Recording of the May 28th Emergency Services Director's Update No. 11

Recording of the May 21st Emergency Services Director's Update No. 10

Recording of the May 14th Emergency Services Director's Update No. 9

Recording of the May 7th Emergency Services Director's Update No. 8

Recording of the April 30th Emergency Services Director's Update No. 7

Recording of the April 16th Emergency Services Director's Update

Emergency Services Director Audio Update on April 15, 2020

Kodiak Area Emergency Services Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2020

COVID-19 | POSITIVE CASE IN KODIAK

We have received information from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) that there has been a positive test result for COVID-19 in Kodiak. The individual is not acutely ill and is staying at home.

Kodiak Public Health officials have made contact with this individual and will continue to monitor the condition to ensure continued self-isolation. Public Health officials will initiate a contact investigation and reach out to any person who may have come into contact with this individual. Public Health will notify and isolate additional persons as appropriate.

We want to assure the public that we are working closely with Kodiak Public Health to identify anyone who may be at risk for having contact with this individual. We will keep the public informed of any information that is needed for community health and safety.

We also want to encourage our citizens to continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for precautionary measures such as handwashing, social distancing and mask wearing in public which can be found at www.CDC.gov.

If you are sick or suspect that you may be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, you should remain at home and contact your health care provider; you should also take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. Additional information on COVID-19 is available through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) at www.coronavirus.alaska.gov.

If you are not sick, please continue to take precautionary measures to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
• Avoid visiting public places as much as possible
• Wear a mask when out in public
• Maintain social distancing (keep six feet of distance between you and others) when out in public.

Original Document Release

Kodiak Area Emergency Services Organization

ANNOUNCEMENT:

KODIAK EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR

LIVE UPDATE No. 5

Kodiak, Alaska — April 14, 2020

The Kodiak Emergency Services Director will be hosting a Live Update on Thursday, April 16, 2020 beginning at 12:00pm. The Emergency Services Director and members of the Emergency Services Council will be answering questions submitted from the community. The update will be broadcast in the following formats:

• Live stream broadcast will be available on the Kodiak Island Borough School District (KIBSD) website: www.kibsd.org

• Live stream broadcast will be available on the Kodiak Emergency Operations Center Facebook Page

• Radio broadcast will be aired over KMXT (100.1 FM), KRXX (101.1 FM) and KVOK (98.7 FM)

• Information directing community members to the KIBSD website will be posted on the Kodiak Island Borough website: www.kodiakak.us

Community members are encouraged to submit questions for the live update to PIO@city.kodiak.ak.us before 12:00pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

For any questions, please contact the EOC Public Information Office at (907)486-8970.

April 17, 2020

Dear Staff, Parents, and Guardians:

Following the announcement of the first positive case of COVID-19 identified in Kodiak, I wanted to reach out to all of you with reassurance. I realize that this news, though anticipated, may increase anxiety throughout our close-knit island. 

As a community, we have been preparing to deal with this situation, and we stand ready to aid those who may be medically affected by COVID-19.  It is imperative to maintain and cooperate with the current measures put in place to protect us, our families, and the residents of Kodiak. Additionally, our educational support system, made up of parents, teachers, and staff, will not alter course in providing instruction to students. Each of us is an important piece of a cohesive team that works with our students’ best interest at heart.

I would like to share with you a message that Main Elementary Principal, Angie Chervenak, sent to her staff on Thursday evening. I hope it resonates with hope and uplifts your spirits, as it did mine.

“Tonight I am holding you all close in my heart and prayers as we embrace the news that the Covid-19/novel coronavirus has reached our island.  It is unsettling and troubling, but I do believe that Alaska and Kodiak has initiated conditions so that we are prepared mentally and physically for this day.  I know we have questions and worries, but I hope that everyone takes a moment to review the advisories and mandates to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. Please know that I am here to hear you: to gather questions and seek answers to questions and concerns. We are stronger as we work together from a distance to embrace these unique challenges…Be well, breathe and focus on the successes and impact you make each day to our students’ lives…”

While we are in the midst of this crisis, the School District is developing a comprehensive summer school program that we will be offering to fit the needs of students. The School District is looking forward to the start of school again this fall. I believe I speak for all of us when I say that it will be a joyful day when we are able to safely reopen our schools. 

I hope you find comfort in the fact that spring is in the air, and there is a positive vision for the future on the horizon.  

Be well and happy,

Larry LeDoux

Superintendent

Tagalog

Spanish

April 10, 2020 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Yesterday evening, Governor Mike Dunleavy announced the difficult decision to extend the closure of all Alaska public and private schools for the remainder of this school year. This means our students will not be returning to their schools, their teachers, their friends. So, it seems we will be finishing the year online. You may need time to absorb this information, what it means for your children, and the changes it brings to their lives. While parents have assumed many new education-related responsibilities, children have lost daily contact with their friends, the stability and predictability of their time at school, and many of the end-of-year activities that they have waited the entire year to enjoy. Given this new information, principals will be working with staff and parents to determine end-of-year protocols such as conferences, access to materials left in classrooms, concerts, report cards and graduation.

On a positive note, you and your children have accomplished a great feat together. You may have missed a few lessons along the way. Frustrations and successes probably rose and fell with each day. Or even with each hour.  I trust you will build a rhythm that works for you and your household. Home instruction is demanding for many families. It can be stressful for those who still have to leave the house for work, or those that have multiple children to plan and care for. Like many new skills, this will improve with practice and time. I hope you were able to push forward through the rough moments and laugh about them once they were in the past.  Remember, you are not alone. The entire School District is here to assist you and cheer you on.

Have your kids had the chance to enjoy one of the wonderful free breakfasts or lunches provided by our always-cheerful cafeteria workers and volunteers? Our breakfast and lunch program is free to all children 1-18 every day for the rest of the school year. If you have needed to reach out to one of the District’s help lines for translation services, or tech support, I trust that you found people to be helpful and friendly. The dedication and enthusiasm of all District employees is what ensures our success as we move forward. Each employee, whether behind the scenes or teaching in front of an iPad, is committed to maintaining our system of education during this time of crisis.  Many have taken on new responsibilities or entirely new jobs in order to fill a need to care for our students and the health of the District.

The Kodiak Island Borough School District is strong and we will continue to stand by our staff, parents, students, and the residents of Kodiak. We will navigate through these difficult times together and look forward to celebrating in person when we are able. Please be patient with us as we plan and prepare to complete this school year in an unfamiliar way. We will communicate new information as soon as it is available. We will do this via email, the District website, and Facebook page. I encourage you to take a moment to read and share the new “Learn. Together. Kodiak.” by Malcolm Bennett, a series of insightful stories. As always, we recommend you contact KIBSD when needed.

Until we speak again, please have a relaxing weekend, enjoy the sunshine, and be safe.  Know that we are thinking of you and wishing you happiness and good health.

With hope,

Larry LeDoux,

Superintendent

April 10, 2020

Dear KIBSD Employees:

I write to you in the hopes that you are in good health and positive spirits. While not unexpected, Governor Dunleavy announced yesterday the closure of all Alaska public and private schools through the end of the current school year. While this news weighs heavy on the heart, it does not change why we are here. The Kodiak Island Borough School District has been preparing to enter this new phase. We will pause, adjust, and move forward when needed in order to continue delivering education and support to our students. We will continue to miss the laughter through the school halls, and personal interaction with our students and peers, but we can be proud that we are doing our part to stop the spread of this pandemic.

There are many things to celebrate at this time. The District has successfully reached the end of two weeks in hunker down mode. Teachers have delivered home instruction to students. Administrators continue to develop plans in our ever-changing climate. Many of you have altered work schedules and taken on tasks outside of your normal responsibilities. Each of you contributes to our educational accomplishments, building the foundation that is critical to the continued operation of our School District, no matter how out of the ordinary it looks at this time. 

While our goal is to continue instruction, it is the willingness to reach out and lend a helping hand that has been vital in this crisis. Each smile and positive interaction made with a student, a parent, or a peer, works to boost spirits in more ways than you can imagine. The staff of the Kodiak Island Borough School District is positively contributing to the health of the Kodiak community.

I know many of you have anxiety or stress for the unknown, and concern for the health of yourself and your families. Crisis can weigh heavily on emotional health. Yet you are able to remain cheerful and upbeat. Rest assured that administrators recognize that these are trying times, and appreciate all that you are doing. As we move forward to address the new challenges that seem to arrive daily, please keep your spirits up, and take time to find your balance. Continue to reach out to your coworkers, students, and the community. Know that we will do what we can to best support you and our students.

School District staff will continue planning as best they can, trying to anticipate new complications that will inevitably arise. We will meet these challenges and adapt thanks to the creativity, innovation, and the dedication of every staff member. Remember, we are in this together, and this is what our success is based upon. 

I have appreciated the emails and calls that staff have shared with me. Please continue to reach out and share your ideas. Be well and remain optimistic.

Best wishes to you, 

Larry LeDoux,

Superintendent

• Tagalog
• Spanish

March 27, 2020

Hello,

We just wanted to welcome you back and let you know that everybody at the School District is thinking about you. The coronavirus has impacted all of our lives, creating this new and strange situation that seems to change daily. A couple weeks ago you were all together at school, discussing plans for spring break, prom, basketball tournaments, graduation. You shared rides and French fries. You hugged and high-fived each other. Now you have been instructed to stay in your homes and maintain distance from others. This is a challenging time for all of us, but can be particularly tough for teenagers. You need to know that while this may be our reality for the time being, it will not last forever.

It is important for you to know that your teachers and administrators are doing everything possible to help you finish the school year on a positive note. I know it can be overwhelming, especially for our seniors, but people are here to help. It is perfectly ok to be confused and frustrated about what will happen with your grades, and how you will graduate or prepare for college. But please hang in there. If we all work together right now, we will get through this.

Learning from home will present unique challenges, not just for you, but also your teachers. Keep in mind that they are working hard to make this as easy as possible for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers and fellow students if something doesn’t make sense or seems particularly difficult. Remember that this is new for all of us. Your teachers will appreciate feedback, let them know how they are doing.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to help others who have questions. Let’s make sure we are taking care of ourselves, and also our friends, neighbors, and our families. Try to remember that everybody is dealing with this situation in their own way. A friendly message or smile goes a long way to helping someone cope. Take a minute to share a joke or funny video. If you are feeling overwhelmed or scared or down, please reach out. There are many people willing to talk to you. Family, friends, teachers, church members or healthcare professionals are all willing to listen.

Make sure to stay active each day. Use this as an opportunity to find new ways to exercise your body AND your mind. Spring is here, make sure to get outside and get some sun and fresh air. If you find yourself bored or stuck inside, try to find new programs or videos that explore science, culture, history or current events. This is a great opportunity to recharge your sense of wonder and curiosity. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. See how many books you can read. Share ideas with your friends and classmates. See who can do the most crunches. Our athletic director will soon be providing tips online for staying healthy and fit in these difficult times.

Overall, remember that this situation will pass. Stay positive. Stay healthy. Stay safe.

We are the Kodiak Bears. We are fierce and resilient. This will only make us stronger.

Sincerely, 

Larry LeDoux

Superintendent

• Tagalog
• Spanish

March 27, 2020

Hello,

How are you?  How was your Spring Break?  Have you noticed it’s getting warmer outside and the days are getting longer? I hope you have been getting lots of fresh air and making time to have fun every single day.

I know you might be a little confused right now considering you should be back in school with your friends and teacher, and that’s ok.  I want you to know that we are taking a little break to make sure your classroom and your teacher are healthy for when you return.

It might feel a little weird doing your classwork from home without your teacher, but I encourage you to keep working hard and to do the best you can.  This is a great time to read some new books or learn some new games! If you have questions or really want to talk to your teacher, please ask your parents to call them for you.  Your teachers are thinking about you and would love to hear how you are doing.  It would really make them happy if you wrote them a letter and told them all about your experience of learning from home.

Please know that the School District misses seeing your cheerful faces and looks forward to the day when we can all return to our schools and our classrooms.  Until then, please take good care of yourself and your family.  Stay healthy and active.  Get out and play as much as possible and continue learning new things.  Find something to laugh about each day. 

Everything is going to be all right.

Sent with a smile,

Larry LeDoux

Superintendent

March 27, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians:

In order to ensure the safety of our staff, all KIBSD facilities have been sealed to the public. Rest assured that while buildings are closed, the School District remains open. While hundreds of School District employees have been reassigned to remote learning positions, a number are needed to take care of critical infrastructure. All of our maintenance, business, digital communications, and food service personnel are still reporting to work.

Although many staff members are working remotely, we are still available via email and telephone. We encourage you to reach out to us with questions, comments or needs that you may have. If you are unable to interact with someone directly, please leave a detailed message and your call or email will be returned as soon as a staff member is available. If you would like to talk with your child’s teacher, please connect with them in the manner directed by the teacher or administrator. We also suggest that you visit our website at www.kibsd.org. Our team is working diligently to keep information current.

Our goal is to continue serving all families and the Kodiak community as best as we can. The attached phone list has been provided for you to help maintain communication during this shutdown. Staff is available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. In addition, a general help line will be open from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Further, we are providing the following services to assist you:

• Translation assistance in Spanish and Tagalog
• iPad and internet connectivity technical support

District employees are working hard each day to help you get everything you need to successfully continue your child’s education from the safety of your home. KIBSD appreciates your patience and willingness to brave this experience with us.

Again, if you have a question, comment or concern, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Larry LeDoux

Superintendent