K-12 school in Cooper Landing is CANCELLED until Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at the earliest
This closure is caused by a wildfire in the area and evacuation level at #2 “SET”
SET means that you must be ready and prepared to leave at any time.
Learn about 1-2-3 Ready-Set-Go at www.kpbOEM.com
www.KPBSD.org
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District wildfires and air quality alert:
outdoor activity, sports, travel cancellations & restrictions, school closure
“KPBSD places the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and parents before any other consideration. Since the resurgence of the Swan Lake Fire after the wind event on Saturday, August 17, 2019, and two new fire starts, our community has been challenged by smoke, fire, road closures, and is on edge. Depending on wind direction, every region of our district has also contended with unhealthy air quality. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this ongoing event.” –Superintendent John O’Brien
School administrators will determine if recess, outdoor classroom activities, and sports practice will take place based on Air Quality conditions in their immediate area. Cancellations or restrictions may happen if conditions change rapidly.
Daily evaluations and consultation with the Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM), fire officials, and state air quality resources will inform changes.
*At 7:45 PM on 8/26/19, The Cooper Landing evacuation alert moved to Level 2, SET. A Level 2 (SET) Evacuation is NOT a notice to leave. At Level 2 SET, load your 6 P’s: People, Pets, Pills, Photos, Personal (computer back-up info), and important Papers. Read the full Level 2 SET evacuation alert for Cooper Landing: http://bit.ly/2ZgWrwV
Follow KPB Alerts on Facebook, and for additional information on the Ready-Set-Go! Evacuation Guidelines and up-to-date fire information, visit www.kpboem.com or call 907-262-INFO.
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KPBSD anticipates all 42 schools will open on a normal schedule on on Monday, August 26, 2019.
Air quality is a top concern for schools and the health of our students, staff, and athletes. Your KPBSD school district is working closely with the Borough Office of Emergency Management, the Great Basin National Type 1 Incident Management Team, agency cooperators, and onsite information from school principals to make the best decisions for the safety of all of our students, staff, and the team of teams fighting wildfires burning on the peninsula.
Superintendent O’Brien will make a decision on Monday about outdoor recess and class activities, and outdoor athletic practices and events. A full update about activities, sports, and travel will post by Monday afternoon. A significant weather change is not expected this week, and so this will likely continue to cause delays and closures on the Sterling Highway between MP 53-71 due to smoke and active fire or fire operations.
Parents and guardians: based on what is best for your child, if you keep your child at home due to air quality or fire activity near you, the absence will be excused. The website Purpleair.com now has four sensors on the peninsula and is a helpful resource to check air quality in your general region.
Follow KPB Alerts on Facebook, and for additional information on the Ready-Set-Go! Evacuation Guidelines and up-to-date fire information, visit www.kpboem.com or call 907-262-INFO.
8/20/19: 6:00 PM
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District schools and the Swan Lake Fire
The final determination about a full day closure will be made no later than 9:00 AM. A two-hour delay start allows the KPBSD to work with multiple agencies to determine the safety of opening or closing a school. If a full day closure is warranted, an announcement is made as soon as possible in the morning through the district website www.KPBSD.com, social media, mobile app, school communications, and media partners.
All other KPBSD schools will open on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, on a normal schedule.
Absences will be excused if parents choose to keep children at home due to air quality, road closures, or wildfire activity in their area.
The northern bus stops for Route 108 and Route 110 might be adjusted depending on Sterling Highway closures or partial closures. Information will be assessed early in the morning, and if there are changes, they will be announced by Apple Bus at approximately 6:00 AM for Route 108, and by 7:30 AM for Route 110. KPBSD will also post these updates on social media.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District utilizes a text messaging service for parents and staff through mobile phone contacts in PowerSchool or the employee portal. A positive OPT-IN is required to receive text messages. Text yes or Y to 67587. This communications service only includes KPBSD staff, parents, and guardians.
Air quality levels and highway closures will be assessed late in the week to determine if sporting events will happen. A decision about the 2019 Tsalteshi Invite will be made on Friday.
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