KPBSD Communications Field Notes

Helpful new flyer: What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to COVID-19: put your quarantine plan into action

The Power of Possibility

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Nov 20
10

The Power of Possibility

Celebrate KPBSD School Psychologists every day, and especially during National School Psychology Week

Do you wonder what a school psychologist does? Watch for daily posts on @KPBSD social media to meet some of the phenomenal and dedicated school psychologists serving in KPBSD schools, and visit the KPBSD School Psychologists webpage.

“In this time of need during a global pandemic the state of mental health in our communities and schools is real. I am so thankful for the critical role our school psychologists play to help our students, families, and staff during these difficult times.”
Superintendent John O’Brien

“During the week of November 9-13, 2020, schools throughout the United States celebrate National School Psychology Week (NSPW) to highlight the important work school psychologists and other educators do to help all students thrive. This year’s theme is “The Power of Possibility.” The word “possibility” implies hope, growth, resilience and renewal. Possibility suggests that even something as small as a seed can grow into something magnificent. The word “power” implies that things can and will happen. When we focus on what is possible, we have hope that students will grow, thrive and bloom.” –National Association of School Psychologists

Nov 20
6

KPBSD Parent and Guardian Survey

Start the survey now

Dear KPBSD Parents and Guardians,

Your input is requested in this brief survey to assist refining the KPBSD Smart Start Plan so the option to attend onsite-at school during High COVID-19 Risk levels is available to more students. The survey closes Tuesday, November 10, at 8:00 AM.

On Monday, November 2, 2020, at the Board of Education work sessions and meetings, the school board gave KPBSD administration the direction to work on plans to safely bring students back into our schools during High Risk (Red) COVID-19 operation levels.

The KPBSD Team fully understands the hardship moving to remote learning caused for students, families, and staff. Students need to be in school, and we know our staff want to work with their students in person. Plans are being made to address mental health concerns for both students and staff during this transition period through early December. Updates to the Smart Start Plan need be proposed, vetted, and approved by the Board of Education.

The purpose of this survey is to determine the best option to safely bring students to onsite at-school learning when we operate in Red-High Risk due to COVID-19 community spread. Two options:

1) Bring all students (less those who choose 100% Remote Learning) back into the school every day with heightened mitigation measures in place.

2) A/B schedule: An A/B schedule will allow all schools the maximum distancing possible between students and between students and staff, by having half of the enrolled students in a building at a time, and designated into an A group and a B group of students. An A/B schedule can be designed several different ways including the following examples:

·         Monday A; Tuesday B; Wednesday A; Thursday B; Friday remote, at risk students, cleaning, etc.
·         Monday and Tuesday A; Wednesday and Thursday B; Friday remote, at risk students, cleaning, etc.
·         Week A attends M-T-W-Th for a week; Week B attends M-T-W-Th the following week

This survey will take approximately 5 minutes. Please take this survey once for all of your students attending a KPBSD school.

Clayton Holland
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction

KPBSD Smart Start Plan

KPBSD COVID-19 Web Hub

KPBSD Risk Level Dashboard

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Nov 20
4

Remote Learning extends for 34 KPBSD schools through Friday, November 13, 2020

100% Remote Learning is extended for 34 KPBSD schools through at least Friday, November 13, 2020

Soldotna, November 4, 2020—KPBSD operates schools with plans defined in the KPBSD SmartStart 2020 Plan, that was built with approval from the Board of Education, and review and feedback from DEED and DHSS. On Monday, the Board of Education gave district administration a green light to continue working on plans to safely bring students back into schools during High COVID-19 Risk operational levels.

Assistant Superintendent Holland has worked with principals and staff to move in this direction for several weeks when we realized community spread could continue to keep some areas in high risk. A staff survey is being conducted, and parents and older students can expect a survey within the next week so school district leadership can hear from everyone. The hope and plan is to safely bring an onsite at-school learning option to many more students at some point in December if areas are continuing to operate in High Risk.

“Working out the logistics and mitigation plans will take some time but this is our highest priority and we are working expediently. New plans will go to DHSS and DEED for feedback, and the school board for approval and adoption. We fully understand the hardship that moving to remote learning has caused on students, families, and staff. The emotional and mental health toll is real and has been significant. We know many of our students need to be learning onsite at school. We are redoubling our efforts to address mental health concerns for both students and our dedicated staff, especially during this transition period until Smart Start plan changes can be vetted and approved by the Board of Education.”
-Superintendent John O’Brien

When the KPBSD Medical Advisory Team and school district leadership met, on Wednesday, the continued high trend of positive COVID-19 case counts, the 7-Day trends, and contact tracing information from public health, drove the decision that a week extension of 100% Remote Learning is merited for staff and student safety, and to be in alignment with the current Smart Start plan.

One week extension: Schools in the Eastern Kenai Peninsula and Southern Kenai Peninsula will continue with 100% Remote Learning through at least Friday, November 13, 2020
Initial two week extension still in place: Central Kenai Peninsula schools will continue with 100% Remote Learning through at least Friday, November 13, 2020
KPBSD small schools continue in low risk, with onsite-at-school learning option
KPBSD Connections Homeschool is open

What to know

Schools will continue to be in contact with their families. If you or a friend are struggling or need assistance, do not wait. Call your school secretary, a teacher, the principal, school nurse, or counselor, if you have questions about materials, packets, mental well-being, or other questions
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. Make sure to place your order by noon on Friday for the following week daily pickup: Signup online for FREE lunch and breakfast meals
Need some inspiration? This is a recycle of a free resource for you: Sources of Strength Family Toolkit
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

Central Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status through at least Friday, November 13, 2020

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

Eastern Kenai Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status through Friday, November 13, 2020

Moose Pass School
Seward High School
Seward Middle School
William H. Seward Elementary

Southern Kenai Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status through Friday, November 13, 2020

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

Small schools

Susan B. English in Seldovia will resume onsite at-school learning on Monday, November 9, 2020.
Five other small KPBSD schools in, Cooper Landing, Hope, Nanwalek, Port Graham, and Tebughna will also continue to operate in low COVID-19 risk, and offer both 100% Remote and onsite-at-school learning options.

*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

KPBSD Smart Start 2020 Plan webpage

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Oct 20
28

Remote Learning extends for 35 KPBSD schools

Soldotna, October 28, 2020—KPBSD operates schools with plans defined in the KPBSD SmartStart 2020 Plan, that was built with review and feedback from DEED and DHSS, and approval from the Board of Education. The time we are living in is hard, requires sacrifice, and teamwork. We know there will be an end to the pandemic. As the positive COVID-19 case trend rises, it is important for you to know that the KPBSD Instructional Team is exploring new solutions to safely bring more students back into schools during High Risk (Red) operations, and working with Instructional Support to evaluate logistics and mitigation options.

On Wednesday, the KPBSD Medical Advisory Team and school district leadership met, and determined that with the continued high trend of positive COVID-19 case counts, the 7-Day trends, and contact tracing information from public health, a further extension of 100% Remote Learning is merited for staff and student safety. Everyone acknowledged how difficult the pandemic is, and the stress on families, students, staff, and communities.

One week extension: Schools in the Eastern Kenai Peninsula, Southern Kenai Peninsula, and Susan B. English in Seldovia, will continue with 100% Remote Learning through at least Friday, November 6, 2020

Two week extension: Central Kenai Peninsula schools will continue with 100% Remote Learning through at least Friday, November 13, 2020

Most small KPBSD schools continue in low risk, with onsite-at-school learning option

KPBSD Connections Homeschool is open

Central Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status through Friday, November 13, 2020
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

Eastern Kenai Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status through Friday, November 6, 2020

Moose Pass School
Seward High School
Seward Middle School
William H. Seward Elementary

Southern Kenai Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status through Friday, November 6, 2020

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

Small schools

Susan B. English in Seldovia will extend 100% Remote Learning through Friday, November 6, 2020
Five smaller KPBSD schools continue to operate in low COVID-19 risk, and offer both 100% Remote and onsite-at-school learning options. However, Cooper Landing, Hope, Nanwalek, Port Graham, and Tebughna could pivot to 100% Remote Learning when there are local positive COVID-19 case(s)

What to know

The KPBSD Instructional Team is analyzing solutions to safely bring more students back into schools during operations in 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. Reminder, no meals at schools that have parent-teacher conferences on October 29-30, 2020
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

*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

KPBSD Smart Start 2020 Plan webpage

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Oct 20
23

100% Remote Learning continues for KPBSD schools in Moose Pass and Seward

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.

Helpful Links

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

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

2020-10-22-KPBSD-Schools-in-Central-and-Southern-Kenai-Peninsula-extend-100-Remote-Learning Download

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Oct 20
22

10-24-20: Free flu shots for age 6 months +

KPBSD is sharing this information to assist people learning about this community event

This is a good opportunity that includes anyone 6 months and older, and the younger group are not always included in other vaccine events. Getting the flu vaccine is another tool to keep children healthy and in school this winter. Thanks for your help in promoting the event!

Free flu vaccine for 6 months and older

Saturday, October 24, 2020

10:00 – 2:00 PM

Kenai Central High School parking lot

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Oct 20
21

100% Remote Learning extended for 13 KPBSD Southern Kenai Peninsula schools

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

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

Helpful Links

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

Posted in KPBSD District Stories by Pegge Erkeneff. No Comments

Oct 20
21

100% Remote Learning extended for 17 KPBSD Central Kenai Peninsula schools

Central Kenai Peninsula Schools Update:
100% Remote Learning extended for 17 KPBSD schools in the central peninsula due to continued rising positive cases of COVID-19

The 100% Remote Learning in the central peninsula is extended an additional week, through Wednesday, October 28, 2020. A further determination of a possible additional extension will be made at that time.

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

Central Peninsula Schools operating in High Risk (Red) Status

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

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

Helpful Links

Additional KPBSD school Updates

Southern Kenai Peninsula schools (Homer area) 100% Remote Learning is 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