Parents,

Thank you for your incredible support and patience during the past two weeks. I understand the situation has not been easy. However, the support many of you have shown our teachers is unmatched, and it is truly an honor to serve this community.

Partnerships have always been a cornerstone of our success, and this has been on display for all to see as our community worked together to support our teachers and students. It is important to recognize the United Way of Norman, their partner agencies and the faith-based community for their work to coordinate efforts and mobilize volunteers while schools were closed. We also appreciate Sodexo for providing hot meals for students and the City of Norman for providing free transportation. There are countless others who stepped in to assist during an incredibly difficult time.

It was also heartening to see how parents across the community united to stand with our educators. From early morning send-offs and lunch tents at the State Capitol to flowers and evening meals for teachers, the amount of respect, admiration and trust shown to our teachers was astounding.

While closing schools was not ideal, I applaud our educators for what they have accomplished. In less than two weeks, they secured more funding for public schools than we have been able to do in more than 10 years. They truly have the best interest of your children at heart each and every day.

The funding gains are a critical first step, but it will take time and advocacy to continue the momentum and fully fund public schools. Parents are the loudest voice, and I encourage you to continue visiting the Capitol, meeting with legislators and sharing your thoughts and opinions on issues surrounding school funding. Our students’ future depends on it.

Please carefully review the information below regarding important changes as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Superintendent

Norman Public Schools

Information current as of Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR REVISIONS

As a result of being closed for two weeks, school districts across the state are required to adjust their academic calendar. According to state law, schools must provide 1,080 hours of instructional time. To comply, we have elected to add 30 minutes to remaining school days and extend the school calendar to Thursday, May 31.

Adjusted schedules were based on many factors, some of which include transportation times for young children who are already at bus stops very early and high school students who may have employment obligations after school. We understand that many students have activities outside of school and families have planned vacations or prior commitments at the end of the year. Our goal is to be as flexible as possible. If you have previously scheduled conflicts after Memorial Day, please work directly with administrators at your child’s school to discuss your family’s specific needs.



Changes to the daily schedule outlined below will begin Monday, April 23. The last day of school will be Thursday, May 31.



Elementary Schools

School hours: 7:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m

Morning Pre-K: 7:40 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.

Afternoon Pre-K: 12:15 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Extended Day BBA Sites: 7:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

*Student lunch schedules will remain the same



Middle Schools

School hours: 8:25 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*Principals will share revised lunch schedules soon



High Schools

School hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.

Zero Hour: 7:35 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.

*Principals will share revised lunch schedules soon



Dimensions North

School hours: 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

*Student lunch schedules will remain the same



Dimensions South

School hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

*Student lunch schedules will remain the same



BUS ROUTES

Bus routes will be adjusted according to the revised schedule. Buses will arrive at stops about 10 minutes earlier each morning, and students will be dropped off 20 minutes later in the afternoon. We anticipate delays as students and families adjust to the new transportation schedules. Thank you in advance for your patience.



TESTING SCHEDULES

The Oklahoma State Department of Education granted an extension for testing schedules, which has allowed us to provide transitional time for students as they return to the classroom. Assessment schedules will be determined by individual schools, and no state tests will be administered prior to Wednesday, April 18.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

Commencement ceremonies will proceed as scheduled.



SUMMER SCHOOL

The only adjustment to the summer school schedule is that elementary students will now begin Tuesday, June 5.