FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 , 2020
JENKSTRIBUNE.COM
JENKS POLICE CHIEF WEIGHS IN ON MASK MANDATE, ENFORCEMENT By Kyle Salomon Nov. 10, the Jenks City Council voted to approve a mask ordinance in Jenks requiring anyone in Jenks to wear a mask, while in public in certain situations. It was said during the meeting the Jenks Police Department will be enforcing the new mask mandate. “I think it is a good step,” Jenks Police Chief Cameron Arthur said. “The cases are rising so quickly. My officers interact with so many people on the streets being out on the front line. That is the perspective we have, since we are on the front line and interact with people, we’d love to be able to interact with people in a safe manner and prevent my guys and gals from getting sick and infected or spreading it to their families.
JENKS SECONDARY STUDENTS RE TURN TO DISTANCE LEARNING THROUGH DEC. 7
“We thought it was a good step forward, especially since we have so many cases now rising around the area. We see the cases every day by address and we are significantly higher than we were months ago. We don’t have a choice in the matter like other citizens do. They can stay home if they want to and interact with other people if they want to, it’s all by choice. Since it is not a choice for us, we need to be as safe as possible. We have two officers currently infected with COVID-19 out of situations where masks weren’t involved.” The mask mandate went into effect immediately following the 4-3 vote by the city council and will run through Jan. 31, 2021. CONT on pg 5...
“With a rising number of JPS staff members and students in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, Jenks Public Schools will transition all secondary students (grades 7-12) to distance learning beginning on Monday, November 16. Those students – at Jenks Middle School, Freshman Academy, Alternative Center, and High School – will resume in-person learning on Monday, December 7.” In person learning will continue for students in grades Pre-K through 6th and all elementary and intermediate sites will stay open. “The decision to only transition secondary students into distance learning is due primarily to a lack of adequate staffing,” the Facebook post read. “As more employees have been placed in isolation or quarantine, it has become difficult to find enough substitute teachers or other personnel to cover classrooms. Without proper staffing, it is becoming increasingly difficult for JPS to maintain an optimal learning environment.” Athletics and activities will continue during distance learning. All safety protocols for games, practices and events will remain in place. Friday’s home playoff game against Moore for the varsity football team is still on as scheduled. Free meals will continue to be provided for all students in grades 7 through 12, while secondary schools remain in distance learning. Meals are available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the north side of the central campus dining hall, located on the campus of Jenks High School. “The move to distance learning for this threeweek period will provide more consistency for students as they will be able to interact with their own teachers on a regular basis,” JPS said in its Facebook statement. “In addition, classified staff members and substitutes working at the secondary level can be temporarily reassigned to elementary and intermediate sites where they can provide effective relief and support.” To close, Jenks Public Schools urged safety precautions for its students.
Jenks Public Schools’ students in grades 7 through 12 will go back to distance learning beginning Monday through Dec. 7. In a statement on its Facebook page earlier Thursday, Jenks Public Schools said,
“Please continue to monitor your students for symptoms of COVID-19. If your student tests positive, displays symptoms, or has been in close contact with an individual who tested positive, please notify the attendance office of your student’s school site. You play a part in helping reduce the spread of the virus. Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands frequently throughout the day. You can help our district increase the chances of returning to school, and staying in school, as long as possible.”