March 23, 2020
Dear Navajo family:
Today, state officials announced they will recommend to the state Board of Education that Oklahoma students not return to the classroom for the remainder of the current school year, as our state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19. They will instead recommend a continuous learning plan that will allow students to complete the school year at home. It is important to note that this decision is not final until the state Board of Education meets on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and votes to approve the recommendation.
We are sharing this information with you in advance, however, so that you can begin to prepare accordingly for your family. 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.
We do have good news: Navajo is developing a plan to ensure your child will continue to have opportunities to learn and to grow academically, especially with parental support. Because we are unable to safely gather together, these lessons and activities will primarily be delivered and communicated virtually. As you can imagine, this is a significant transition for our students and our teachers. Navajo 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.
For students, it likely will be sad and disappointing to learn that school as they know it will not resume this year. 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 a Navajo Indian.
We have posted resources on our school website: www.navajo.k12.ok.us. The site also includes recommendations from the CDC about protecting your health and the health of your loved ones. We ask you to please follow their advice by: (1) washing your hands regularly; (2) staying at home, if you can; and (3) practicing social distancing of at least six feet from others.
The meals that you see other schools serving their students during the school closure are offered through a program that Navajo Public Schools does not qualify for at this time; however, the state has requested a waiver for schools that do not qualify and we are waiting to hear if it is approved. As of today, March 23, 2020,this waiver has not been approved. We will notify our community if the waiver gets approved, and if/when we are able to participate in this meal service for our students.
This is an unprecedented situation, and it has required an unprecedented response. We can still take care of our students, though. This is a community that sticks together in challenging times, and we know this experience will be no different. As soon as we identify our next steps, we will share them with you.
Please stay safe. As always, we appreciate your support of Navajo Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Vicki Nance
Superintendent
Dear Navajo family:
Today, state officials announced they will recommend to the state Board of Education that Oklahoma students not return to the classroom for the remainder of the current school year, as our state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19. They will instead recommend a continuous learning plan that will allow students to complete the school year at home. It is important to note that this decision is not final until the state Board of Education meets on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and votes to approve the recommendation.
We are sharing this information with you in advance, however, so that you can begin to prepare accordingly for your family. 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.
We do have good news: Navajo is developing a plan to ensure your child will continue to have opportunities to learn and to grow academically, especially with parental support. Because we are unable to safely gather together, these lessons and activities will primarily be delivered and communicated virtually. As you can imagine, this is a significant transition for our students and our teachers. Navajo 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.
For students, it likely will be sad and disappointing to learn that school as they know it will not resume this year. 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 a Navajo Indian.
We have posted resources on our school website: www.navajo.k12.ok.us. The site also includes recommendations from the CDC about protecting your health and the health of your loved ones. We ask you to please follow their advice by: (1) washing your hands regularly; (2) staying at home, if you can; and (3) practicing social distancing of at least six feet from others.
The meals that you see other schools serving their students during the school closure are offered through a program that Navajo Public Schools does not qualify for at this time; however, the state has requested a waiver for schools that do not qualify and we are waiting to hear if it is approved. As of today, March 23, 2020,this waiver has not been approved. We will notify our community if the waiver gets approved, and if/when we are able to participate in this meal service for our students.
This is an unprecedented situation, and it has required an unprecedented response. We can still take care of our students, though. This is a community that sticks together in challenging times, and we know this experience will be no different. As soon as we identify our next steps, we will share them with you.
Please stay safe. As always, we appreciate your support of Navajo Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Vicki Nance
Superintendent
Dear Navajo parents and staff:
Yesterday afternoon, the state Board of Education voted to close all Oklahoma schools, effective immediately, until at least April 6, 2020 in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. This includes Navajo 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 Navajo is doing everything possible to ensure the needs of students and employees will be met during this unique time. 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 Facebook and all-calls. You also can get the latest information by visiting www.navajo.k12.ok.us.
For Navajo, 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. The Navajo community is strong, and we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Vicki Nance
Superintendent, Navajo Public Schools
--
Shawn Sager
Principal, Navajo Elementary School
580.482.7742
Yesterday afternoon, the state Board of Education voted to close all Oklahoma schools, effective immediately, until at least April 6, 2020 in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. This includes Navajo 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 Navajo is doing everything possible to ensure the needs of students and employees will be met during this unique time. 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 Facebook and all-calls. You also can get the latest information by visiting www.navajo.k12.ok.us.
For Navajo, 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. The Navajo community is strong, and we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Vicki Nance
Superintendent, Navajo Public Schools
--
Shawn Sager
Principal, Navajo Elementary School
580.482.7742
Navajo School is currently taking applications for the following positions for the 2020-2021 school year:
Early Childhood
Head HS Girls' Basketball Coach, with Teaching duties
Please email the following to:
Vicki Nance, Superintendent
vnance@navajo.k12.ok.us
Navajo School Certified application, available on the Navajo School website: www.navajo.k12.ok.us
Letter of Interest
Copy of Oklahoma Teaching Certificate
2 Letters of Reference
Copies of College Transcripts
Applications will be taken until positions are filled.
Navajo is an Equal Opportunity Employer......
Vicki Nance
Superintendent
Navajo Public Schools
15695 South County Road 210
Altus, OK 73521
(580) 482-7742 (Phone)
(580)482-7749 (Fax)
Early Childhood
Head HS Girls' Basketball Coach, with Teaching duties
Please email the following to:
Vicki Nance, Superintendent
vnance@navajo.k12.ok.us
Navajo School Certified application, available on the Navajo School website: www.navajo.k12.ok.us
Letter of Interest
Copy of Oklahoma Teaching Certificate
2 Letters of Reference
Copies of College Transcripts
Applications will be taken until positions are filled.
Navajo is an Equal Opportunity Employer......
Vicki Nance
Superintendent
Navajo Public Schools
15695 South County Road 210
Altus, OK 73521
(580) 482-7742 (Phone)
(580)482-7749 (Fax)
Based on the recommendations presented by the State Superintendent of Education Joy Hofmeister, Navajo Public Schools will be in session tomorrow, Friday March 13th, and our spring break will start at the end of the school day tomorrow as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the situation and any future updates will be communicated through the Navajo school’s website and our Facebook pages. Thank you for your continued support of Navajo Public Schools.
Softball Schedule Change
Dear Navajo Public Schools Families and Community Members,
Regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) and other communicable diseases, we believe it is best to be prepared with preventative, containment and management measures. The health and safety of our students, staff and families are of utmost importance; therefore, we want to share safety precautions that have been set forth by state and federal officials.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education are partnering to provide specific guidance regarding Spring Break and other travels for our school families, students and district staff.
Individuals returning from travel 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) should self-quarantine for a period of 14 days before returning to school. This applies to all students, teachers, and other school or district staff.
Steps for returning travelers from Level 2 or 3 countries:
IF you travel out of the United States, please notify your student’s school.
IF a staff member or student has been exposed to COVID-19, contact the Jackson County Health Department at 580-482-7308, your physician, and your student’s school. Students and their parents should call their student’s school site to report absences and exposure to the virus. Please communicate with your school Principal.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our students and staff healthy and safe. We will send additional information as it is available and needed.
Sincerely,
Vicki Nance
Superintendent
Navajo Public Schools
A printable copy of this letter can be found here.
Regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) and other communicable diseases, we believe it is best to be prepared with preventative, containment and management measures. The health and safety of our students, staff and families are of utmost importance; therefore, we want to share safety precautions that have been set forth by state and federal officials.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education are partnering to provide specific guidance regarding Spring Break and other travels for our school families, students and district staff.
Individuals returning from travel 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) should self-quarantine for a period of 14 days before returning to school. This applies to all students, teachers, and other school or district staff.
Steps for returning travelers from Level 2 or 3 countries:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your district before returning to work or school.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).
IF you travel out of the United States, please notify your student’s school.
IF a staff member or student has been exposed to COVID-19, contact the Jackson County Health Department at 580-482-7308, your physician, and your student’s school. Students and their parents should call their student’s school site to report absences and exposure to the virus. Please communicate with your school Principal.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our students and staff healthy and safe. We will send additional information as it is available and needed.
Sincerely,
Vicki Nance
Superintendent
Navajo Public Schools
A printable copy of this letter can be found here.
Just a reminder that the 3rd Nine Weeks report cards are going home today, March 10, 2020.
We now have a printable menu available on our school website.
Go to Explore, Documents, Monthly Menu then click on the menu and print.
In the event of a menu change, it will be posted on Facebook and our Live Feeds.
Menu update for February 13th. We will be having Ruffles Chips to go along with our regular menu items.
Menu Change for February 18th. We will be having Chicken Spaghetti instead of Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Progress Reports will be sent home with students on Wednesday, February 5th.
Navajo Choir had 5 students earn a spot in the OCDA All-State Choirs. From left: Mr. O’Neil, Elena Shimmin, MaKayla Urbina, Korie Beason, Taylor Smith, and Isabelle Gloria. Awesome job ladies, you represent Navajo so well!
Just a reminder that on Wednesday, January 8th report cards will be sent home with students.
This is a reminder from Navajo Schools that students will return to school on Tuesday, Jan, 7th. We look forward to a great new semester beginning on Tuesday.
GAME DAY! Navajo vs. Hammon
Be sure to wear your ugly Christmas sweater!
Lady Indians tip-off at 6:30 PM followed by guys game!
Congratulations to Senior Rocio Quihui for being chosen to serve on the 2019-2020 Student Advisory Council for the State Department of Education!!!!
A huge "Thank You" to Shamrock Bank for the amazing luncheon they provided our staff today!
Our Homecoming Dance is this Friday, December 13, 2019.
All students interested in attending should have a dance contract signed by parent/guardian and returned to the school by Wednesday, December 11, 2019. These contracts are available by the front office, or you can download them from the school website under Explore... Documents... Homecoming.
Navajo Livestock Booster Fundraiser Dinner! This Friday, Dec. 13th before Homecoming! We will start serving around 5:00PM in the NEw Gym Lobby. Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with chips, pickle spear, tea and dessert for only $7.00. See you there!
Navajo BOGO Book Fair! Don't forget to send money for the book fair this week and next Monday and Tuesday. This is a great opportunity for the students to do their own Christmas shopping. There are small (50cents) and medium ($1.00) bags with tissue paper for purchase as well.
