Smart Start Plan Archives

Confident in safety measures, Sitka schools look to reopen January 11

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Jan 5, 2021 | Coronavirus Coverage, Local News, Syndicated

Sitka’s schools plan to return to in-person instruction in all buildings on January 11. An overall reduction in Sitka’s infection rate is helping the move back into class -- as is data that suggests that the coronavirus is not spreading in school buildings. Read More

For Sitka’s schools, a ‘smart start’ in January may mean controlling viral spread in class

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Dec 21, 2020 | Coronavirus Coverage, Local News

During a recent listening session with the public, the district administration heard strong arguments both for and against returning kids to class after the holiday break. The answer, however, may ultimately lie in how well schools prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Read More

Yakutat School District opens to in-person classes

by Erin McKinstry, KCAW | Sep 8, 2020 | Local News, Syndicated

Around 100 students in the Yakutat School District went back to school Tuesday (Sept. 8). After a cluster of cases in late July, the community now has no active cases of the coronavirus. Students will attend classes in-person four days a week, unless they opt for virtual schooling. KCAW’s Erin McKinstry spoke with Yakutat School District’s new superintendent Patricia Hutcherson about the district’s Smart Start plan for the upcoming school year. Read More

Mt. Edgecumbe High School starts the school year with strict testing and quarantining plan

by KCAW Staff | Sep 4, 2020 | Syndicated, The Morning Interview

Mt. Edgecumbe High School devised a complex testing and quarantining plan to bring their students back to Sitka from across the state. KCAW's Morning Host Erin Fulton spoke with Mt. Edgecumbe High School Superintendent Janelle Vanasse about the school's Smart Start plan and how things are going so far. Read More

After 16 cases in three weeks, Kake’s school starts the year with remote learning

by Erin McKinstry, KCAW | Sep 1, 2020 | Local News, Syndicated

Around 100 students started remote classes in Kake on Monday (8-31-20). The school will remain fully remote until the community sees no confirmed coronavirus cases for two weeks. The small, Kupreanof Island community has reported 16 total cases in the last three weeks, according to data from SEARHC. KCAW’s Erin McKinstry spoke with Kake City School District Superintendent Rich Catahay about the school’s plan to balance educational needs and community health and safety concerns. Read More