Oct 20
21
Southern
Kenai Peninsula Schools Update:
100% Remote Learning extended for 13 KPBSD schools in the southern peninsula due
to continued rising positive cases of COVID-19
Today school district leadership and the KPBSD Medical Advisory Team determined that with the continued high positive COVID-19 case counts, the 7-Day trends, contact tracing information from public health and DHSS, an extension of 100% Remote Learning is merited.
The 100% Remote Learning in the southern peninsula (Homer area) is extended an additional week, through Wednesday, October 28, 2020. A further determination of a possible additional extension will be made at that time.
NOTE: Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, 2020, are parent-teacher conferences, with no school for students or Get-It-And-Go Meals. Schools will be directly communicating their plan for conferences to families.
What to know during 100% Remote Learning in COVID-19 High Risk
- Schools will continue to be in contact with their families to give further instructions, call your school if you have questions about materials, packets, or other issues
- Get-It and Go Meals are free for all students during 100% Remote Learning, and can be picked up daily at school between 12:00–1:00. Note: No meals are available on October 29-30, 2020, during parent teacher conference days
- Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Special Education Intensive Needs students may still attend school onsite-at-school during 100% Remote Learning, based on the 2020 SmartStart Plan. Schools are in contact with these families directly
- ASAA Protocols are in effect during High Risk operations
Thirteen Southern Kenai Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status
KPBSD schools in Nanwalek, Port Graham, and Susan B. English in Seldovia are considered individually, and remain open to onsite at-school learning at this time.
- Chapman School
- Fireweed Academy
- Homer Flex School
- Homer High School
- Homer Middle School
- Kachemak Selo School
- McNeil Canyon Elementary School
- Nikolaevsk School
- Ninilchik School
- Paul Banks Elementary School
- Razdolna School
- Voznesenka School
- West Homer Elementary School
What you can do
We urge Alaskans to exercise caution and take the following steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Do the 3 W’s: Wear a mask, watch your distance and wash your hands
• Avoid the 3 C’s: Crowded places, close contact settings and confined or enclosed spaces. Keep contacts limited and social circles small. Avoid indoor gatherings
• Don’t ride in cars with people who are not in your household bubble
• Limit your errands and outings
• Watch out for COVID-19 symptoms. Get tested even if you have just one symptom or mild symptoms
• Don’t be around others if you are not feeling well. Stay home and isolate immediately
• If you test positive, let close contacts know so they can protect others
• Quarantine quickly if you are exposed to COVID-19, for a full 14 days
*Decision Basis about operations in risk levels
To determine if schools should operate in 100% Remote Learning, or offer options for 100% Remote Learning and onsite at-school learning, district leadership and the KPBSD Medical Advisory Team:
- Analyze the 14-Day positive COVID-19 case counts
- Analyze the 7-Day positivity trend
- Consult with public health contact tracing knowledge, and local medical providers
- Review the KPBSD COVID-19 Positive Case in a School Decision Matrix
Based on this analysis and scientific data, the medical advisory team watches positive cases closely, types of community spread, and offers informed insights about safely operating schools during a pandemic.
Helpful Links
KPBSD COVID-19 Hub or covid19.kpbsd.org
KPBSD COVID-19 risk level dashboard
Additional KPBSD school Updates
- Central Kenai Peninsula schools 100% Remote Learning is also extended through October 28, 2020
- Eastern Kenai Peninsula schools (Seward area) decision will be made Friday, 10-23-20 about return to onsite-at-school learning option as soon as 10-26-20
- Remote KPBSD schools continue in low risk, with onsite-at-school learning option
