Hennessey not delaying the start of school could benefit students down the road, according to Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods.

“I hope I’m wrong, but I think there’s a potential for us to be shut down (due to COVID-19),” said Woods after Thursday night’s board meeting (Ed. note: See related story on Page 1 of this edition).

He worries it could even be tragic deaths that cause state schools to close. “A lot of people have

“A lot of people have complained about us starting early (which is Hennessey’s usual time),” said Woods, “but I think there is going to be a huge spike when Oklahoma City and Putnam City and others start later.

“I think that’s going to give us leverage since our kids and teachers will be used to using technology by then,” he said in a one-onone talk with the KT&FP. The district is now requiring everyone to wear a mask “where appropriate,” and that includes classrooms and hallways.

There are times when you have “some risks for the reward,” Woods said, such as in reading classes.

Enrollment for the Early Childhood Center is down, he said, but had no numbers.

“Parents may not want their 4-year-olds to be exposed to other children,” Woods said.

There have been years when Hennessey turned away Pre-k-age children due to a limit of 60.

Even if they aren’t enrolled “I think they will eventually show up... Thursday is going to be a busy day.”

He said they’ve had inquiries for both blended (on-site and virtual) classes and so far one or two in each grade who want total virtual.

Low enrollment was anticipated because there were no “Meet the Teacher” or other events to encourage parents and since enrollment is online there are some who aren’t able to do that, he said.

“If they’d just call us, we could get them enrolled.”

Call 405-853-4321 for enrollment, or email Renee Curry (recurry@hps.k12.ok.us).

Woods also asks for parents with questions or comments to email him: mwoods@hps.k12.ok.us.