If you're a Mid-Del Guardian and you do not currently have access to the PowerScho Click HERE to apply for our 2023 Summer School programs. Mid-Del School District News Changes to the 2023-2024 School Calendar The Board of Education approved revisions to the 2023-2024 School Calendar during the June 28, 2023 Special Board Meeting. Every attempt will be made to finalize the decision regarding school closings no later than 5:00 a.m. The district also aims to increase pay for teachers and support staff. I I DONT WANT THEM TO FOCUSN O LESSON PLANS RIGHT NOW. Click HERE to view the school calendar. ANDY: WHILE WE HAVE YET TO RCHEA THE PEAK OF THE SURGE, DR. MARY CLARKE STRESSES, MASKING A ND VACCINES WILL AT LEAST HELP REDU, District officials announced that Mid-Del Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday because of a high number of absences among students, teachers and staff amid the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19.>> Related Video Above: Oklahoma public schools who are moving virtualSuperintendent Rick Cobb said in a letter to Mid-Del Schools families that the district will remain open Wednesday and then will be closed from Thursday, Jan. 13 to Monday, Jan. 17. Call 405-582-7095 or . Mid-Del Schools recently closed two of its middle schools (Del Crest and Jarman) as part of a consolidaton plan. It's part of your home. The school board will consider the proposal at the meeting on Dec. 13. The firm's recommendation is, in part, basedin a recent drop in enrollment and an excess of classroom space for elementary students. "I considered several factors in making this decision. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! My kids are safe here and we love the smaller classes. The Mid-Del School District is a school district based in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. I know that when schools shut down, even for a day or two, it places a significant burden on families. Explore AP: What is it like to take an AP Course? The board of education is expected to decide to. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m. The report included a description of each of the six schools recommended for closure. Mid-Del Schools To Close 2 Elementary Schools; Redistricting To Be Mid-Del Schools will close this week due to a surge of COVID-19 cases, the district said. Cobb said they will take a careful approach towards school closures. Evening Show submenu for Superintendent of Schools, Show submenu for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Safe, Return to Learn Plan. Why must all answers be to shut down and force kids into huge schools and bigger classrooms? Mustang: Mustang Public Schools is moving to virtual learning for Feb. 23. >> WE ARE PROBABLY NOT DOI ANG GOOD ENOUGH JOB OF PROTECTING OURSELVES OR OTHER PEOPLE INUR O COMMUNIT Y. WEVE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT AND ABOUT, STILL REFUSING TO WEAR FACE COVERIS.NG ANDY: THE OKLAHOMA STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STRESSES THAT VACCINES ARE ALSO VITAL. School realignment The district has been on a path of consolidation and realignment for the past decade. Why would the district consider doing a demographic study during our pandemic? The parents have a list of questions for the local school district after their decision to close the elementary schools. The firm produced a 400-page report, which includedrecommendations that four elementary schools shutter permanently. All school buildings will be closed Thursday through Monday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) and will be non-instructional days. Cobb said thegoal isto notify families by the end of Januarywhat schooltheir children will be zoned tonext year. The district was also advised to regularly assess the district facilities and create plans for maintenance and improvements. 'Simply unsustainable': Mid-Del Schools to close later this week The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar during the January Board of Education meeting. sharing the stories, pictures and loves of Oklahomans across our great state. So I think we need to look at how we can have more of our students in our best classroom space. I think that should always be part of the lens that we look for with hiring, with selecting instructional materials, with policy, with our student outcomes. The Mid-Del School District is considering closing two elementary schools: Highland Park Elementary School and Steed Elementary School. He said they are working to manage staffing levels, changing menus and better leveraging commodities. The Mid-Del School District is considering closing two elementary schools: Highland Park Elementary School and Steed Elementary School. "That's not a medical opinion. All enrollment will be online through the PowerSchool Parent Portal for the 2023-24 school year. Highland Park Highland Park Elementary, 5301 S. Dimple Dr., was selected due to its location near other schools as well as the condition of the building. Please think about why this location (CB) was originally chosen. We promise to never spam you. The district is not obligated to follow the recommendations, but Cobb said they will likely act on most of them. Cobb said he chose not to pivot to remote learning because many people missing school are sick and for practical reason of the amount of work pivoting to remote would take. Our community is going downhill and so are our home values. Oklahoma state agency recommends closing some Mid-Del elementary schools The list of six schools was narrowed to two Highland Park and Steed. See photos, tips, similar places specials, and more at PHILEAS World Grenoble Mid-Del Schools To Close Thursday Through Monday. The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability recommended the district close four schools and offered a list of six options. They loved the teachers. "With the number of known positive cases, I think we all have to consider ourselves close contacts at this point," Cobb said about contact tracing. Fewer schools would also allow the districts bond funds to go further. The days will be non-instructional, and the district's buildings will be closed. "We can't get around the financial aspect. If the board approves the recommendation, the district would need to redraw boundary lines for those schools. They can bring questions in and talk about what they learned, Cobb said. Cobb said they plan to make major improvements to the other schools that were identified as part of the closure in the next bond issue. ", >> COVID-19 Testing: Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Oklahoma. We have students going to school in buildings that were built in the 50s, and we have empty classrooms in schools that were built in this decade, Superintendent Rick Cobb said during a July board meeting. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Superintendent Rick Cobb said the district takes the report seriously and have already started implementing many of the findings. This neighborhood school is a staple in keeping this neighborhood safe and family friendly. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The district requested the study before the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed the process. READ MORE > Verification of Returning Mid-Del Students begins July 5, 2023 We promise to never spam you. The school performance review was completed by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability. Mid-Del Schools Superintendent Rick Cobb said teacher and student absences are critically high, and the district is experiencing staff shortages in the kitchens, buses and substitute teaching pool. By: Barry Mangold. Our teachers have been extraordinarily pressed into service all school year covering classes. And its easy to move students from a 1955 classroom to a 2014 classroom. The City of Midwest City owns the Steed property, which is adjacent to Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. sharing the stories, pictures and loves of Oklahomans across our great state. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Weather Information/Procedures | Mid-Del School District I don't want teachers who may or may not have their work at home to have to come to school and get it," Cobb said. Parents concerned about Mid-Del schools closing - News 9 One goal during every bond talk weve had is to put as many students into our most modern classrooms as possible. The study was funded by the state and requested by the district to evaluate expenses, management strategies and education for children. With Country Estates being a part of The Leader in Me program, it should be left open so more data on the effects of the program can be measured. Epperly Heights and Parkview cover that. However, I dont think Parkview and Townsend can house them The Music rooms in those schools are already very small What about the cafeteria and gyms ? July 23, 2021 | 15 Report suggests closing four elementary schools due to enrollment, building conditions By Jeff Harrison Midwest City Beacon A recent study of Mid-Del Schools produced plenty of recommendations to improve district operations. Keep up-to-date with everything that happens in your world. Cobb said students from Steed go on to Midwest City and Carl Albert middle schools, so the change would not disrupt their feeder path. If you're sick, focus on getting well. Mid-Del School District Considers Closing Two Elementary Schools After Enrollment Drop. an informational meeting on Thursday at Steed Elementary School, Mother Files Lawsuit Against Norman Public Schools, State Board Of Education Discusses School Board Resignations At Western Heights, Everman Says Not One Cent Misused During More Than Two Decades-Long Tenure On Western Heights School Board, Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Parts Of Green Country, Inmate Walks Away From LeFlore County Correctional Center; ODOC Searching For Man, 'Every Day Is A New Challenge': Tulsa Drillers Manager Battling Stage 3 Cancer, FC Tulsa Beats Indy Eleven 1-0, Capping Back-To-Back Wins. The Mid-Del Board of Education on Monday approved the closure of Highland Park and Steed, two schools that even before the pandemic endureddeclining enrollment, underused space and millions of dollars worth of deferred maintenance. Being a Townsend tiger means youre family! Its said in the 4th from the last paragraph that the study was requested before the pandemic. The district will inform families of the changes to school assignments by the end of January, said Mid-Del Public Schools Superintendent Rick Cobb. You say it is easy to shift kids here and there. I just feel like there is more we could have done.. Please refer to our. If you or a member of your household feels ill, you need to isolate until it passes. Sunshine and pleasantly warm conditions on tap for Sunday, Man hospitalized due to shooting in Springfield; Suspect at large. "I apologize for the inconvenience and suddenness of this announcement. Cobb said they have hired more technicians this year to help with the addition of new devices for all students, and said they will look to add more staff in the future. #mdpurpose #oklaed. Cobb said the district will use those savings towards teacher and employee raises as well as maintenance of other school buildings. [5], Oscar Rose was an early superintendent of the school district and the namesake for Midwest City's community college, Rose State.[6]. Mid-Del is now partnering with Edustaff. Hopefully, having a day between the announcement and the five-day break helps.". Those funds, plus existing bond funds dedicated to Highland Park and Steed,could support renovations at other elementary schools, improve the ratio of students to school counselors, and increase access to programs for arts and STEM science, technology, engineering and math. The school opened in 1974. Townsend is our second home!! The level we have reached this week is simply unsustainable." Will the kids be bussed to the new schools, if their school closes? Mid-Del Schools plans to return to class on Tuesday, Jan. 18. This content is imported from Facebook. OKLAHOMA CITY - . The report said the district should hire a consultant to improve routing to reduce student wait times, better align with start and end times at schools, improve driver attendance rates and decrease overtime hours. Cobb said the consolidation will not result in larger elementary class sizes at the remaining Mid-Del schools. The best way to have a good bottom line in the child nutrition is to sell more food and have more students participating in the meal programs, he said. District staff will hold an informational meeting on Thursday at Steed Elementary School for parents and community members. I think thats important.. Earlier this year, the district commissioned a report by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability. Townsend is a close knit neighborhood school. "As much as I want to keep our students in school every day possible, sometimes we just have to face reality and do what is necessary. The report was initially presented to the school board during a June 15 special meeting. The district declined to comment on the upcoming vote on Tuesday. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KOCO-TV. That includes professional learning communities, focus on Oklahoma Academic Standards, instructional coaches, teaching and learning teams and curriculum frameworks. Friday Marks 2 Years Since First COVID-19 Case In US, Local Animal Hospital Facing Hardships Caused By Pandemic, Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Parts Of Green Country, Inmate Walks Away From LeFlore County Correctional Center; ODOC Searching For Man, 'Every Day Is A New Challenge': Tulsa Drillers Manager Battling Stage 3 Cancer, FC Tulsa Beats Indy Eleven 1-0, Capping Back-To-Back Wins. ", "We have to be able to fund these schools, maintain these schools and maintain our district," Daniel said. Due to the additional precipitation that came in overnight, making early morning transportation more dangerous, Mid-Del Schools will be closed Thursday, Februar Mid-Del will have a remote learning day on Wednesday, January 25. Covid cases are on the rise. It's just an observation. Bronco Club summer camps providing opportunities, Midwest City Animal Services Center announced temporary closure, Minco Mayor resigns following special meeting, Police release name of suspect in Rose State shooting, I-40 Douglas Blvd. Oklahoma schools closing, transition to remote learning Tuesday We did not think closing four schools was a good idea, so we focused on closing one on the Midwest City side and one on the Del City side, Cobb said. 1 visitor has checked in at Rsi Des Alpes. The Mid-Del Public Schools will close two elementary schools after the spring semester. 18. Also the school is close to their home which makes it easy for mom to get to work. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Mid-Del Team, please apply TODAY at www.edustaff.org . News9.com is proud to provide Oklahomans with timely and relevant news and information, Invest idle bond funds The report also recommended that the district invest idle cash more aggressively. The report suggests the district invest money during that time. I would hate to see our school shut down. The days will be non-instructional, and the district's buildings will be closed. If schools are closed what happens to the staff thats currently employed? MDTC daytime/full-time classes have been canceled. interchange construction begins Monday, Rose State offering Kids College Summer Camps, Del Citys Garrison named Gatorade Player of the Year, Attorney General calls for audit of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Man leads police on chase in stolen fire department vehicle, Mid-Del hit with $1.3M insurance rate hike, Carl Albert golfers play with the pros at Korn Ferry Tour event. "I don't want them to focus on lesson plans right now. Bronco Club summer camps providing opportunities, Midwest City Animal Services Center announced temporary closure, Minco Mayor resigns following special meeting, Police release name of suspect in Rose State shooting, I-40 Douglas Blvd. >> Related Video Above: Oklahoma public schools who are moving virtual Advertisement [5] The building today houses Midwest City Middle School. Cobb said the enrollment area for Steed can easily be shifted to Soldier Creek and Midwest City elementary schools. Top Republicans are gearing up to investigate the Hunter Biden case. Redistricting the students and staff of each school will start immediately. Please be sure to use this new calendar for the upcoming Verification of returning Mid-Del students opens July 5, 2023 Support Mid-Del Teachers and Students by Becoming a Substitute Teacher. The district will beginthe process of redrawing its enrollment zones this week. Tuesday, October 21st 2008, 10:52 pm By: News 9 By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9 MIDWEST CITY, Okla. -- There's growing concern among parents in Midwest City and Del City after weeks of rumors have spread. The district will host two community meetings about the school closures. Student enrollment at MDPS has declined for the past five years. "With the number of known positive cases, I think we all have to consider ourselves close contacts at this point," Cobb said about contact tracing. Jamie Prescott, I believe that Larry Daniel was questioning the validity of the information acquired during the this time because of the pandemic. They love going there. Please consider investing money into these older schools instead of just shutting them down and shuffling kiddos to a diff school. Mid-Del Schools To Close Thursday Through Monday - News 9 Board member Ed Daniel said the condition of the two schools was a "big concern. Hopefully, having a day between the announcement and the five-day break helps.". ", "They're sick. [5] It cost $314,000 and was funded through the Lanham Act and Federal Works Agency. The same goes for our students. "But, our priorities have to be to do the very best we can with the resources we have for the students that we have, and sometimes that means downsizing.". My hope is that five days away from school will allow that to cool somewhat," Cobb said in a letter to families. Im a sub for them because I care about our teachers and kids. Elementary Meet Your Teacher Night will take place on August 7th from 4:30-6:30pm. The school performance review study identified Steed, Highland Park, Parkview, Ridgecrest, Cleveland Bailey and Country Estates as candidates for closure. The Mid-Del Public Schools will close two elementary schools after the spring semester. Apply NOW for our 2023 Summer School Programs, You are Invited to Future Bond Steering Committee Meetings, Join us for our Teacher Job Fair April 17, 2023, Mid-Del Wellness Clinic Available for Mid-Del Families, Top 5 District Teachers of the Year Announced, IMPORTANT: Tonight's Elementary Parent/Teacher conferences have been rescheduled to February 23, 2023, Congratulations to All of our Mid-Del Site Support Employees of the Year. Reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel covers K-12 and higher education throughout the state of Oklahoma. Update 2-2-2023. City officials confirmed that the property would revert to the city if the school is closed, but said they do not have any future plans for it. Call 405-582-7095 or We are excited to announce our partnership with EduStaff! "We have discussed Highland Park and Steed for the last 10 yearsand need to make a move," Porter said. OKLAHOMAS EDUCATION SECRETYAR RYAN WALTERS OPPOSED TO THE MOVE, SAYING PARENTS ARE TIRED AND CHILDREN WILL SUFFER WHEN ADMINISTATRATORS ACT OUTF O FEAR. "Itis my belief that the recommendationI'm making tonight is the best option for themost students," Cobb said. Cobb further discussed the report during the July 12 meeting. Superintendent Rick Cobb said in a letter to Mid-Del Schools families that the district will remain open Wednesday and then will be closed from Thursday, Jan. 13 to Monday, Jan. 17. Even if it was requested before hand everything learned is not normal.