Bering Strait School District

P.O. Box 225  • Unalakleet, Alaska • 99684 •  (907) 624-3611  • Fax 624-3099

Dr. Bobby Bolen, Superintendent

907-624-4261  • bbolen@bssd.org  

9 APRIL 2020

BSSD Superintendent COVID-19 Update 

Dear Bering Strait School District Family,
This letter is to update you on the changing situation regarding COVID-19 and plans the District is putting in place to help slow the spread of this virus in our community and maintain student learning as this situation develops.

UPDATE: April 9, 2020 @ 6:00 PM

Just moments ago, Superintendents received word from Governor Dunleavy that he has extended all school closures through the end of the FY20 School Year. This mandate is addressed Heath Mandate 13.

Today’s announcement still requires districts to continue to provide educational services to students through distance delivery.

All school employees shall remain on "work status".

All schools will remain closed to all students, activities, groups, or individuals. Please ensure all doors are locked and that only appropriate school staff is in the building.

It is recommended that all school employees continue to wash hands on a regular basis and continue practicing social distancing. In addition, it is highly recommended that all individuals cover their nose and mouth with cloth face coverings when going out in public. Social distancing means no non-essential movement outside your house or with groups. You should not be in groups, have guests, or be in close proximity of others.

If school employees feel sick or have symptoms related to COVID-19, please do not come to work and contact your local clinic by phone.

Schools will continue to work on ensuring students that want learning material are receiving it, ensuring that students are being fed on a daily basis, ensuring students receive fair grades, and ensuring that we find ways to recognize our graduating seniors in some manner.

Thank you to all our staff and communities in advance for being flexible and working along with us for our children.

Respectfully,

Bobby Bolen, Ed.D
Superintendent

20 MARCH 2020

Dear Bering Strait School District Family,

This letter is to update you on the changing situation regarding COVID-19 and
plans the District is putting in place to help slow the spread of this virus in our community and maintain student learning as this situation develops.

UPDATE: March 20, 2020 @ 6:00 PM

Just moments ago, Superintendents received word from Commissioner Johnson of
the Department of Education that Governor Dunleavy has extended all school closures through May 1st.

Today’s announcement still requires districts provide educational services to students through distance delivery.

All school employees should still return to "work status" beginning Monday, March 23.

Employees that have remained in their village or who have not traveled outside the district should report to work at the school on Monday. This includes staff that perhaps went to the Regional 1A BB tournament in Unalakleet, the Ski Meet in White Mountain, or other district events, unless you traveled through Nome on your flights. If you were on the BSSD plane or charters that had no layover in Nome, then you do not need to self-quarantine.

All schools are closed to all students, activities, groups, or individuals that are in self-quarantine. Please ensure all doors are locked and that only appropriate school staff is in the building.

School employees that have traveled outside of the district must self-quarantine 14 days from the time you returned to your village or from when you do return. This includes any families that have students that have returned to their household from college, MEHS, or other programs outside the district.

School employees that are in self-quarantine should be practicing social distancing. Social distancing means no non-essential movement outside your house or with groups. You can still do what you need to do to live. You should not be in groups, have guests, or be in close proximity of others.

Schools will receive guidance next week on figuring out the best way to educate kids in the upcoming weeks ahead. We will also have more information on school meals, which are planned to start on Tuesday, March 24.

There will be many questions that arise over the next few weeks around grades, make up work, graduation, etc. Please be patient as we work to address those questions; they are our questions as well, and we want to make the best decisions possible for our children.

Thank you to all our staff and communities in advance for being flexible and working along with us for our children.

Respectfully,

Bobby Bolen, Ed.D
Superintendent

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March 19, 2020

Dear Bering Strait School District Family,

This letter is to update you on the changing situation regarding COVID-19 and plans the District is putting in place to help slow the spread of this virus in our community and maintain student learning as this situation develops.

UPDATED INFO: March 19, 2020 @ 5:00 PM

Today, March 19, 2020, I met with the BSSD Regional Board Executive Committee and recommended the new following guidelines, effective immediately.

I have extended our school closure through April 5, 2020. Schools will tentatively reopen for students Monday, April 6, 2020.

Any school employee, certified or classified, that has traveled outside of their community, since March 1, 2020, MUST self-quarantine in their housing for 14 days upon return. This includes any employee who shares a housing unit with anyone that has traveled outside the community, or has family visiting that has traveled from outside the community. Employees shall plan to work from home and prepare to provide educational services per guidance that will be provided later.

Only staff that have remained in their community, and had no visitors, in the last 14 days will be permitted to be in their schools or classrooms.

CHANGE: Please note that Day 1 of your quarantine will now begin upon your arrival back in your housing unit. 

Any staff that are in high risk categories, and do not feel they safely can get to their school or classroom, should notify their Principal and request additional consideration for working from home.

Currently, all staff that are self-quarantined or that receive approval of their additional consideration will be paid, without deduction from their personal sick or personal leave.

Staff that need to remain home due to childcare challenges or other personal reasons, will be required to use the appropriate leave as normal and required by the district.

If you are showing symptoms or traveled outside the state in this time period, it is recommended that you take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. If you are sick or show signs of a fever (over 100.3), cough, or shortness of breath, please call your health care provider. Do not report to clinics or hospitals without calling first.

We will continue to monitor the situation in the State and our communities and provide updated information on school operations as necessary.

In closing, please remember that the most important action we can all continue to take is to practice active personal hygiene. This includes washing our hands, covering our coughs, and taking other measures to limit person-to-person spread.

Respectfully,

Bobby Bolen, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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