Update from the Superintendent

November 24, 2020

 Dear Parents and Students,

As we start Thanksgiving Break on November 25, 2020, we are thankful for how our students, educators, and community continue to work together during these challenging times.  The first quarter and trimester of school have brought many celebrations, while having our students attend in person school as much as possible.  This time has also brought new opportunities for students and educators alike in offering school in different and unique ways.  It is our hope to continue to work together to keep our doors open and provide as much in-person school as possible, while maintaining measures that keep everyone safe and healthy.

Back-to-School Date November 30, 2020 at SMART START “Medium-Risk” Level

School will resume on November 30, 2020, at a “Medium-Risk” level for all ages due to the community risk level continuing at Level 3-High.  This means we will continue to operate under the current, Medium Risk schedules that are in place at each school.

For students attending:

• Houghtaling Elementary School
• Fawn Mountain Elementary School/Annex
• Point Higgins Elementary School
• Tongass School of Arts and Sciences/Annex
• Ketchikan Charter School/Annex K-8th Grade
• Tribal Scholars

These elementary schools, annex sites, Ketchikan Charter School K-8 , and Tribal Scholars can remain open five days a week because of the steps we have taken since the opening of school. 

For students attending:

• Schoenbar Middle School
• Ketchikan High School

We will continue in the Smart Start Medium Level blended learning model. Students are onsite two days per week and working asynchronously (online) three days a week from home or in the schools’ designated on-campus annex sites (Mon - Thurs).  This 50% plan allows us to further reduce class sizes, increase social distancing, and more tightly cohort our students, while still ensuring quality learning experiences for every student.

For students attending:

• Revilla High School
• Revilla Middle School                                                                                                         

We will continue in the Smart Start Medium Level. High School students attending half day 8:00 to 11:45 and 12:15 to 4:00 schedules, four days per week with Friday being asynchronous from home. Middle School students will attend from 8:00 to 2:30 four days per week with Friday at home working asynchronously. This plan allows for continued social distancing and cohorting. 

Back-to-School at “Low-Risk” Level

The Ketchikan EOC will be meeting November 30, 2020, to review the community risk level. 

•  If the Ketchikan EOC determines that the community risk level is reduced to moderate or low, schools will move to “Smart Start Low-Risk” level and transition back to 100% capacity on December 7, 2020.  
• If the Ketchikan EOC determines that the community risk level remains at Level 3, schools will continue to operate at Medium Risk.  
• If the Ketchikan EOC determines that the community risk level increase to Level 4, an emergency school board meeting will be held to discuss Smart Start changes to Smart Start High Risk level.

Again, please have a very Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy family time and we continue to look forward to seeing you after break.  If you have any questions please contact my office at 247-2136.

Sincerely,

Beth Lougee, Superintendent

Important Letter from the Superintendent - COVID-19

November 7, 2020

Dear Parents and Families, 

The following information is an update about the positive COVID-19 cases reported today, November 7, 2020.  We want you to know there have been identified positive cases of COVID-19 related to the schools but each individual was identified as a close contact from a previous positive person and was quarantined immediately as directed by Public Health.  These individuals have been out of the school buildings all last week, if not longer.  The district continues to work closely with Ketchikan Public Health and Ketchikan EOC in all cases that involve our students and staff.  

As a result of being out of school all last week due to quarantining, there are no new close contacts to these individuals and the schools will remain open on November 9, 2020, under their medium risk plans announced on November 4, 2020. We will continue to keep you updated should something change between now and Monday morning.

In addition, we need our community’s help to protect against COVID-19. Please follow all safety and health guidelines, listen to our community leaders and continue working with the schools and district as we all work together in the best interest of our students and community.  

If you have any questions, please contact my office at 247-2136.  I will be in my office from 8:30 to 4:00 on Sunday, November 8, 2020.

Thank you,

Beth Lougee, Superintendent