In the wake of the school closings due to the coronavirus, districts have taken on a number of challenges.

Okarche Board of Education President Stephanie Jeffrey recently wrote the following letter to patrons in that school district:

Dear Okarche Public School Patrons,

We have just completed our first two weeks of a new and unexpected experience for Oklahoma students, teachers, school staff and parents.

Although we did not anticipate ending the year this way, I am proud of the distance learning plan Okarche Public School has developed to allow students to learn from home.

We know this change is difficult and there is sadness about missing or delaying special events and activities. During this time, students and their families can count on Okarche Schools to support them, both academically and emotionally.

While this health crisis has presented many challenges, it also has given us opportunities to help one another. In the last two weeks, the district’s child nutrition team has been serving meals to any local children who need or want a meal.

The school has also agreed to donate much-needed supplies to the local police and fire departments if needed.

Additionally, our staff completed the massive task of developing a distance learning plan in just a matter of days. On behalf of the board and our community, I commend and thank all school employees for their hard work and commitment.

Okarche Public School has an incredible team.

The next few weeks will unveil a temporary new normal for us all.

Kitchen tables will double as classroom/office spaces, and our world will be limited to the walls of our own homes. I would like to thank parents for working with the district to make this work in a positive manner.

While they will be assisting their children in person, they will not be alone. Teachers will be just a phone call, email or videoconference away.

We are fortunate to serve a community that values public education and understands that flexibility is necessary to meet the needs of all students. A school is not a building; it is a family of caring, knowledgeable professionals making a difference for students every day.

Our district is home to the best, and with your help we will finish the school year in a strong way.

Thank you for your support of Okarche Public School.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Jeffrey

President, Okarche

Board of Education