learning, your child will attend school in-person once it is safe to do so and the district can transition out of distance learning.
Virtual Academy is a semester commitment for secondary students and a trimester commitment for elementary students. Students will complete assignments and practice skills using online courseware created by district adopted vendors and will be assigned to a Virtual Academy teacher. Parents must enroll their student in this option by visiting www.baschools.org/virtualacademy. The deadline was extended until 5 p.m. on Aug. 19. Those parents who completed the Virtual Academy form online will receive information regarding Virtual curriculum within the coming weeks. Rest assured that your child IS enrolled and that you may not receive a confirmation email.
What will be the difference between distance learning that students experienced in spring 2020 and distance learning for the 2020-21 school year?
During distance learning in the spring 2020, the Oklahoma State Department of Education provided strict guidance on the type and amount of time allowed for instructional activities. There was an emphasis on maintaining and deepening existing skills and content, while introducing key concepts and skills from fourth quarter curriculum.
For the 2020-21 school year, distance learning will look different should we need to utilize. Teachers will present new content using a variety of methods, while also coordinating instructional activities, assessments and grades. All distance learning experiences will be created by Broken Arrow teachers.