NPS Parent Newsletter

Thanksgiving break is upon us and as we prepare for a holiday I know there are some questions about the remainder of our semester. At this time, nothing has changed with regard to our in-person learning plan. As long as Cleveland County remains below the red level on the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Alert System, we will continue with in-person learning.

A lot of people have asked why we follow the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Alert System. If there was one thing we heard from all of our stakeholders, it was the cry for consistency in our decision-making model, which is why earlier this fall, the Norman Board of Education voted to follow the Oklahoma COVID-19 Alert System. This provides consistency for students, teachers and families as we continue offering in-person learning unless the system indicates Cleveland County to be in the red level. While the Oklahoma State Department of Health is the source of data used by all other entities in our state, we also work closely with the Cleveland County Health Department and the Norman Regional Health System to monitor local data and keep a very close eye on new cases and quarantines in our schools to ensure we can make site-specific decisions for our staff and students.

At this time, we do not expect Cleveland County to reach the red level next week. However, that could certainly change, which is why for the past several weeks, we have worked with site principals and teacher advisory groups to develop plans should this occur. The most important thing to know is that if Cleveland County is listed as red, we will transition to districtwide remote learning the following Monday. We will certainly let you know if this occurs.

It’s been a long eight months. But during that time, I have not lost confidence in our educators nor in our ability to work together to accomplish great things, regardless of the circumstances. I hope as we continue to work through this complicated school year, we will all make a conscious effort to extend grace to those around us.

This Thanksgiving season (and every day) I’m filled with gratitude for all the wonderful teachers and staff that are working tirelessly to ensure our students have the opportunity to learn as safely as possible. If you have the opportunity, please reach out to your teachers and school staff and let them know how much you appreciate them. It goes a long way.

Please take care, stay safe and find new ways to safely enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones this year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

The Norman Public School District follows the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Alert System. Our school district is located in Cleveland County. At this time, we do not expect Cleveland County to reach the red level next week. However, that could certainly change, which is why for the past several weeks, we have worked with site principals and teacher advisory groups to develop plans should this occur.

If Cleveland County is listed as red, we will transition to districtwide remote learning the following Monday. On the first day of remote learning, students would follow the educational plan provided by their teacher, then follow the remote learning schedule for the remainder of the week. When Cleveland County is no longer red, students would remain in remote learning the first week following the announcement. Students who are enrolled in the traditional learning option would return to in-person learning the following week.

The weekly report includes new, confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported during the previous Saturday through Friday. Isolation and quarantine information is also included. Isolation and quarantine numbers include those who tested positive and are in isolation, as well as those who are in quarantine due to close contact with a positive case, regardless of where the exposure occurred. The report is posted each Monday when school is in session.

You can find complete COVID-19 information, including safeguards in place at schools, quarantine and testing protocols, district case totals and more by clicking the link below.

We are delighted to share that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the free meal program. School breakfasts and lunches are free to ALL students, and to anyone 18-years-old or younger (effective September 2020 through August 2021, or until funds for the program are depleted). Norman Public Schools also will continue to offer meals to any child 18-years-old or younger during remote learning.

Weekly meal packs have also been enhanced to include weekend meals. Additionally, students who are enrolled in traditional learning may pick up free meals for the weekend. Click below for details.

Guest Teachers are more important now than ever, which is why we have increased the pay rate for guest teachers. Beginning in December, certified guest teachers will earn $100 a day and non-certified guest teachers will earn $85 a day. Learn more below.

Congratulations to Norman High's, Tauri Sims on being named the Oklahoma Art Educators Association Art Educator of the Year for the Secondary Level! Our Tigers are so fortunate to have an educator of Tauri's caliber to learn from every day. Watch below to see what makes Tauri such a spectacular educator and why we're so proud of her!

Bond projects across the district continue full steam ahead! We recently hosted our beam signing event for the Nancy O'Brian Center for the Performing Arts in preparation for our topping out ceremony. Exciting things are happening all across the district! Additional information about bond projects can be found at www.normanpublicschools.org/bond.

The Norman Public School District has partnered with the Norman Police Department on a new safety tip line. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. See something? Hear something? SAY SOMETHING! Call Norman Crimestoppers at 405-366-STOP or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/1323 to anonymously report abuse, bullying, drugs, guns, suicide risks, threats and more. Also, download the free P3 Tips app on your Apple or Android device.

November 23-27

No School - Thanksgiving Break

Monday, Dec. 7

Norman Board of Education Meeting - 6 p.m. - Administrative Services Center

Dec. 21 - Jan. 5

No School - Winter Break

Mission: Prepare and inspire all students to achieve their full potential.

Values: Integrity | Inclusiveness | Collaboration | Optimism

Email: normanpublicschools@norman.k12.ok.us
Website: normanpublicschools.org
Location: 131 South Flood Avenue, Norman, OK, United States
Facebook: facebook.com/normanpublicschools
Twitter: @NormanSchools