Ponca City Superintendent Shelley Arrott released her weekly video on Monday afternoon regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the public school district.

“As most are aware, the school board approved safety protocols which includes the mandate of face coverings,” said Arrott.

“The state alert system is updated every week and our learning update is based on that,” said Arrott. “It is based on the number of new cases per day in a 7-day rolling period for each county.”

There are currently four levels ranging from green, yellow, two orange levels and a red level.

“As of July 30, our risk level for Kay County was updated to 9.38. What that means is that there are 9.38 new cases on an average rolling day period for the previous week.”

Arrott said July 8 was the first set of data and Kay County had a risk level of 4.53. “On July 30 it was at 5.50, on July 23 the risk level was 5.82 and last week it was 9.38 so we had a significant jump.”

“Many of you are seeing schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa that have decided to go completely online for the first semester.

“Please understand that their risk level is much greater than we are right now. They are in the orange level 1 and level 2 areas,” said Arrott. “With our risk level I would encourage you to avoid large public events. We want to keep this risk level low so we can start school.”

Arrott said she will give an update every Monday. “We will keep you informed and educated and make sure you know our latest decisions.”

On Tuesday, Arrott said the last day to enroll in Virtual Academy Learning Options 2 and 3 is the end of the day on Thursday, Aug. 6.

“Once school begins we will allow parents to switch learning options once throughout the first semester; however, we must confirm our numbers for staffing before school starts,” said Arrott.

The application may be found at www.pcps.us, click on Parents & Students, then click on PCVA Option 2 and 3 Application. The application may be printed, completed, and then sent via email to the address on the application until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday or it may be dropped off at the Administration Office at 613 E. Grand during business hours.

If you prefer, the Registration Center will be open Thursday, August 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. if you would like help from staff members. Please feel free to call 580-767-8000 with questions or support.

“Whatever is your option, we have a preference for you. We are here to serve students, our parents and the community.”