Jenks Parents Weigh In On Return To In-Person Classes

Parents of students at Jenks Public Schools spoke up at a board meeting with their thoughts on the school year so far.

The district returned to all-day at-school learning last Thursday, except for those students enrolled in blended learning or the all-virtual Trojan Connect Program.

Jenks School leaders said last week that decision was based on a whole range of data and information. Some parents said they're concerned about their kids' health in the classroom but hope the semester goes smoothly.

Lauren Cross is a parent of two kids now doing in-person classes at Jenks.

She said their family is doing the best they can every day, doing things like physical distancing and washing hands.

"Trying to keep our community safe and still be in the classroom," Cross said.

Cross said they would've liked to be in distance learning a little bit longer, but said her kids are excited to be back in class.

"You know, their friends are, and they can learn better, both of them learn better," Cross said.

Jenks School leaders said the decision to pivot to in-person school on September 10 was based on a lot of different data.

They said their process also included reviewing recommendations and guidance from experts, and lessons other districts learned when they transitioned to in-person learning.

"We would urge people to have some flexibility, some adaptability, to understand how difficult these decisions are in a district of 12,000 students and 10 different sites, and that there's layers there,” Communications Director Rob Loeber said. “These things are not easy for our leaders, and our administration, and we fully understand there are people affected both ways.”

"We all need to have grace toward one another right now. We're all learning how to maneuver in a pandemic, all of us, and so I believe they're doing the very best they can," Cross said.

The district said they don't have a set rubric to determine the closure of a room, grade, school, or the district.