BULLETIN: In-person learning will continue as usual on Monday for the Sitka School District, School Superintendent John Holst announced Friday evening. At 5:57 p.m. Holst sent out the following email to staff, and parents of students in the Sitka School District:
“Good Evening, Parents and Staff.
This email is to update you with the most recent information.
As of 5 pm this evening, we have received seven new positive test results over the past two days. That brings our Covid-19 count to 17. We have updated our website information accordingly.
17 is a significant number, putting us clearly in the Red. Public Health has notified us regarding the contact tracing and have already quarantined any close contacts. Because the majority of the new cases are outside of our schools, we do believe that our mitigations and the quarantines put in place by Public Health, will protect your students and our staff. This plan has been developed in consultation with Public Health, Dr. Elliot Bruhl, and City Manager John Leach.
Two of the most recent results are a staff member and a student. That staff person was already in quarantine when they became positive. That is important information. The student is a 7th grader enrolled at Blatchley.
On Monday, and for the next week, the students in the 7th grade cohort who have had significant contact with the student who tested positive will be receiving their instruction virtually. Parents, if your child is in that cohort, you will be getting a call this evening from Vice Principal Rogers. If you do not receive a call, your child is not a close contact.
These students will be tested mid next week prior to returning to school the week of November 16th. We are asking these students to isolate as much as possible during this time.
Today’s results are troubling, but do not signal an outbreak in any building. We are acting on an abundance of caution with this 7th grade cohort to reduce the likelihood of a broader outbreak. Within a week, we will have more information to determine whether there was transmission within that building. Our experience over the past two months is that transmission within our buildings has not happened, indicating that our mitigations have been working. This will be a test of the mitigations, and hopefully will again be shown as effective.
We have prepared for this circumstance and will closely monitor the four other schools. If cases occur in any of these buildings, we will act immediately for the safety of students and staff. Be aware that the situation is fluid, and if it is necessary to take further actions, we will be contacting both parents and staff on Sunday afternoon. If you do not hear from me, we will be using the plan that I have outlined.
We do have good news regarding the Covid-19 testing this week. Of the more than 100 tests conducted at Pacific High School, Blatchley Middle School, Keet Gooshi Heen, all were negative.
Several people have commented to me that the schools are probably the safest place for the students and staff. We really have no way of knowing, but that may very well be the case. The option to have your child move to remote learning continues to be available.
As additional information becomes available, we will update the District web page accordingly so that you have the latest information. We will act to protect students and staff as necessary.
John Holst, Superintendent
(907) 966-1252”
By Sentinel Staff
The Sitka School District administrative team was meeting at press time today with city and health officials to decide whether to move to remote education for any of the schools, but no decision had been made before the Sentinel went to press.
Superintendent John Holst planned to advise parents and staff of the decision through an email later tonight.
The Sentinel will provide an update on its website after the decision is emailed.
In preparation for the decision today, students on Wednesday were instructed to take their iPads, laptops and other materials home in case in case the remote option were selected for any of the schools.
Sitka High has a “rotating cohort” model, with half attending in person and half remote, then switching every other day.
Blatchley Middle School, Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary and Baranof Elementary all have in-person instruction.
Pacific High students are attending remotely this week, following a positive COVID test of someone connected to the school.
