Tulsa Public Schools classes resume on Thursday, Aug. 19

(TULSA, Okla.) The 2021-2022 school year begins on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, and Tulsa Public Schools is encouraging families to plan ahead for a strong start to the year. Back to school information for parents, students, and families is available on the district’s website at www.tulsaschools.org/backtoschool.

“We are eager to welcome Tulsa students and families back to campus on August 19,” said Superintendent Deborah A. Gist. “This year, it will be especially important that we each do our part to keep students and teachers together in-person and that means wearing masks on campus, safe distancing as much as possible, and frequent hand-washing. It is also absolutely critical that anyone who is eligible be vaccinated for COVID-19, and we urge every Tulsan to roll up their sleeve and get the vaccine before the new school year.” 

Tulsa Public Schools continues to work with the Tulsa Health Department to closely monitor health conditions and their impact on schools and safety. The district’s expectation is that every adult and student - regardless of vaccination status -  wears a mask at all times indoors and outdoors when in the presence of others. Consistent with federal orders for masking on public conveyances from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks will be required on all Tulsa Public Schools buses. Families can find information about health and safety plans at www.tulsaschools.org/safety. 

Gist said: “We are following the local data about the COVID-19 Delta variant closely, and we know it is highly transmissible and more infectious for youth. It is important to remember that while the COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 12 and older, we still have approximately 17,200 children in our system who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Please - protect your children and your community by getting vaccinated today.”

The CDC recommends that all children ages 12 and older be vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to school. Parents can visit vaccinate.oklahoma.gov to schedule an appointment or text their zip code to 438-829 to find a vaccination site. Families can also get a free ride to their vaccination appointment by visiting www.lyft.com/vax or calling GoGo Ride Service at 1-855-921-0033 (Spanish language services available).

The district is reminding families to visit www.tulsaschools.org/backtoschool to find important information such as bus routes and schedules, the school year calendar, bell-times, COVID-19 vaccination resources, health and safety information, immunization information, school supply lists, and information about uniforms for each school. 

The 2021-2022 school year begins on Thursday, Aug. 19. Students entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 6th grade at middle schools, 7th grade at junior high schools, and 9th grade at high schools will have orientation days from Monday, August 9 - Wednesday, August 11. Parents should contact their child’s school for more information.