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