BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Broken Arrow Public Schools announced changes to the way students will be learning when they return from Thanksgiving break at the end of November.

The district is breaking up its in-person learning between age groups, sending some students home for the latter half of December that leads into their next holiday break.

Here is the plan announced by the district on Friday:

Students in grades Pre-K through 5

· In-Person Learning: Nov. 30 to Dec.11 unless a site-specific building closure occurs

· Distance Learning: Dec. 14 to Dec. 18

Students in grades 6 through 12

· Distance Learning: Nov. 30 to Dec. 11

· In-Person Learning: Dec. 14 to Dec. 18 unless a site-specific building closure occurs

Winter break will take place Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 for students.

“The ZIP codes within our district are continuing to experience a significant rise in COVID-19 numbers, which means we are seeing an increasing number of students, teachers and staff being impacted by the virus,” Superintendent Dr. Janet Vinson said.

“When we combine these numbers with a shortfall of substitutes, bus drivers and key personnel, we must continue to wisely utilize our resources as we try to mitigate and manage through the spread of the virus.”

Staff is expected to report to work as normal, unless under quarantine.

Child Nutrition will continue to provide free meals to students ages 1-18 during the workweek outside of closed school sites from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

If students need in-person support while distance learning, they are encouraged by the district to visit their school site or teacher at any time during normal school hours.

The district says this is “subject to change based on current data after the return from break.”

Cox Media Group