Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.  All Parent-Teacher Conference Days are legal school days as determined by the OSDE.  

No.  The official calendar day during a snow day is removed from the record and can be moved to the end of the year or included in the extended school day.  If a student is suspended in conjunction with a snow day, the suspension end date will be moved back to correspond with the days missed.  The number of days suspended will not change, just the end date.  

Example:  Student is suspended for two days.  The student serves one day of suspension and the second day is declared a snow day.  The student would then serve the second day of suspension on the first day back into session following the snow day.  The return to school date would then be moved back the number of days that were missed due to the snow day(s).  

Absolutely!  We actually encourage it! 

Student Assistance Referrals are beneficial to the students and the schools in order to support our students and their individual needs and challenges. The Student Assistance Referral is the most effective method, that we have, of notifying the central office support departments of a student need or situation.  In addition, it allows for running documentation on the student, a communication path among all parties who may not be housed together, and accountability of the central office support departments in providing assistance to the student and the school. 

You have heard that a Student Assistance Referral in TIPS reports reflect poorly on a school? 

This is not the case.  Oklahoma City Public Schools is a very large organization and utilizes the Student Assistance Referral to increase teamwork, communication, and results.  With the volume of assistance calls received, this platform is the best method we currently have to communicate and document our efforts. 

 Assistance cannot be provided to students and/or situations that are not communicated to us!  

It should be known that the Student Assistance Referral can be reported anonymously.  We believe it is beneficial to have a contact that can provide us with additional details about the student, but it is far more beneficial to be aware of the situation regardless. 

You can access the TIPS platform here.

Yes.  The Office of School Climate and Student Discipline conducts the evidentiary hearing to determine the appropriateness of the suspension and ensure the student receives Due Process.  The hearing officer may uphold the suspension, modify the suspension, or overrule the suspension based on the hearing and then evidence presented at the hearing.  In all cases, we work to provide resources to the student and the family to address any challenges that they may be having.  We believe there is always a "root cause" of the behavior.  Our challenge is to help the student and family address those causes.  As a parent, you do have the right to waive the hearing upon meeting with the principal during the suspension conference.

You may call Brian Perry at 405-587-0889.  If you would like training for your staff, contact Brian and he can arrange a day and time to visit with the staff or refer you to someone on the team