Lawton Public Schools

Dear LPS Families,

\r\n

After receiving feedback from our parents, staff, students and local health officials, Lawton Public Schools will reinstate the mask mandate as it was last year effective Monday, Sept. 13.  The safety of our school family is our greatest priority and the rise in cases of COVID-19 in our community made this difficult decision necessary.

\r\n

An Oklahoma judge recently ruled that – at least temporarily – the masking requirement implemented by our district is permissible under state law. This is because parents may choose to opt their children out of participation for any one of three exceptions: (1) medical reasons; (2) religious reasons; or (3) personal reasons.\r\n

\r\n

\r\nWe believe, like most parents and community members do, that in-person learning is best for students. By wearing masks in the school setting, we can better protect the health of students and staff and likely reduce disruptions to learning. Health officials recommend masking as an important mitigation tool to have a safe, successful and in-person school year. 

\r\n

Masks will be required in all indoor locations of the school and on LPS school buses. While eating or drinking, masks will not be required. 

\r\n

To opt-out your child, please complete the Mask Opt-Out form. The form must be printed, signed and turned in to the front office of your student’s school. If you do not have access to a printer, you can request a physical form be sent home.

\r\n

Lawton Public Schools teachers and support professionals are encouraged to visit with their principal or department supervisor about the process for opting out for religious or medical reasons. 

\r\n

In addition to masking, we will continue to implement other strategies to protect students and staff, including social distancing, when possible, hand washing and sanitizing. 

\r\n

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family, especially as we face this challenging situation together. Thank you for your continued support. We will get through this together.\r\n

 

Sincerely,

\r\n

Kevin Hime
LPS Superintendent

Download Superintendent Hime's letter
Download Student OPT OUT Form