Ponca CityHigh School

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COVID-19 AND PCPS:

Students/Staff affected are participating in Distance Learning remotely. Teachers will keep students and parents informed of Distance Learning details. However, students and staff under quarantine cannot attend school or school events throughout the duration of the quarantine. 

State law empowers the state Health Department with the exclusive authority to issue an isolation or quarantine order. Health officials will determine the length of an isolation or quarantine period. School districts are obligated by law to respect and cooperate with the orders of health officials. When we have a positive case in our school, our trained staff will complete a contact tracing investigation and will report the investigative data to the Kay County Department of Health. If a student or staff member is in close contact with a positive case, all close contacts will be quarantined, without exception, for 14 days. Close contacts are identified as those who were less than 6’ apart for more than 15 minutes from a positive case or who were in physical contact with the positive case. Quarantine prevents the spread of the disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. Face coverings greatly reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, which further reduces the spread. However, the face coverings are not an exemption from quarantine as directed by updated CDC Guidelines. 

If students or personnel are quarantined, they will not be able to come to school, enter buildings, or participate in school activities for the full 14 days, no exceptions. We want our students to be in school and to participate in activities, but it will take ALL of us to stop the spread. We want to avoid a temporary total school closure, with all students learning virtually. PLEASE DO NOT SEND STUDENTS TO SCHOOL IF SOMEONE IN THE HOUSEHOLD HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19. 

Remain vigilant to stopping the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends the following best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
 Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
 Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
 Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
 Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
 Practice social distancing, leaving at least six feet between you and other people.
 Wear a cloth mask or face covering when social distancing is not possible. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you or any member of your family exhibit these symptoms, you are encouraged to contact your medical provider for advice immediately. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure. 

Important Reminder: Make sure your phone numbers are accurate in the Parent Portal. During this time of frequent contact, it is imperative numbers are updated so we can communicate wit

PCPS Announces Wildcat of the Week Hailie Shear

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #10 for the 2020-2021 School Year was presented this week to Hailie Shear. Hailie is a Senior Ponca City Virtual Academy student. Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, "Since Hailie is a PCVA Wildcat, we had to think outside the box for a reason for her to come to Wildcat Academy to surprise her with the award. However, the staff got in touch with her dad and he made sure she was there! Hailie had previously been an in-person student until just recently, but she decided to go to PCVA to avoid quarantine. Hailie has exceptional grades, whether she is an in-person student or virtual. With virtual learning, she is on track to finish way ahead of schedule. Her work ethic and drive has certainly helped her with academic success. While she was an in-person student she served as a student athletic trainer. She loved cheering on the Wildcats while supporting them as a student trainer. Our staff trainer said Hailie was very involved with training duties, and she worked with the younger students to help them develop as student trainers. Hailie was very dependable and the staff trainers knew they could always rely on her to take care of business. Not only is she dependable, reliable, and hardworking, she has the sweetest, kindest soul. She is a good friend and treats others with respect. In addition to focusing on her studies and activities, she maintains a job at the Sonic; I know she is a great employee! Upon graduation, Hailie plans to become a radiologist, and she will be successful because of the exemplary way she applies herself to anything in which she is involved.”
“Hailie, it has been a struggling year that led to all kinds of issues none of us have experienced! Your positive attitude through the global pandemic has certainly been a breath of fresh air. Nothing seems to rattle you and you take tough times in stride. Being able to adapt and adjust to any circumstance are unique traits, and they will serve you well in the game of life! I am sorry this has been a difficult school year, but I am proud of you for the way you have overcome. You did not allow this challenging year to affect your dedication and drive to your studies. I am quite hopeful and optimistic we are turning the corner to more normalcy! I know your graduate experiences will be amazing. I also know that you will positively handle any obstacle you may encounter. I am so thankful and proud you are a Ponca City Wildcat!”