Dear Verdigris Parents and Staff:

This afternoon, the state Board of Education voted to close all Oklahoma schools, effective immediately, until at least April 6 in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. This includes Verdigris Public Schools. Additionally, there will be no school activities during this time.

While state officials mandated schools to close for two weeks following spring break, they also encouraged administrators to prepare for the possibility of longer-term closures, if it becomes necessary. At least 35 other states across the country also have made the decision to close schools statewide in the interest of public health. 

Oklahoma schools are not expected to be required to make-up the missed days. At this time, schools have been instructed by the state Department of Education not to provide online, home-based or distance learning for students.

This is an unprecedented situation, and it continues to evolve by the hour. We know this uncertainty can cause anxiety and worry, but we want to assure you that Verdigris Public Schools is doing everything possible to ensure the needs of students and employees will be met during this unique time. We will be closed for classes, but – as a district – we will continue to serve our community, while abiding by the healthy best practices that have been recommended by the CDC. Employees will receive information about their responsibilities during the school closure over the next few days.

We encourage you to comply with what health officials have recommended as well. If you can, please stay home and enjoy family time. If you must go out, please practice social distancing, allowing at least six feet between you and other individuals. If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact your medical professional or the county health department. You also can learn more about how to prevent the illness by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Communication will be key during the next two weeks. It is our hope that accurate and up-to-date correspondence will combat fear and panic, as well as help you make well-informed decisions for your family. As a district, we will be sending correspondence to you by phone and email. You also can get the latest information by visiting http://www.verdigris.k12.ok.us. There, we will be posting answers to frequently asked questions as soon as they are available, including those about child nutrition services, employee payroll, end-of-year activities and more.

For Verdigris Public Schools, there is nothing more important than the safety and health of our students, staff and community. We want you to be safe, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding. Verdigris is strong, and we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Mike Payne

Superintendent 

Below is some good information provided by travel.state.gov

As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. You can see the world at a glance on our color-coded map.

Note that conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time. To receive updated Travel Advisories and Alerts, choose the method that works best for you at travel.state.gov/stayingconnected

For more details and FAQs about our safety and security information, please see travel.state.gov/travelsafely.

The following information should have been sent home with your student on March 10, 2020.

March 9, 2020

Dear Parents and Families,

You have likely seen a lot of recent media attention on the coronavirus (COVID-19). The following information is provided to help prevent the transmission and spread of coronavirus.

The virus, like many other illnesses including the flu, is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) via coughing or sneezing. The same good health habits that prevent other viruses like the flu, also prevent the spread of coronavirus and decrease the risk of getting sick:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
• Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand), then throw tissue away and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
• Keep students home if they are running a temperature or they report not feeling well, appear weak, or ill.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you or your child has health conditions that put you or your child at increased risk.

With Spring Break coming up, we are asking that anyone who travels to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan or any other Level 2 or 3 country as identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days before returning to school. This applies to all students, teachers, and other school or district staff. Please contact site or district administration if this occurs.

Additional guidance provided to districts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Oklahoma Department of Health on prevention, planning, and how to respond to coronavirus can be found using the links below:

• • cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019/guidance-for-schools.html
• • ok.gov/health2/Coronavirus Guidance for K-12 Schools.pdf

Teachers, staff, custodians, maintenance workers, and administrators are assisting in sanitizing and disinfecting all school areas by spraying and consistently cleaning during school hours, fogging rooms and other areas after school hours, as well as monitoring and promoting good sanitary habits, including washing hands frequently. 

We all have a role to play in keeping students, staff, and families healthy and safe. You can help by staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and staying home or keeping students home if they have been running a fever or are exhibiting signs of a fever or sickness.

We are committed to keeping you informed and working with you to keep our school community safe.

Sincerely,

School is canceled tomorrow, Thursday, February 6, 2020.  Classes are canceled due to refreezing and possible hazardous driving conditions.  

Thank you,

Verdigris Public Schools

School is canceled tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5, 2020.  Classes are canceled due to possible inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions.

Buddy/Spring Pictures and class pictures (for elementary only) have been rescheduled for tomorrow, Friday, January 24, 2020.  Due to inclement weather, the photographer had to cancel on Wednesday.  Group and organization pictures will be taken for Jr. High and High School. We are sorry for the inconvenience!

Congratulations to the Verdigris High School football team.  Verdigris defeated Perkins-Tryon in the Quarter-Finals Friday night.  Verdigris will advanced to the State Semi-Finals, and will play Plainview, Friday, November 29th at Noble High School . Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

OSSAA link to Playoff Bracket

The Academic Bowl team finished 2nd place at the Regional Tournament held November 16th.  They will be competing next at the Area Tournament on January 18th.

Congratulations to the Verdigris Football Team, they won the district championship and the opportunity to host two home football games.  Verdigris defeated Idabel in the first round of the State Football Playoffs, and will host Perkins-Tryon in the second round on Friday, November 22nd. - Kickoff is at 7:00.

3A Football Playoff Bracket - Please note this link is to the OSSAA website and the posted times may be incorrect. - Verdigris and Perkins-Tryon have both agreed to play at 7:00 P.M. in an effort to help with travel times.

Yearbooks are in!  If you ordered a JH/HS yearbook please come to the High School and see Mr. Jarrard to pick up your yearbook.  If you would like to purchase a yearbook from last school year the price is $45.00.