School announcements

School district risk level update and upcoming events

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has mitigation plans in place for what will happen with in-person education when different regions of the peninsula are in low, medium and high-risk levels. Those plans can be found here: kpbsd.k12.ak.us/content.aspx?id=41923

Regions of the Kenai Peninsula are put into low, medium or high-risk categories based on the number of new cases of COVID-19 identified in the regions over a 14-day period. This model is based on rates of cases per 100,000 population.

As of Wednesday, the southern peninsula (from Ninilchik south) remained in the high risk category with 124 new cases in the last 14 days. The southern peninsula is in low risk if it has had zero to 9 new cases in the last 14 days, is in medium risk if there have been 10 to 19 new cases in the last 14 days, and would go into high risk if there were 20 or more new cases in the last 14 days.

The central peninsula, including Kenai, Nikiski, Soldotna, Sterling and Kasilof, was also at high risk as of Wednesday, with 586 new cases over the last 14 days.

The eastern peninsula (Seward and Moose Pass) was also at high risk Wednesday with 44 new cases of COVID-19 within the last 14 days.

As of Wednesday, the rural communities within the school district were at low risk. That category includes Nanwalek School, Port Graham School and Susan B. English School in Seldovia across Kachemak Bay, as well as Cooper Landing School, Hope School, and Tebughna School.

Homer High School

Wednesday — Schedule-1, 3, 5, 6

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27 — Thanksgiving break

Nov. 16-30 — 100% Remote Learning due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases in Homer and surrounding areas.

Fireweed Academy

Both Big and Little Fireweed

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27 — Thanksgiving Break, no school

Dec. 7 — Academic Policy Committee Meeting via Zoom

Dec. 18 — No School. End of second quarter and in-service/work day

Dec. 19-Jan. 3 — Winter Break

Jan. 4 — First Day of the third quarter

McNeil Canyon Elementary

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27 —Thanksgiving Break, no school

Kindergarteners at school — It’s the time of year when the playground gets frosty. Please make sure your kindergartener comes prepared for winter weather with a warm jacket, gloves, hat, snow pants and boots.

Cross-Country Skiing — Anne Love will be the coach for after school cross-country skiing this year and needs a helper. The school hopes to start the program on Mondays or Wednesdays after winter break. Please contact Anne at alove@kpbsd.k12.us or call the school office.

Kachemak Bay Campus

COVID relief grants of $500 are available for Kenai Peninsula College students. This funding has been made available through grants via the CARES Act from the City of Homer and the City of Soldotna, as well as through the Damon Foundation Endowment. Applicants must be enrolled in six or more credits at KPC (either or both campuses) and meet the criteria listed on the COVID-19 relief funding web page found at kpc.alaska.edu. Applications are due Dec. 18. Prompt submission of applications for assistance is strongly encouraged. Funds are limited.

KPC is now offering UAA’s fast-track certificate in Business Leadership that students can achieve in one or two semesters. If you are looking for a quick way to boost your resume or to make a career shift, this Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) is for you. Perfect for individuals in entry-level leadership roles and people wanting to build skills and stand out in a crowd, and for the Spring 2021 term, applicants may be eligible for financial awards up to $1,000. The OEC includes six classes that cover key business concepts in business foundations, supervision, selling, computer skills, leadership and communication. Students will also learn principles of finance, establishing goals and problem solving, marketing, and spreadsheet applications. Some of these classes are part of the general education requirement so if you have already taken one or more you are well on your way. General registration begins Monday, Nov. 23. Interested parties can call KBC at 907-235-7743 to be connected to an advisor.