COVID-19/Coronavirus Updates
July 17, 2020
Autry Technology Center Releases Plans for Return to Campus
ENID, Okla. – Autry Technology Center recently released information about the plan for full-time students to return to campus in August. Information released includes an Adaptable Health Pandemic Response Plan as well as On Campus Prevention Measures. The first day of school for full-time students remains scheduled for Aug. 13. 2020.
“Autry Tech’s most valuable asset is hands-on training, and although this delivery method may become unavailable, our goal is to provide learning environments in such a manner that will continue to provide a productive and prepared workforce for employers,” said Brady McCullough, Autry Technology Center CEO/Superintendent. “As the situation continues to evolve, students and parents/guardians will be notified of any status changes.”
Autry Tech’s Adaptable Health Pandemic Response Plan features four color-coded statuses that the school could move into at any time throughout the 2020-2021 school year. All Autry Technology Center full-time programs will begin the 2020-2021 academic school year in Status Green.
Students are expected to attend class in scheduled a.m. or p.m. times utilizing designated instructional modes including all full-time program areas, mathematics coursework and Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM). Teachers will also be available during normal classroom hours M-F to communicate with students, share coursework details and assist as needed.
Status Green includes:
- On campus, hands-on training with in-person instruction
- Limited social interaction with peers and staff
- Modified access to facilities and equipment
- Open LMS connects all instructors, students and guardians for seamless learning transitions
- 24/7 online access to curriculum with technology and internet provided as needed
- Modified participation in student organizations and related activities
- On campus prevention measures enforced
The current On Campus Prevention Measures include:
- Protection – a mask that covers the mouth and nose is required before entering, when within 6’ of another person and when in hallways and bathrooms.
- Building Access – All entrances will be accessible from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. for morning students and 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for afternoon students. If students arrive late, they must enter through the main entrance at the front of the building to check in at the front desk. All other doors will remain locked outside of these time periods.
- Designated Parking/Entrance – In order to limit exposure and ensure the safest environment for our students, staff and visitors, students are encouraged to utilize designated parking areas and entrances on campus.
- Upon Entrance – Check-in procedures will be conducted upon entering the building and classrooms.
- Social Distancing – CDC guidelines for proper social distancing will be observed at all Autry Tech locations. All individuals should remain 6 feet from other people in hallways and classrooms.
- Prohibited – Common areas, break rooms, and shared foods are restricted. Only individually packaged food and drinks are permitted.
“At Autry Technology Center, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities,” said McCullough. “We have taken extraordinary steps since reopening our campus to protect our tech center community and do our part to stop the spread of this virus. We will continue to rigorously adhere to local, state and CDC guidelines. In the event a confirmed case or known exposure occurs in our Autry Tech community, we will follow Oklahoma State Department of Health guidelines to notify staff, students and parents/guardians as well as business partners.”
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, updates will be made on the district website – autrytech.edu – and social media pages. If you have questions or individual concerns, please contact Autry Technology Center at (580)242.2750.
Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Business and Industry Services Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.
May 14, 2020, 3:30 p.m.
Autry Technology Center Announces Reopening Procedures
ENID, OKLA. – In accordance with state and local guidelines, and direction from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education, Autry Technology Center facilities are tentatively scheduled to reopen on Monday, May 18, with limited access.
In order to comply with these directives and ensure the safest environment for our staff and those we serve, the following procedures will be in place until further notice.
- Only individuals with a scheduled appointment or class should visit any Autry Tech location – no walk-ins will be allowed.
- All approved visitors will be required to use the main entrance at all locations as all other doors will remain locked, as well as be required to sign in upon arrival and exit.
- Upon entrance at an Autry Technology Center facility, touchless temperature checks will be conducted before entering the building.
- A mask that covers the mouth and nose will be required while inside the facility or in close proximity to others outside the facilities.
- CDC guidelines regarding social distancing will be observed while on Autry Tech property.
- Classes will be limited to no more than 10 in a classroom setting including instructional staff.
- Common areas, break rooms, and shared food will remain prohibited.
Full-time Distance Learning
Distance learning for full-time programs will be completed the last day of the school year – Friday, May 15, 2020. Adult full-time students will be contacted individually by instructors for access to the campus for skills or certification testing.For any additional questions, full-time students are encouraged to contact their instructor.
Advanced Medical Programs
In-person and online training opportunities for advanced medical full-time students will continue to be delivered. Instructors will communicate with students and share details as on campus training may become available beginning Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
Meeting Rooms/Outside Events:
Autry Technology Center will not be accepting reservations for meeting rooms for outside groups at any location until further notice. This includes, but is not limited to: recruitment events, tours, student programs, conferences and social events.
Short-term Courses & Industry Training
Autry Tech is continuously evaluating and developing online learning environments for short-term courses and training provided by the BIS Team. Individuals and companies will be contacted directly to determine if training will take place in person or online. Autry Technology Center will NOT be providing training at outside facilities until the City of Enid enters phase three of the reopening plan.
Testing on Campus:
All testing will require a scheduled appointment. All testing candidates will be required to wear a mask and must wash their hands upon arrival. Candidates will be asked to follow additional check-in procedures in order to ensure a secure, clean testing environment.
Clinicals:
With current published Open Up and Recover Safely guidance as of April 22, after May 15 (Phase 2) specific activities may be reinstated while maintaining cautionary measures and following the CDC guidelines. Additional guidance will be provided when Oklahoma reaches Phase 3 (tentatively June 1).
- It is not recommended any instructor or student in the vulnerable population participate in-person training/clinical.
- Students/Instructors needing to complete clinical hours, it is recommended to complete as much as possible virtually.
- In-person clinicals for after May 15 must be restricted to groups of 10 or less, follow CDC guidelines, which includes social distancing, daily sanitizing, potential temperature checks and appropriate PPE for instructors and participants.
- It is recommended clinicals be conducted in low-risk environments.
- It should be documented that students/instructors/preceptors were provided documentation to explain the cautionary measures required for any in-person interaction.
- For returning secondary students OJT/Clinicals could be considered during Phase 3. (tentatively June 1)
- For testing and checkoff purposes, all the above guidelines should be followed.
Students with specific questions regarding clinicals should contact their instructor.
The health of all of our stakeholders depends on adherence to these procedures. We respectfully ask for your help in keeping everyone safe. At Autry Technology Center, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, updates will be made on the district website – autrytech.edu – and social media pages. Numerous resources are also available, including community updates, frequently asked questions, small business resources to assist our community partners and CDC recommendations.
Should you have questions or individual concerns, please contact Autry Technology Center at 580-242-2750.
April 22, 2020, 4:00 p.m.
Autry Technology Center Students Embracing Distance Learning Opportunities
As Autry Technology Center enters the third week of distance learning, students are finding unique ways to continue their training at home. Autry Tech began delivering training in online learning environments on April 6, 2020, in response to the CDC guidelines for social distancing.
“Our students and instructors have done a tremendous job navigating this situation,” said Brady McCullough, Autry Technology Center CEO/Superintendent. “We are continuing to grow and learn together even though we have to be apart.”
Graphic Arts student and Enid High School senior Kieran Niles is utilizing the video editing skills he has been polishing in his training program to help his church. Niles has stayed busy both capturing and editing video for broadcast of Oakwood Christian Church services.
Health Careers student and Enid High School junior Alexis Marquez took advantage of her new distance learning schedule and started as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Arbors Assisted Living Center. Marquez is putting the skills she learned in the classroom to work in her new position.
Autry Tech’s Business & Industry Services team has found new opportunities to deliver training in online formats. Each week, Autry Tech safety trainers host an online safety series, available through Zoom and at no charge to attendees. Topics have included Stress Management, Back Safety and Bloodborne Pathogens.
In response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) waiver for Nurse Aide training, Autry Tech has also partnered with long term care facilities to offer an Uncertified Nurse Aide training program. The online course meets the required 16 hours of training and costs $25 per trainee. The training is designed to help facilities address impending and actual staffing shortages among healthcare providers.
“Our goal is to provide online learning environments in such a manner that will continue to provide a productive and prepared workforce for employers,” said McCullough. “Our students, instructors and staff have embraced the challenge and continue to exceed our expectations.”
Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Business and Industry Services Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.
April 6, 2020, 12 p.m.
Autry Technology Center Board Approves Change in School Calendar
In a special meeting held via teleconference, video conference and at a physical location on Monday,
April 6, 2020, the Autry Technology Center Board of Education authorized a change in the 2019-2020
school calendar, amending the final day of the school year to May 15, 2020.
In response to the most recent CDC guidelines for social distancing, Autry Technology Center locations
will remain closed and training will continue in online learning environments for the remainder of the
current school year, as our state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.
“The decision was made to allow our school calendar to better align with the calendars of our partner
schools,” said Brady McCullough, Autry Technology Center CEO/Superintendent. “As we work to provide
distance learning opportunities over the next few weeks, we hope this change will provide some
consistency for our full-time students during this time of uncertainty.”
Distance learning begins with our full-time students today, April 6th and student expectations are
available in the Distance Learning Guide emailed to students and guardians, as well as on the Autry Tech
website.
As The Workforce Capital, Autry Tech’s most valuable asset is hands-on training, and although this
delivery method is currently unavailable, our goal is to provide online learning environments in such a
manner that will continue to provide a productive and prepared workforce for employers.
To maintain operations without interruption, Autry Tech employees are working remotely to continue to
provide the best experience possible for our students and clients through the end of the school year,
May 15th.
This is an unprecedented situation, and it has required an unprecedented response. At Autry Technology
Center, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. As the COVID-
19 situation continues to evolve, updates will be made on the district website – autrytech.edu – and
social media pages. Numerous resources are also available, including community updates, frequently
asked questions, small business resources to assist our community partners and CDC recommendations.
Should you have questions or individual concerns, please contact the Autry Technology Center at 580-
242-2750 or visit: autrytech.edu/coronavirus.
March 30, 2020, 12:30 p.m.
Autry Tech Locations Remain Closed, Training Continues
In response to the most recent CDC guidelines for social distancing, Autry Technology Center locations will remain closed and training will continue in online learning environments for the remainder of the current school year, as our state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.
In-person training and on campus events will continue to be suspended through the end of the school year. This includes, but is not limited to meetings, events, tours, student programs, conferences and social events at all Autry Tech locations.
“We understand this recommendation is in the best interest of everyone’s health, which is our greatest priority as a district,” said Brady McCullough, Autry Technology Center CEO/Superintendent. “Making these difficult decisions, we believe, is simply the right thing to do for our students, our staff and our community.”
As The Workforce Capital, Autry Tech’s most valuable asset is hands-on training, and although this delivery method is currently unavailable, our goal is to provide online learning environments in such a manner that will continue to provide a productive and prepared workforce for employers.
Training opportunities and other digital tools will continue to be delivered to full-time students in an online format beginning April 6, 2020. As instructors continue to prepare the next week for this transition, they will communicate with students and share details as soon as they are available.
Autry Tech is continuously evaluating and developing online learning environments for short-term courses and training provided by the BIS Team. Individuals and companies will be contacted directly if an online learning option is available for training, classes or meetings.
In addition to suspending onsite training and events, only Autry Tech required personnel will continue to report to campus through the remainder of the school year, in order to limit exposure. To maintain operations without interruption, Autry Tech employees will be working remotely.
This is an unprecedented situation, and it has required an unprecedented response. At Autry Technology Center, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, updates will be made on the district website – autrytech.edu – and social media pages. Numerous resources are also available, including community updates, frequently asked questions, small business resources to assist our community partners and CDC recommendations.
Should you have questions or individual concerns, please contact the Autry Technology Center at 580-242-2750 or visit: autrytech.edu/coronavirus.
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March 23, 2020, 11:35 a.m.
Oklahoma Department of Labor Licenses- From Governor Stitt’s Executive Order
Pursuant to Amended Executive Order 2020-07 “All occupational licenses issued by any agency, board or Commission of the State of Oklahoma that expire during this emergency shall be extended so long as this Order is in effect. All occupational licenses extended during this Order will expire fourteen (14) days following the withdrawal or termination of this Order.”
As the Amended Executive Order was issued on March 17, and is effective until April 16, any occupational license that would otherwise expire during this emergency shall not expire until May 1.
ODOL license applications and renewals will still be accepted and applications may be completed online at www.ok.gov/odol. Payments and accompanying documents relating to ODOL licensure should be mailed directly to the respective program at Oklahoma Department of Labor, 3017 N. Stiles Ave., #100, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
If you have any questions please contact the ODOL at (405)521-6018, toll-free 1-(888)269-5353, by fax at (405)521-6018 or email at odol.licensing@labor.ok.gov
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March 18, 2020, 2:15 p.m.
Nurse Aide and Nontechnical Services Worker Registry- From Governor Stitt’s Executive Order
7. All occupational licenses issued by any agency, board, or commission of the State of Oklahoma that expire during this emergency shall be extended so long as this Order is in effect. All occupational licenses extended during this Order will expire fourteen (14) days following the withdrawal or termination of this Order.
All certifications for long term care aides; home health aides; medication aides; developmentally direct care aides; residential care aides and adult day care aides which expire during this emergency order shall be extended so long as this order is in effect. These extensions during this order will expire fourteen (14) days following the withdrawal or termination of this Order.
For more information, please visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
March 18, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Autry Technology Center Updates
In order to carry out the emergency orders of Governor Stitt surrounding the coronavirus state of emergency, the Autry Technology Center Board of Education authorized the closure of training programs until at least April 6, 2020, during an emergency meeting held on March 18, 2020, at 11:30 a.m.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to protect our campus community, all full-time programs, in-person training and on campus events will be suspended effective immediately until April 6, 2020. This includes, but is not limited to recruitment events, tours, student programs, conferences and social events at all Autry Tech locations.
Autry Tech is currently evaluating online learning environments. Individuals will be contacted personally if an online learning option is available for training, classes or meetings.
In addition to suspending training and events, only Autry Tech required personnel will report to campus after Spring Break on March 23, 2020, in order to limit exposure.
“The closure is an opportunity to better understand the impact of COVID-19 in Oklahoma while giving our students and staff a period of time to be protected from further community spread of the virus,” said Brady McCullough, CEO/Superintendent at Autry Technology Center. “The health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities.”
There are no confirmed cases on any of our campuses at this time; however, as local, state, national and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, Autry Technology Center is proactively taking steps that will help to protect the community. We are closely monitoring the current safety levels with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the event a confirmed case occurs in our school community, we will work with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to notify staff, students and parents/guardians within our community.
At Autry Technology Center, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities.We will continue to provide updates on our website – autrytech.edu – and via email as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as decisions regarding this matter are made.
Should you have questions or individual concerns, please contact the Autry Technology Center at 580-242-2750 or visit: autrytech.edu/coronavirus
March 17, 2020
Executive Department Amended Executive Order 2020-07
For more information, please visit www.sos.ok.gov.
March 12, 2020, 4 p.m.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Autry Tech Prevention and Preparedness
As a school district, we are closely monitoring the situation regarding the increased spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, also referred to as the coronavirus, a global pandemic due to the broad spread of the virus to more than 100 countries.
There are no confirmed cases on any of our campuses at this time; however, as local, state, national and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, Autry Technology Center is proactively taking steps that will help to protect the community. We are closely monitoring the current safety levels with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Preventive Measures
We encourage our students, staff and visitors to be mindful of key preventive measures. Health officials recommend local communities and schools take the same steps to protect against COVID-19 that we take to prevent the spread of other diseases, like colds or the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid sharing food.
- Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Travel and Exposure
With Spring Break taking place next week and other travel occurring, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have partnered together to provide specific guidance related to Spring Break travel. This advice is useful for Spring Break as well as other travel that may involve students, their families and employees.
If travel is necessary, please familiarize yourself with the protocols from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. Individuals returning from travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan or any other Level 2 or 3 country, as identified by the CDC, should self-quarantine for a period of 14 days before returning to Autry Tech. Cruises may also require a quarantine upon return to the U.S. It is important that you stay aware of where you are in relation to COVID-19 hot spots. This applies to all students, teachers and district staff. Although being in a self-quarantine status is disruptive, it is imperative to do so in order to protect all who work and learn at Autry Tech.
If you’re returning from a Level 2 or 3 country, please review the following:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also, watch for a cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your supervisor before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).
As of now, these guidelines only apply to International Level 2 and 3 travel. However, we are closely monitoring the situation as it is rapidly evolving and are considering out-of-state travel guidelines.
Absences
Students under quarantine will not be counted absent as long as they either show proof of travel to a Level 2 or 3 country and/or provide a doctor’s note.
Please remember that if students or district employees are sick, they should not be on campus. Individuals need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to Autry Tech after any illness. Keeping individuals home when they are sick is critical to prevention.
For students affected by quarantines or the virus – we will work with families and students to set up remote learning arrangements to avoid disruption to education as much as possible.
Resources
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or are exhibiting symptoms:
- First, call your primary physician.
- Then contact the help lines below
In the event a confirmed case occurs in our school community, we will work with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to notify staff, students and parents/guardians within our community.
At Autry Technology Center, the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. We will continue to provide updates as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as decisions regarding this matter are made. The situation is being monitored and employees, students and parents/guardians will be notified via email as soon as any decisions occur.
Should you have questions or individual concerns, please contact the Autry Technology Center at 580-242-2750 or visit: autrytech.edu/coronavirus
