Kiamichi Tech Responds to COVID-19
For county specific questions regarding COVID-19. please contact your local health department. 

07/07/2020

In a continued effort to maintain the health and safety of our students, stakeholders, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiamichi Tech campuses will begin a slow and gradual return to operations this month. Following established safety protocol, the items below are tentatively in effect through July 31, 2020.

First, out of an abundance of caution and due to an increase in numbers in McCurtain County, our Idabel Campus will remain closed to the public through July 31.

For the rest of our District, on-site, short-term training classes will be allowed; however, the number of participants will be limited to the amount of space and tools/equipment available for the training. If space or the type of training does not allow for social distancing, face coverings will be required by all participants. In addition, tools and equipment will be cleaned and sanitized between each use.

We are also pleased to welcome back any regularly scheduled organizations and civic groups that normally utilize Kiamichi Tech facilities for meetings. To allow for social distancing, the number of participants will be limited by the amount of space available for the meeting. The local campus director will work with these groups and provide approval of any facility usage.

Other safety precautions currently in place to decrease the spread of the virus are as follows:

• Work-related travel for employees is restricted through the end of the 2020 calendar year.
• Commons/gathering areas such as breakrooms, lounges, and water fountains will be closed.
• Any staff experiencing symptoms or that have been in close contact with an infected person will follow stringent guidelines to ensure the safety of our stakeholders.
• Wearing a face mask while in a Kiamichi Tech facility is recommended.
• Meetings should be held virtually whenever possible.

In addition to following CDC guidelines and Kiamichi Tech’s current protocol, anyone arriving on campus will continue to complete a screening questionnaire and temperature check before being allowed in the building. 

Kiamichi Tech is currently developing our Return to School Plan.  This plan will be made available in our next public update on July 20, 2020

Be Safe - Be Strong - Be Informed!  

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05/29/2020

In a continued effort to maintain the health and safety of our students, stakeholders, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiamichi Tech campuses will be open by appointment only on Mondays and Thursdays, through June 30.  Please call your local campus to schedule an appointment.

Phase 2: Limited Public Access to Campuses 
Tentatively June 1 – 30 

• Access to campuses is limited to appointments only, and may be scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  – 3:30 p.m. for purposes directly related to application/enrollment and testing 
• Facilities will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 
• Short-term classes and trainings will continue online 
• All events remain cancelled through June 30 

In addition to following CDC guidelines and KTC’s current protocol, anyone arriving on campus will complete a screening questionnaire and temperature check before being allowed in the building. 

Be Safe - Be Strong - Be Informed!  

Shelley Free 
Superintendent

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05/01/2020

In a continued effort to maintain the health and safety of our students, stakeholders, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiamichi Tech campuses will remain closed to the public through May 29, 2020. At this time, all events will remain canceled through June 30, 2020.  

A transition plan has been developed that includes guidelines for a slow and gradual return to worksites for our employees and tentative dates for certain students to return to campus to complete their certification testing.  

Phase 1: Employees Return to Worksites  
Tentatively May 18-29   

• All non-instructional staff will report to campus on a limited basis. 
• Instructional staff will begin reporting on a limited basis and begin certification testing for ADULT AND GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ONLY.  Testing will be in groups of three or less and follow CDC guidelines for social distancing.  
• Business and industry training and short-term classes will continue online.  

In addition to following CDC guidelines and KTC’s current protocol, anyone arriving on campus will complete a screening questionnaire and temperature check before being allowed in the building.  

The Return to Worksite Plan is subject to change based on the progression/regression of the pandemic and guidance from local, state, and federal officials.  

Continue to stay connected to us virtually, via @KiamichiTech on Facebook and Twitter; and, check out our COVID-19 response webpage at ktc.edu/coronavirus.  

Be Safe - Be Strong - Be Informed!  

Shelley Free 
Superintendent 

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04/13/20

As we enter our second week of distance learning, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the positive stories from the past week.  

• I continue to be inspired by the commitment of our instructors to offer creative learning solutions that meet the needs of varying levels of device/internet access. We have already created over 100 new full-time courses on Canvas; and, our BIS staff have begun to utilize this same learning management system to develop online courses for their clients, as well.
• Our campuses are staying engaged with students on social media. We have created fun ways to connect with students by hosting virtual spirit weeks, GIF challenges, and sending messages of support from instructors. Follow your local campus page to join in on these activities; and follow the district page at Kiamichi Tech  
• We are still making donations of PPE to our healthcare workers, as campus supplies allow.   
• In addition to our small business resource page, we have added resources for farmers and ranchers on our Agriculture Business Management page. 
• With limited access connectivity in homes and communities throughout our district, we have had many students and stakeholders take advantage of the Wi-Fi available in all of our parking lots. 

Additionally, our Practical Nursing faculty and staff have been exploring innovative ways to continue the application process for the 2020-2021 program. The deadline for applications has been extended to May 15, 2020 and changes have been made to the ACCUPLACER testing requirements. Visit practicalnursing.ktc.edu for updated details.  

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate through this together.  I appreciate your flexibility and understanding. 

Be Safe – Be Strong – Be Caring - Be Informed!   
Shelley Free   
Superintendent 

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04/03/20

Kiamichi Tech is focused on providing our full-time students the opportunity for continuous learning.  This week, our staff and instructors have worked diligently to prepare for a smooth transition for our full-time programs to be delivered via distance education beginning Monday, April 6, 2020.  Instructors will communicate with their students to share details.  A parent and student guide to distance learning has been developed to provide answers and expectations of students for the remainder of the school year (see links below).   

The health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and communities stay at the forefront of our decision making.  Due to the most recent CDC guidelines for social distancing and in an effort to limit exposure, our campuses will remain closed with no public access through at least May 4, 2020.   To maintain operations, essential staff will either continue to report to campus or work remotely. 

Although our campuses are closed, we want to remain a resource for our communities. Here are a few ways we are continuing to serve you:  

• All staff are available by phone or email. You can visit www.ktc.edu/staffdirectory to message any staff member.   

• Our campus parking lots have Wi-Fi connectivity. Anyone is welcome to utilize our “drive-in” internet access.   

•  We have partnered with organizations across our District to help support small businesses during this pandemic. Visit www.ktc.edu/smallbusinesssupport for a library of resources from our partners.  

• As always, stay up-to-date on our operations at www.ktc.edu/coronavirus or by following our social media accounts. 

 Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through this together.   

Be Safe – Be Strong – Be Caring – Be Informed!   
Shelley Free   
Superintendent 

Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – Atoka
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – Durant
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – ​Hugo
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – ​Idabel
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – McAlester
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – Poteau/Spiro
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – Stigler
Parent/Student Guide to Distance Learning – Talihina

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03/26/20

Kiamichi Tech is Going Virtual: Transition to distance education, physical campuses limited to essential staff

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate the many challenges to Kiamichi Technology Centers’ regular efforts to deliver classroom instruction and services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, our faculty and staff are working diligently to transition instruction and services to alternative delivery methods. Consistent with governmental action and directives from the Oklahoma State Department of Education and Oklahoma Department of CareerTech (ODCTE), our physical campuses will continue to be closed to all but essential staff until further notice.

As we determine next steps, the health and wellbeing of our students, educators, staff, and communities remain at the forefront of our decisions. The following are status updates for our various areas of operation, effective April 6, 2020:

• Full-Time Programs: Our staff are working diligently to ensure our students will have the opportunity to continue in their respective programs. Students who are currently enrolled in our programs will be served by distance learning for the remainder of the school year. We are working in partnership with ODCTE and licensing and accreditation entities to remove any restrictions on completing programs via distance learning. In the very near future, we will be providing students specific information related to their respective program's continuous learning plan. We are currently surveying students to determine gaps in access to technology and internet connectivity. Students are asked to connect with their instructors if they have not already done so.
   
•  Financial Aid: Our District Financial Aid Coordinator is working closely with federal and state officials to determine the most positive outcome for our students who receive financial assistance.
   
• Short-Term Courses: All previously scheduled short-term courses have been suspended; and our training coordinators are looking at ways to bring classes online.
   
• Business and Industry Services: Our Business and Industry Services team will stay in contact with clients and continue to provide customized solutions for businesses. While health and safety related trainings are a priority during this time, we are also exploring distance learning options to fulfill additional workforce training needs.
   
• Other Services: Beginning April 6, 2020, contact your local technology center campus for details on the continuation of specific services.
   
• Faculty and Staff: In an effort to decrease the spread of the virus, we are limiting the number of employees on our campuses and exploring telework options. Guidelines and procedures are being developed for all staff levels, with plans of beginning remote work on April 6, 2020. Additional communication regarding telework, work reassignments, and continuation of services will be provided to faculty and staff in the very near future.

While this shift in operations will be challenging, we believe it is the best alternative in this situation. We recognize that distance education is not the ideal delivery method for CareerTech training. However, our goal is to deliver a distance education instruction plans in such a manner that our students can complete their respective program, pass their certification tests, and be prepared to find employment. We are working to ensure as smooth a transition as possible but ask for your cooperation as adjustments may be needed when additional information is received, or as directives from state officials evolve.

Kiamichi Technology Centers is committed to doing our part in protecting our communities during this public health crisis. Our campuses have already started donating PPE (personal protective equipment) to local healthcare organizations. We will continue to seek out ways to serve our communities.

Continue to stay connected to us virtually, via @KiamichiTech on Facebook and Twitter; and, check out our COVID-19 response webpage at ktc.edu/coronavirus.

Be Safe - Be Strong - Stay Informed!

Shelley Free
Superintendent

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03/19/2020

In an effort to ensure we are making the best decisions for the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and in accordance to a mandate from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Kiamichi Technology Centers will invoke an operational shutdown in an attempt to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Beginning March 19, at 5:00 p.m. through April 3, our campuses will be completely shut down. During this time, staff, students and stakeholders will not be permitted on any campus. The only exception: Essential staff will report to their respective campuses on April 2 and 3, to clean and prepare for facilities to open on April 6th.

In an attempt to mitigate group gatherings, all classes, meetings, trainings and travel are cancelled. This includes on-and-off campus events, all short-term courses, business trainings and facility usage. The State Department of Education mandate does not allow any instructional related activities to occur during the closure.

This is an unprecedented situation, and it continues to evolve by the hour. We know this uncertainty can cause anxiety and worry, but we want to assure you that Kiamichi Tech is doing everything possible to ensure the needs of students and employees will be met during this unique time.

We encourage you to comply with what health officials have recommended as well. If you can, please stay home and enjoy family time. If you must go out, please practice social distancing, allowing at least six feet between you and other individuals. If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact your medical professional or the county health department. You also can learn more about how to prevent the illness by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Communication will be key during the next two weeks. It is our hope that accurate and up-to-date correspondence will combat fear and panic, as well as help you make well-informed decisions for your family. You also can get the latest information by visiting ktc.edu/coronavirus and following our social media accounts. Students and staff will also receive updates using School Messenger, our emergency mass communication platform.

For Kiamichi Tech, there is nothing more important than the safety and health of our students, staff and community. We are considering and planning for multiple scenarios beyond the current mandated closure. We will remain in close communication with state officials and ODTCE, and follow their recommendations as the situation progresses.

Thank you for your patience and trust as we navigate through this together.

Stay safe and stay informed!
Shelley Free
Superintendent

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03/16/2020

This afternoon, the Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to close all Oklahoma Public Schools effective immediately, until at least April 6th, in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Kiamichi Technology Centers will follow this guidance and close all campuses. District leadership will meet this week to discuss how this impacts our operations, our students, and our communities.  We will provide an update Wednesday afternoon. 

Stay safe and stay informed!
Shelley Free
Superintendent

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03/13/2020

The health of our students, faculty, campuses, and communities is of utmost importance to Kiamichi Technology Centers. We are continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will adapt as conditions warrant.

Preventive Measures

Our campuses have enhanced our cleaning procedures in the interest of health and safety. The following steps are being taken beginning March 13, through Spring Break:

• Custodial staff members are disinfecting classrooms and taking extra care to sanitize common areas such as doorknobs, handrails, solid surfaces, countertops, etc.
• Cleaning and sanitizing procedures on buses and other district vehicles will be enhanced
• Additional hand sanitizing stations will be placed across campuses
• Informational posters with proper hand washing techniques and other personal hygiene tips will be posted in restrooms and common areas

Additionally, all school-related, out-of-state travel has been suspended through April 30. 

Spring Break Travel

We understand many students and employees will be traveling over spring break, we hope those who do will familiarize themselves with the protocols from the CDC and follow their advice and recommendations.

Staff and students traveling out of the country or to New York, Washington State, or California, have been asked to voluntarily notify administration so appropriate precautions, as outlined by the CDC, can be taken. Be advised that such travel may run the risk of being quarantined by state or national officials.

Additionally, anyone registered for a short-term class or training that has traveled to the above menitioned locations should contact their local campus prior to the class, so appropriate precautions can be taken.

Stay informed from the CDC and the Oklahoma State Department of Health by visiting coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

We will remain in contact with state health officials over the course of Spring Break and will provide updates to our District response to this situation as necessary.

Thank you for your patience and trust in our district as we navigate through these challenging circumstances.

Have a safe and healthy Spring Break,

Shelley Free
Superintendent
Kiamichi Technology Centers