SSPS Online Schooling: Sherry Durkee

Despite Quarantine, Schooling Continues - With Invaluable Lessons

“We have never experienced anything like this before,” said Superintendent Sherry Durkee. “But our team came together, and we just got to work.”

Once spring break ends, it’s a race to the finish line to the end of the school year. With spirit week, field trips, state testing, prom, kindergarten and high school graduation, and everything in between, time seems to fly when students return to class after a week off in mid-March. But this year with the global outbreak of COVID-19, everything came to a screeching halt - and students didn’t come back from the break.

Instead of returning to school, students started attending classes through Google Classroom. “In just three days, I watched our team get to work and get creative and get our classes online,” said Mrs. Durkee. “One thing that became obvious right away is how much our staff loves our students.”

Moving the entire district to a digital learning platform in such a short amount of time wasn’t without its challenges, but Mrs. Durkee says the teachers are making the most of it. One teacher, she noted, posted a video of a few bloopers that happened when an instructional video was first being created, which made Mrs. Durkee smile. She shared, “We’re taking it in stride and making the most of it.”

“Sherry Baker, for example, is a high-qualified Sandite who has adapted so well,” Mrs. Durkee said. “I can’t express how proud I am of all our teachers and administrators. I just stand in awe.”

Anxiety is high for some, Mrs. Durkee said, but that teachers and students alike are learning to adjust and that everyone will be stronger for this experience.

“Morale has been high,” Mrs. Durkee shared, “which is a blessing.” She said one teacher recently used the phrase where there’s a will, there’s a way. “This is flexibility to the enth degree,” Mrs. Durkee said.

Sherry Durkee SSPS Superintendent

served, the morning announcements are still being made via video, and the construction continues at Charles Page High School.

“In life, there are obstacles, there’s no doubt about it,” said Mrs. Durkee. “We’re going to use this opportunity to learn and grow stronger. This is a lesson in strength, tenacity, and resilience.”

Events that students look forward to all year long have been cancelled or postponed, but the education the students of Sand Springs Public Schools are receiving is better than ever.

“If we’re not teaching our children how to respond to real-life issues, they may not know how to react,” Mrs. Durkee said. “Through this, our students are learning how to be tenacious and how to be leaders for when their time comes - and it will.”

“In life, there are obstacles, there’s no doubt about it, we’re going to use this opportunity to learn and grow stronger. This is a lesson in strength, tenacity, and resilience.”

Though the time frame remains unknown, classes will eventually resume for Sand Springs Public Schools. “We’re going to be ready for it,” Mrs. Durkee said. “We’re going to find that we’re better for having had this experience.”

Perhaps the return to school, whenever that time comes, will be a bigger celebration than all the cancelled and postponed activities and events combined. “I can’t wait to get back,” Mrs. Durkee shared with a smile.

Every spring, many Sandites suffer seasonal allergies that cause watery eyes, runny noses, and itchy throats. And if you’re a pet owner, you may have noticed your dog or cat suffering, too.

One of the biggest causes of allergies in dogs are environmental allergies. While a dog can experience allergies in any season, the most common are winter and spring allergies. These allergies can cause sensitivity to dust mites and mold in the colder months and pollens, trees, and weeds come spring. Though these allergies can cause watery eyes and excessive sneezing in dogs, hallmark symptoms include itchy skin (which causes the dog to excessively lick their paws, face, and ears) and secondary skin infections. Allergy testing and allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are the best way to manage canine allergies.

Like dogs, cats can also be allergic to dust, mold, and pollen. Should you suspect your cat is allergic to something, watch for irritation, itchiness, and rashes, which can lead to bald patches and hot spots. In felines with environmental allergies and sensitivities, you may notice respiratory distress like wheezing and sneezing and digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Both dogs and cats can be allergic to a variety of natural and man-made allergens, including dust, foods, pollen, cleaning products, insecticides, fabrics, cigarette smoke, and perfume. It’s important for a veterinarian to perform testing to determine the cause of your pet’s symptoms.

If your dog or cat displays frequent, persistent allergic symptoms, schedule an appointment with the staff at Sand Springs Small Animal Hospital today at 918-245-VETS. The team offers compassionate care and will create a customized plan to help treat your pet’s allergen discomfort, allowing your furry sidekick to quickly return to their regular activities of ball fetching and couch naps.