Just when you think we're finally starting to get back to normal COVID-19 unleashes another wave or variant. At this point, we're taking one step forward and two steps back. We're making progress, but it's really, really slow. It seems we'll never be rid of this virus, at least not anytime in the immediate future anyway.

It was just announced that LPS (Lawton Public Schools) will be temporarily closing down all of its campuses for in-person learning for the remainder of the week. All LPS schools will be closed starting tomorrow and since this Monday is a holiday "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" they'll remain closed through Tuesday, January 18th (01-18-22). The schools may be closed, but students will be doing remote learning all of those days.

The latest COVID-19 variant Omicron is running rampant through S.W. Oklahoma and the rest of the U.S. as well. The new strain seems to be a lot more contagious and spreads rapidly. We're certainly seeing that here in Comanche County and Lawton, Fort Sill as our rate of new infections grows. The schools have been hit hard, the number of absences for both students and teachers alike has made it difficult to remain open.

At this time it's sounding like Cache and Sterling schools will also be closing due to COVID-19 and have asked students to do virtual learning instead. You might want to check with whatever school district you're in to see what their plans are and if they'll be open the rest of the week. All schools will be using the time to do some deep cleaning and disinfecting in an attempt to battle back the virus and infection rates. A little earlier this afternoon LPS made the announcement about the temporary closure.

Get all the details below or visit the LPS official website

Letter from Superintendent Hime: Remote Days
LPS Communication

LPS Family:

The District leadership team has been diligently monitoring building numbers since we have returned from the holiday break. Due to the uptick in COVID cases we are seeing across our district and community along with the number of absences in our buildings for various reasons, we have made the decision to move to “Remote Instruction” starting tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 12. We will complete our normal school hours today along with Extended Time services.

Students and staff need to take home their district electronic devices to continue remote work. We are asking that our families use this time to stay home if possible. We hope that this break from in-person learning will help reduce the spread of COVID cases across our district.

There is no school on Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. We will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, Jan. 18. We ask that our staff continue to communicate with their building administrator or supervisor this week for changes or updates.

Thank you for your continued support of our district.

Sincerely,

Kevin Hime
LPS Superintendent

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