Oct 20
22
100% Remote Learning extends for 30 KPBSD schools in central and southern Kenai Peninsula
News Release
Soldotna, October 22, 2020—The opponent named COVID-19 is making headway in Kenai Peninsula communities. As positive cases continue to rise, operating 30 of the 42 KPBSD schools in 100% Remote Learning needs to be extended an additional week. So, schools in both the Central and Southern Kenai Peninsula will continue with 100% Remote Learning through at least October 30, 2020*. A decision about safely returning to the onsite-at-school option for Eastern Kenai Peninsula schools in Moose Pass and the Seward area will be made Friday, October 23, 2020. Seven smaller KPBSD schools continue to operate in low COVID-19 risk and offer both 100% Remote and onsite-at-school learning options. The KPBSD Connections Homeschool is open.
School district leadership and the KPBSD Medical Advisory Team determined that with the continued high positive COVID-19 case counts, the 7-Day trends, and contact tracing information from public health and DHSS, an extension of 100% Remote Learning is merited.
*NOTE: Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, 2020, are parent-teacher conferences for most KPBSD schools (except Kachemak-Selo, Nikolaevsk, Razdolna, and Voznesenka schools), with no school for students or Get-It-And-Go Meals. Schools will directly communicate 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 for sports and activities are in effect during High Risk operations
Seventeen Central Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status
Central Kenai Peninsula includes Kasilof to Sterling, extending through Kenai, Nikiski, Soldotna, and DHSS “other north” communities. Cooper Landing is not included in the 17 Central Peninsula schools:
- Aurora Borealis Charter School
- 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
- Other North: Tustumena Elementary School
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
Additional KPBSD school Updates
- 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
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 (which now includes a mental health professional) closely watch positive cases, types of community spread, and offer informed insights about safely operating schools during a pandemic.
Helpful Links
