Tag: Smart Start

KPBSD Weekly Update: 7-16-20

COVID19 is creating a bumpy and difficult time. We know it may be very hard for you, and adaptions may require a new focus, mindset, and decisions. We promise to communicate and be proactive, even when we do not have all the answers. Let us trust that together we can and will continue offering learning for all our students, and keep our excellent KPBSD staff employed. To do this we need grace, kindness for each other, and self-care for families and ourselves.

To safely open schools, we must each take actions now, to slow or stop the spread of the COVID19 virus. When you wash your hands, watch your 6’ distance with others, and wear a mask in public places, you directly influence the safe opening of schools and learning for our children. Our actions add up, and we can and will get through this global pandemic.

July 16, 2020 KPBSD Weekly Update

  • The KPBSD Board of Education approved the KPBSD 2020 Smart Start for Schools, and we know it will continue to evolve.
  • The first day of school for students in most KPBSD schools is Monday, August 24, 2020. View Variance calendars for some smaller schools
  • Quick view Smart Start Plan highlights for parents and families:
PFD: KPBSD Smart Start Key Points for Parents and Families flyerDownload

Safety

New! Symptom Free School Protocol: If any symptoms of illness are present, students and staff will not go to school. New cleaning protocols are in place. Updates to COVID19 risk levels on the Kenai Peninsula will be made daily*.

Choice: Where will learning happen?

Families will have the choice* to elect for their children to:

When you enroll in your neighborhood school and choose to attend in person or via remote learning, or in KPBSD Connections Homeschool, your choice keeps education funding coming to KPBSD for the Kenai Peninsula, employs our excellent staff, and offers options for students.

*We know you have questions and want to make the best choice for your family. Helpful guidance will arrive to you next week. In addition, updated online enrollment with a preference about the three KPBSD options will be coming out soon.

Continuity

Learning is designed for flexibility of location: in-person or remote. Each grade or subject course will have both the physical classroom option in school, and the virtual “remote” classroom where materials will be shared and lessons taught.

Consistency

Schools will continually work to support students during this singular time in education. Students and parents will be able to count on WHO supports them, and WHERE to find materials, feedback, and access to learning.

Communication

KPBSD and schools will provide timely resources and information to staff, families, and publics. School websites will serve as a hub for their learning community and include contact information and virtual classroom links, school COVID19 risk level, updates, and school social media sites.

*Determining COVID19 Risk Levels on the Kenai Peninsula

KPBSD implemented an operational plan to indicate low, medium, or high risk of COVID-19 community transmission in a geographical region or school. Decisions are based on state data, and local current information from the DHSS and public health. Updates will be made daily, posted on the KPBSD website, and communicated to our families, staff, and publics when changes in risk levels occur. KPBSD schools will be open to students in low and medium risk levels, with increased safety measures in place.

A visual map of the Kenai Peninsula risk level in our 42 schools is in development, and will be live online no later than August 1.

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Kindly note: if you ask questions in a comment, I’ll do my best to review them several times a week, and respond. I appreciate your patience and understanding that until we create a FAQ, that your questions assist to develop it, and I will get you answers soon. – Pegge Erkeneff, Director of Communications

KPBSD Smart Start plans for new school year

Work is underway for a smart start to the new school year

Soldotna, June 18, 2020—Superintendent John O’Brien assures parents, students, and communities that although it may be summer break, significant work is underway to plan for the August start of 42 schools, during a global pandemic.

Dear parents, students, staff, and Kenai Peninsula Borough communities:

A 20 person team has been designing the safe start-up plans for school in August when we will welcome all children and staff into the new 2020-2021 school year. Our sincere hope and planning goal is to open up all 42 schools for onsite and in-person teaching and learning.

The Alaska Departments of Education and Health and Social Services requested every school district in the state to develop alternative plans in the event it becomes necessary to provide for safe social distancing measures, or a more drastic return to remote learning if the COVID-19 virus makes a strong return in our communities. Part of the planning process includes how we will be able to accurately determine community and school risk levels, and our response. Information and guidance will come from both the state and public health. The risk levels and the implemented actions in KPBSD may include:

In a Green or Low Risk environment, school will open on a normal schedule, and be as typical as possible with increased health and hygiene measures in place

In a Yellow or Medium Risk environment, plans may require safe social distancing in schools and during bus transportation, smaller groupings of students, the possibility of wearing cloth face masks in some settings, and options for remote work or learning for higher risk students and staff

If we were experiencing community spread and transmission of the COVID-19 virus, this would trigger Red or High Risk plans to be implemented which will likely result in the closure of some schools, and the need to provide remote off site instruction in that region of the district

In July, the KPBSD Board of Education and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development will receive our draft plans for final approval. I offer a special thanks to the hundreds of staff and thousands of families who participated in the survey that took place in May.

Our critical mission is to provide equitable educational support and opportunities for all students, all school year. For information and the latest updates about the KPBSD 2020 Smart Start team’s work, please frequently visit our KPBSD 2020 Smart Start web page at https://bit.ly/3eflLXC, or access it from the KPBSD.org homepage.

Wishing you success and positive impact,
John O’Brien, Superintendent

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