Aug 20
7

new: Returning Student Update Forms online portal is now open

Dear KPBSD parents and guardians,

The new “Returning Student Update Forms” online portal is open to you now! This will streamline the required annual paperwork for your child, and where you will indicate your choice about how your child will begin school in August.

Your KPBSD instructional teams and school staff are working to prepare for school beginning Monday, August 24, 2020* for most of our 42 schools on the Kenai Peninsula. Our school principals and secretaries are available to answer your questions, or you can contact the KPBSD help desk during business hours with questions about COVID19 and schools.

ACTION NEEDED
To assist your school to put plans for safety and instruction about who will attend school onsite, or 100% remote, or shift to homeschool, kindly complete your online forms and school choice as soon as possible, and no later than Friday, August 14, 2020.

Parent Choice: Parents and guardians filling out the form packets will be prompted to answer a question about their preferred learning environment during the COVID19 global pandemic. We invite every family to choose the plan best for their circumstances. The KPBSD 2020 Smart Start Plan offers three options:

  • ONSITE at Your KPBSD School
    Learning at your neighborhood school, charter school, or non-traditional KPBSD school

  • 100% Remote with Your KPBSD School
    Learning with your neighborhood school, charter school, or non-traditional KPBSD school

  • HOMESCHOOL: Enrollment in KPBSD Connections Homeschool program
    Learning is designed by families with a Connections Teacher Advisor and facilitated by parents

If you have questions about these three options, contact your KPBSD school for help to discern what is best for your child and family.

Thank you for your time to complete these student updates.

Begin your online student updates in PowerSchool FORMS portal

*Links

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Aug 20
4

News Release: KPBSD Student Nutrition Services (SNS) Updates

SNS will serve meals onsite, plus Get-it and Go
new! streamlined online application process for free or reduced meals

Soldotna, August 4, 2020—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will provide meals to students who attend school onsite, and to everyone who chooses 100% remote learning with their KPBSD school.* New! A streamlined online application for Free and Reduced Meals to determine benefits and qualify communities for federal funds is now live.

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 2020-2021 Meal Prices

Breakfast

  • Students approved for Free and Reduced meals: $.00
  • Grades K-12: $2.00

Lunch

  • Students approved for Free meals: $.00
  • Students approved for reduced meals: $.40
  • Grades K-6: $3.00
  • Grades 7-12: $3.50

The Community Eligible Program (CEP) qualifies every student in the school to receive free meals. KPBSD CEP schools are: Homer Flex School; Nanwalek School; Nikolaevsk School; Port Graham School; Tebughna School

New! Two key changes in the 2020-2021 school year:

Online Application: Parents or guardians must reapply each year for free or reduced meal benefits

This year, all applications will be accepted online through the new state portal at http://mealapp.kpbsd.org. If someone does not have access to the internet, each school will have a few paper applications in the school office.

Meal benefits from the 2019-2020 school year will carry over until October 5, 2020, but a new application must be received by KPBSD Student Nutrition Services by then, or the student will revert to a paid meal status.

Opt-In form required to charge meals up to two days of meals

Students will not be permitted to charge any meals this year until parents or guardians have signed an Opt-In form for their child. The Opt-In is included in the online packet, and SNS needs a form completed for each student that a parent gives permission to charge. When completed, students will be allowed to charge up to two days of meals, and no further charges will be allowed until the amount is paid back.

*Get It and Go Meals will be provided to families who choose 100% Remote Learning with their KPBSD School, and available for pickup once a week at the school. If a KPBSD school shifts to high COVID19 risk and becomes 100% Remote, then those students will also be able to receive Get It and Go Meals, similar to spring 2020. Meal charges will be applied to the students account according to their Free, Reduced, or Paid status. Homeschool students are not eligible for Get It and Go Meals.

In 1965, federal funds were established through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to education. KPBSD has developed programs to support struggling learners all around the district, and various forms are included in school registration packets each year to help identify qualifying students and families. Completion of the Free and Reduced Meal application–even by families who do not want to use free or reduced price meals–is important to the continuation of these federally funded programs. Federal funding is based on qualified applications.

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Jul 20
30

Weekly Update: a video, cloth face masks, a poll, a FAQ

Dear KPBSD students, families, and staff,

Greetings! This week Superintendent O’Brien has a video message* for you about the new cloth face covering decision in KPBSD schools, a request that you take a brief poll about what you think your school choice would be, and current COVID19 risk levels. Today the district leadership team and all 42 school principals and assistant principals met for several hours to plan for the new school year!

View video on YouTube, or go to @KPBSD Facebook to watch

Quick School Choice Poll
Schools need your help: kindly take a less than one-minute poll asking, if you had to choose today, Which K-12 learning option would be best for your child?

Responses will assist principals and school instructional leaders during the Leadership Academy next week with plans for the opening of school on August 24, 2020. This is not your definitive answer—you will receive a separate required “Returning School Information Update” response form next week.
Your quick poll response is needed by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q28JDBS

Quick poll: Which KPBSD school option would you choose today?

NEW! All KPBSD staff, and students in third grade and above, will be required to wear cloth face coverings whenever 6’ physical distancing is not possible.

Cloth face coverings will be required for KPBSD staff and everyone in grades three and above, if 6′ physical distancing is not possible.


Cloth face coverings will be required in KPBSD schools in all COVID19 risk levels (low, medium, high) for all staff, and students in third grade and older, whenever a 6’ physical distancing is not possible. If a cloth or clear face covering is medically inappropriate or cannot be worn, a face shield that extends at least to the chin and around the sides of the face will be allowed. Students in grades Pre-K through second grade will not be required to wear a face covering, yet do still need to have a cloth face covering in their school supplies. They will be directed when and if they need to wear them. Handwashing and physical distancing will emphasized in all grades.

Smart Start 2020 Frequently Asked Questions Flyer

2020-07-30-KPBSD-Frequently-Asked-Questions-FAQsDownload

Make sure to do something kind for yourself this week. We know this might be hard, we are confident in our plan, and being flexible, along with staying hopeful that schools will open, and stay open. This year will be better than “last year with a mask on” and it will take all of us working together with resiliency, and kindness toward each other.

ps: Please take a minute to complete the poll – it will really help with planning the best school year possible for all students, and our hard working staff.

*Links

REFERENCE: Which K-12 learning option will be best for you? Review or download the PDF

ONSITE at Your KPBSD School
Learning at your neighborhood school, charter school, or non-traditional KPBSD school

100% Remote with Your KPBSD School
Learning with your neighborhood school, charter school, or non-traditional KPBSD school

HOMESCHOOL: Enrollment in KPBSD Connections Homeschool program
Learning is designed by families with a Connections Teacher Advisor and facilitated by parents

Kindly note: if you ask questions in a comment, I’ll do my best to review them a few times a week, and respond. You can always contact your school, or call the district office at 907 – 714 – 8888 – Pegge Erkeneff, Director of Communications

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Jul 20
23

Weekly Update: Three KPBSD School Solutions during a pandemic

Planning continues to open 42 KPBSD schools, and the science and spread of COVID19 in Alaska continues to change–you likely have questions and concerns. One size does not fit everyone, and COVID19 is creating challenges we have never lived through. Together we will create solutions and help you choose the best option for learning this fall.

We understand education during a global pandemic requires adaption, a flexible mindset, and serious decisions. We promise to communicate and be proactive, even when we do not have all the answers. Toward that end to assist you, a dedicated phone number and email address that will reach district office to respond to your COVID19 and school choice questions is now available—look in the question section for the contacts. School principals and secretaries return to work the week of July 28, and school staff return later in August.

Included this week is a new flyer with the Three Flexible Solutions for School in KPBSD, and responses to seven common questions. We know some of you will need devices or internet—the survey next week will help determine your needs so the district can assist.

July 23, 2020 KPBSD Weekly Update: Three Flexible Solutions for School in 2020-2021 during a Global Pandemic

Which KPBSD K-12 learning option will be best for you?

  • ONSITE at Your KPBSD School
    Learning at your neighborhood school, charter school, or non-traditional KPBSD school
  • 100% Remote with Your KPBSD School
    Learning with your neighborhood school, charter school, or non-traditional KPBSD school
  • HOMESCHOOL: Enrollment in KPBSD Connections Homeschool program
    Learning is designed by families with a Connections Teacher Advisor and facilitated by parents
Which K-12 learning option will be best for you? Download the PDF flyer Download

Seven Questions

Q: Can I change once I decide?


Yes. If you need flexibility to change between options, KPBSD wants you to be successful and you can make a change

Q: Will face coverings be required when school begins in August?

Superintendent O’Brien and the district leadership planning team are currently reviewing the science and recommendations from CDC, DHSS, DEED, and public input about requiring face coverings to be worn in the school environment. An update to the SmartStart plan is forthcoming, and will be shared in the communication next week.

Q: Help Desk


We know many of you want to talk to your school principal, secretary, or teachers, prior to making a decision. Principals and secretaries begin returning to work on or after July 28, and teachers return in August. If you need help deciding what is best for you and your children, have questions, or simply need someone to hear your thoughts and concerns, the district office is open. For your specific COVID19 and school related questions, call 907-714-8864, email us at covid19@kpbsd.org, or visit covid19.kpbsd.org. For general questions, the main KPBSD office number is 907-714-8888

Q: When do I need to choose?


You will receive an online update form next week, and can complete it any time prior to the start of school. Through the form, you can also update student contact information, indicate what access you need for internet and learning devices, and indicate your choice for school beginning in August 2020

Q: When will schools close in high COVID19 risk level?

  • Always open: The 100% Remote with Your KPBSD School, and the KPBSD Connections Homeschool, will be open during all risk levels
  • Pivot needed: The ONSITE at Your KPBSD School will close to students during high COVID19 risk, and shift to 100% Remote Learning through the Virtual Classroom

Q: Can I receive school meals if schools close during High COVID19 risk?

Yes. We are planning to implement the “Get-it and Go” meals if schools need to close to students during high COVID19 risk

Q:How do you determine COVID19 Risk Levels on the Kenai Peninsula?

KPBSD implemented an operational plan to indicate low, medium, or high risk of COVID-19 community transmission in a geographical region or school based on 14 day averages and seven day trends. Decisions are based on state data, and local current information from the DHSS and public health. Beginning August 1, updates will be made daily, posted on the KPBSD website, and changes in risk level communicated to our families, staff, and publics. A visual map of the Kenai Peninsula risk level in our 42 schools is in development, and will be live online no later than August 1, 2020

Links

To safely open schools, we must each take actions now, to slow or stop the spread of the COVID19 virus. When you wash your hands, watch your 6’ distance with others, and wear a mask in public places, you directly influence the safe opening of schools and learning for our children. Our actions add up, and we can and will get through this global pandemic.

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Jul 20
20

COVID19 Risk Levels in KPBSD

COVID19 Risk Level in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

UPDATE:
On July 28, 2020, Southern Peninsula rose from LOW to MEDIUM Risk
On July 27, 2020, Central Peninsula dropped from HIGH to MEDIUM Risk

Current Risk Levels effective July 19, 2020, July 27, 2020, July 28, 2020, until further notice*
Central Peninsula: HIGH (on 7-27-20 risk dropped to MEDIUM)
Eastern Peninsula: HIGH
Southern Peninsula: LOW (on 7-28-20 risk rose to MEDIUM)

When the onset of COVID-19 happened, the need to make rational and informed operational decisions became primary for the health and safety of our students, staff, and communities. KPBSD incorporated science-based guidance to assist in our decision-making processes.

Beginning on or before August 1, KPBSD will provide daily COVID19 risk updates for our schools on a new dedicated webpage at www.KPBSD.org, and include a robust visual risk level map of Kenai Peninsula schools on the district and school website homepages for easy reference. Included will be what to expect with each risk level.

*RISK LEVELS Documents. (To read the most recent reports, go to www.KPBSD.org)

July 20, 2020: KPBSD-COVID-Positive-Cases-and-KPBSD-Risk-Level-Determination- Download
July 19, 2020: KPBSD-COVID-Positive-Cases-and-KPBSD-Risk-Level-Determination-ChartDownload

The KPBSD is divided into geographical risk areas:

  • Central Kenai Peninsula includes Sterling to Kasilof, extending through Kenai, Nikiski, Soldotna, and DHSS “other north” communities:
    Aurora Borealis Charter School; Connections Homeschool; Kaleidoscope Charter School; K-Beach Elementary School; Kenai Alternative School; Kenai Central High School; Kenai Middle School; Mountain View Elementary School; Nikiski Middle-High School; Nikiski North Star Elementary School; Redoubt Elementary School; River City Academy; Skyview Middle School; Soldotna Elementary School; Soldotna High School; Soldotna Montessori Charter School; Sterling Elementary School and Other North: Tustumena Elementary School
  • Eastern Kenai Peninsula includes Seward area, including Moose Pass
    Moose Pass Elementary School; Seward Elementary School; Seward High School; Seward Middle School
  • Southern Kenai Peninsula includes Homer area, north to Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Fritz Creek, and DHSS “other south” communities:
    Chapman School; Connections Homeschool; Fireweed Academy; Homer Flex School; Homer High School; Homer Middle School; McNeil Canyon Elementary School; Paul Banks Elementary School; West Homer Elementary School; and Other South: Kachemak-Selo School;Nikolaevsk School; Ninilchik School; Razdolna School; Voznesenka School
  • Schools in Individual or Remote Communities
    Cooper Landing School; Hope School; Nanwalek School; Port Graham School; Susan B. English School (Seldovia); Tebughna School

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) created a tool with three levels of alert based on the amount of community transmission on a per capita incidence of cases per 100,000 population as part of their plan to reopen long-term care facilities to visitors. Every day the DHSS calculates the number of new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents, then averages it over the past 14 days. The DHSS article and chart are found at this link: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/alertlevels.aspx

The DHSS article specifically states:

“These community transmission levels were developed to inform decisions about allowing visitors to long-term care facilities. However average daily per capita incidence may inform decision making in other sectors as well, such as schools, institutions of higher education, and businesses.”

The Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) adopted this modeling to determine risk levels for student activities and sports.

KPBSD believes that the safety of our staff and students should be as important as the safety of our senior citizens, so we have adopted the same numbers used by DHSS. We have created a “KPBSD Level of Determination by Community-Region” chart that converts the population of the borough and its communities on the “cases per 100,000 population” standard that the State used. The KPBSD chart shows case counts in two ways, the daily average case rate over fourteen days, and the total maximum number of cases in the last 14-day period.

KPBSD created a “Resident Coronavirus Cases On The Kenai Peninsula” chart to track the daily number of cases on the Kenai Peninsula as reported by the State of Alaska on the upper portion of the chart. On the bottom half of the page, cases are grouped by Region. The cases are shown in three different ways:

  • a total of all cases
  • a total of cases in the last 14-day period
  • a daily average in the last 14-day period

The latter two numbers are used in coordination with the “KPBSD Level of Determination by Community-Region” chart to determine what alert level each Region is in for KPBSD operations.

Reports for Resident Coronavirus Cases On The Kenai Peninsula and KPBSD Level of Determination by Community-Region were moved near the top of this page.

Links

In July, posts will only be made when risk levels change. Beginning August 1, daily count updates will be live online and posted to KPBSD social media. Kindly note: if you ask questions in a comment, I’ll do my best to review them several times a week, and respond. However, I will be out of the office July 20-25, 2020, so there will not be any responses. I appreciate your patience and understanding until the new risk level webpage and map under development for the school year is live on August 1. – Pegge Erkeneff, Director of Communications

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Jul 20
16

KPBSD Weekly Update: 7-16-20

COVID19 is creating a bumpy and difficult time. We know it may be very hard for you, and adaptions may require a new focus, mindset, and decisions. We promise to communicate and be proactive, even when we do not have all the answers. Let us trust that together we can and will continue offering learning for all our students, and keep our excellent KPBSD staff employed. To do this we need grace, kindness for each other, and self-care for families and ourselves.

To safely open schools, we must each take actions now, to slow or stop the spread of the COVID19 virus. When you wash your hands, watch your 6’ distance with others, and wear a mask in public places, you directly influence the safe opening of schools and learning for our children. Our actions add up, and we can and will get through this global pandemic.

July 16, 2020 KPBSD Weekly Update

  • The KPBSD Board of Education approved the KPBSD 2020 Smart Start for Schools, and we know it will continue to evolve.
  • The first day of school for students in most KPBSD schools is Monday, August 24, 2020. View Variance calendars for some smaller schools
  • Quick view Smart Start Plan highlights for parents and families:
PFD: KPBSD Smart Start Key Points for Parents and Families flyerDownload

Safety

New! Symptom Free School Protocol: If any symptoms of illness are present, students and staff will not go to school. New cleaning protocols are in place. Updates to COVID19 risk levels on the Kenai Peninsula will be made daily*.

Choice: Where will learning happen?

Families will have the choice* to elect for their children to:

When you enroll in your neighborhood school and choose to attend in person or via remote learning, or in KPBSD Connections Homeschool, your choice keeps education funding coming to KPBSD for the Kenai Peninsula, employs our excellent staff, and offers options for students.

*We know you have questions and want to make the best choice for your family. Helpful guidance will arrive to you next week. In addition, updated online enrollment with a preference about the three KPBSD options will be coming out soon.

Continuity

Learning is designed for flexibility of location: in-person or remote. Each grade or subject course will have both the physical classroom option in school, and the virtual “remote” classroom where materials will be shared and lessons taught.

Consistency

Schools will continually work to support students during this singular time in education. Students and parents will be able to count on WHO supports them, and WHERE to find materials, feedback, and access to learning.

Communication

KPBSD and schools will provide timely resources and information to staff, families, and publics. School websites will serve as a hub for their learning community and include contact information and virtual classroom links, school COVID19 risk level, updates, and school social media sites.

*Determining COVID19 Risk Levels on the Kenai Peninsula

KPBSD implemented an operational plan to indicate low, medium, or high risk of COVID-19 community transmission in a geographical region or school. Decisions are based on state data, and local current information from the DHSS and public health. Updates will be made daily, posted on the KPBSD website, and communicated to our families, staff, and publics when changes in risk levels occur. KPBSD schools will be open to students in low and medium risk levels, with increased safety measures in place.

A visual map of the Kenai Peninsula risk level in our 42 schools is in development, and will be live online no later than August 1.

Links

Kindly note: if you ask questions in a comment, I’ll do my best to review them several times a week, and respond. I appreciate your patience and understanding that until we create a FAQ, that your questions assist to develop it, and I will get you answers soon. – Pegge Erkeneff, Director of Communications

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Jul 20
8

School Board to approve Smart Start Plan and Change to First Day of School in August

News Release: KPBSD Smart Start 2020
How will COVID19 risk levels Affect K-12 Education and the first day of school for students in KPBSD?

During their Monday, July 13, 2020 meeting at 6:00 PM, the KPBSD Board of Education will take action to approve the KPBSD COVID19 Smart Start 2020 plan, and change the first day of school for students to Monday, August 24, 2020.

Smart Start 2020

Preparations for the safe and prudent reopening of schools in August 2020 has been ongoing for two months. Twenty members of the KPBSD 2020 Smart Start Work Group designed the KPBSD plan to address how K-12 education and activities in our diverse schools will take place depending on low (green), medium (yellow), or high (red) risk COVID19 community transmission scenarios. The KPBSD plan will continue to be revised as medical information, science, and the pandemic situation evolves throughout the 2020-2021 school year. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development requires all school districts to submit their plan by July 31, 2020.
The recommended action for the Board of Education is to approve the KPBSD plan. After approval, on July 14, 2020, the plan will be available at the KPBSD Smart Start webpage. You can view the document now in BoardDocs.

Delay first day of school for students by four days
School would begin Monday, August 24, 2020 for students

Changing the first day of school for students to August 24, 2020, will provide four additional critical in-service workdays for staff. COVID19 brings a significant number of extra health and safety measures, instructional options for parents and guardians, school routine shifts, schedules, and operational procedures. These four additional in-service and staff workdays will ensure a smooth and safe startup of schools during the COVID19 pandemic.
The recommended action for the Board of Education is to change to first day of school for students from the original date of Tuesday August 18, to Monday August 24, 2020.

6:00 PM, Monday, July 13, 2020, Board of Education meeting

The Board of Education will hold a virtual and telephonic meeting in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers, George A. Navarre Administration Building, in Soldotna. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and CDC recommendations, this meeting will not be physically open to the public. However, the meeting will remain public.

The public is invited to listen and participate by calling the following toll-free number on July 13 at 6:00 p.m.:

  • (877) 853-5257
  • Conference ID: 708 024 188
  • When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #

The meeting will be broadcast live on the district website. https://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/

Anyone can submit comments that will be read during the meeting. Email them to Lisa Gabriel lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020

To pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or for technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Jun 20
29

June 29, 2020 KPBSD Update

KPBSD Sports & Activities webpage

There is a new opponent on the Kenai Peninsula—meet COVID-19, who changed the game plan and conditions for summer activities and play in KPBSD schools. Several schools have plans approved now, and youth are practicing. Read the “Playing Safely” Peninsula Clarion June 18, 2020 article. Pools at Skyview Middle School and Kenai Central High School are reopening.

You can learn more at the KPBSD Sports and Activities COVID-19 webpage, and read a letter to students, families, and staff about summer activities.

Everyone needs to be a superhero and do their part so that schools open to students. Make sure to wash your hands, watch your 6’ feet, and wear a mask when appropriate. In a pandemic, personal choices count and it will take teamwork from all of us to keep positive COVID counts down, summer sports happening, and schools to open to students in August.

Helpful Resources

August SmartStart 2020

As preparations continue for the reopening of schools in August, you can count on parental choice, consistency and continuity, and symptom free schools. During the July 13, 2020 Board of Education meeting, the SmartStart 2020 plan will be shared, then posted online that week. The KPBSD planning committee of district leadership, administrators, and others are working diligently. We will meet with the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education and Early Development in early July to define updated risk determinations in order to keep schools open to students and staff. More details will be available to respond to your questions in mid-July. Thank you for your patience!

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Jun 20
29

KPBSD Summer Sports & Activities Game Plan

KPBSD Sports & Activities webpage

Dear KPBSD students, parents, and staff,

KPBSD is dedicated to the continuation of our various athletic programs for the physical and mental well-being of our students. We are mindful of the risks associated with these events to take place and are taking necessary steps to create as safe an environment as possible for student athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, and spectators. Therefore, additional requirements are in place as summer sports and activities resume in June.

We are working closely with local and state agencies, ASAA, and reviewing the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to create standards and expectations to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure. We will implement safety measures during summer practices, camps, and conditioning that will make these sporting events safer for everyone. 

Some of the COVID-19 safety measures include requiring participants to sign in when they arrive at each session, take a temperature check, and to respond COVID-19 related symptom questions. Students are asked to follow their coaches or school guidelines, dress appropriately for their activity, bring their own water bottle, and cloth face covering that can be worn outside of practice. Our actions now will slow the community spread of COVID-19, and allow schools and sports to remain open.

We encourage every family to consider the risks to participate in sports and activities during a pandemic, and make the decision that is best for their family. Due to the risks associated with playing sports during the COVID-19 pandemic, KPBSD will require each family of a student athlete, as well as anyone participating in the sporting event, to sign an acknowledgement of the risks and a waiver of liability. This form is designed to assess certain risk factors, highlight the dangers of participating in sports, and ask that each participant not hold KPBSD liable for any harm that may result if a student athlete or participant contracts COVID-19. Make sure to read the sports waiver before you sign, as you will be giving up important legal rights.

We strive to continue our sports programs to the fullest extent practical and intend to take responsible measures to promote the safety of all participants, coaches, staff, and supporting families. KPBSD will monitor community spread of COVID-19, low-medium-high risk in our diverse communities, and potentially make updates as state health mandates and guidance updates are available. You can always find information on our new dedicated KPBSD Sports and Activities webpage.

Kind Regards,
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

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Jun 20
29

Planning summer travel, and COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine health mandates

KPBSD All Staff Communication

Hello! This summer, many of us will travel within our great state, and out of state. While health guidelines and mandates do change, these may be helpful travel related resources for you:

State of Alaska Travel information and declaration forms: https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/

Online Link to Travel Graphic

Current State of Alaska Health Mandates including two notes of interest:

  • Health Mandate 010: Interstate and International Travel
    • note: As of June 28, 2020, Alaskans returning to the state from a trip five days or less are not required to take a test before departing, and can upon return, take a COVID test at the airport, and quarantine until receiving a negative result. Plus, “The resident will receive a voucher for a second test that must occur within 7-14 days after arrival, and should minimize interactions until the results from the second test shows the resident is negative for COVID-19.” Alternately, if no test is taken upon return, Alaskans must quarantine 14 days. Details about this option are on the State Travel webpage, in the Travel Declaration Form options.

  • Health Mandate 018: Intrastate Travel
    • note: “Intrastate Travel Between Communities Located Off The Road System or The Marine Highway System Is Permitted, but subject to local travel restrictions.”

Tip: Follow the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Facebook, Instagram, and twitter for their informational posts and updates.

As our KPBSD SmartStart 2020 plans for reopening schools in August comes together, you will definitely receive more information later in July. Meanwhile, may your Fourth of July be safe and restful, while doing your part to keep community spread of COVID at bay, so we can open schools—and children and staff can be in buildings!

www.KPBSD.org | Twitter @KPBSD | Facebook KPBSD

KPBSD will inspire all learners to pursue their dreams in a rigorous, relevant and responsive environment.

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