Oct 20
23
News Release
Soldotna, October 23, 2020—It is a short school week October 26-30, 2020, with parent-teacher conferences and no school for students on Thursday or Friday.
We know that the opponent named COVID-19 is making headway in Kenai Peninsula communities.
We know that the Eastern Kenai Peninsula will lose four positive cases from the 14-Day count this weekend.
We also know that COVID-19 test results are slightly delayed, and thus take longer to show up on the official state count.
So, with an abundance of precaution, to avoid opening onsite school on Monday, then needing to close Tuesday, and because of the already shortened school week, operation of schools in Moose Pass and Seward will continue in 100% Remote Learning October 26-28, 2020.
A decision about safely returning to the onsite-at-school option as soon as November 2, 2020, will be made later next week.
“We are in an acceleration phase now with COVID-19. The more interaction people have together, the higher the transmission rates will get. This current acceleration is the result of people’s choices about social gatherings outside of schools and the workplace. These choices are the main drivers of this widespread transmission we are seeing. In order for our students to be able to get back to in-person-onsite-at-school learning we need our communities to wear face coverings in public spaces, not attend large indoor social gatherings, keep their social bubbles small, and practice proven pandemic safety precautions.”
–Superintendent John O’Brien
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
Additional KPBSD Updates
- Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, 2020, are parent-teacher conferences for most KPBSD schools with no school for students or Get-It-And-Go Meals. Schools will directly communicate their plan for conferences to families. variance: Kachemak-Selo, Nikolaevsk, Razdolna, and Voznesenka schools are in session
- Thirty-four KPBSD schools in the Central, Eastern, and Southern Kenai Peninsula will continue to operate in high risk, 100% Remote Learning through at least October 30, 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
*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.
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