Alva classrooms will be empty for the remainder of the school year following a ruling from the Oklahoma State School Board Wednesday.
Wednesday morning the Oklahoma State School Board unanimously approved an order that implements a Distance Learning Plan to complete the 2019-20 school year without reopening school buildings.
In anticipation of this action on Monday, Alva Schools Superintendent Tim Argo posted a letter on the district's website. He wrote, "We understand this recommendation is in the best interest of everyone's health, which is our greatest priority as a district. If approved, this also means that all extracurricular activities and special events will be canceled as well. Making these difficult decisions, we believe, is simply the right thing to do for our students, our staff and our community."
He reassured parents and students at when classes resume April 6, the school will be ready. "Alva Public Schools is developing a plan to ensure your child will continue to have opportunities to learn and to grow academically, especially with parental support. Alva Public Schools will spend the next two weeks planning for this effort and will share details with your family as soon as they are available. Teachers and support staff members will hear from their principals soon as they gather input regarding the next phase of the school closure," he wrote.
As students realize they won't be participating in expected spring school events and sports, they will experience a range of feelings. Supt. Argo wrote, "Please give them a safe place to express their feelings and to vent about the changes in their life. For our seniors and their parents, we know it is an especially difficult time. We will do everything possible to ensure their efforts are recognized and celebrated in special and unique ways. This is an unfair situation, but please reassure them that it does not diminish their achievements. In fact, it will become one more example of how they demonstrated their strength as Goldbugs."
The school district website (alvaschools.com) and Facebook page will be updated with information and resources. This includes information about free breakfasts and lunches for students under age 18.
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