2021 School Opening

by LKSD Superintendent Kimberly Hankins

July 30, 2021

Dear parents, students, and the entire LKSD learning community,

We are excited for the new school year and the return to full-day, in-person instruction for students five days a week. A remote-only learning option will also be available for families who do not yet feel comfortable having their students return to school. All LKSD schools begin either August 11th or 12th, depending on site-specific school calendars. Please check your local school website for more detailed information.

For Bethel families, school bussing will be available for students. If you’ve yet to do so, please complete this survey so that the district may appropriately plan bus routes and communicate routes with families opting for bussing service.

The LKSD Board of Education recently approved the Safe Return To Learn plan that includes universal masking for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, the district will utilize a multi-layered mitigation strategy including physical distancing, hand hygiene, increased ventilation and cleaning, as well as diagnostic and screening tests. We encourage students ages 12 and older, and eligible family members, to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are a powerful tool for preventing COVID-19 infections and for protecting the community. Please call YKHC at (907) 543-6949 if you are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

LKSD’s full Safe Return to Learn plan and COVID-19 Protocols may be found on our website. These documents outline all of the information families need to know about how to prepare for the start of in-person instruction. The COVID-19 Protocols handbook contains specific details and information on personal protective equipment, physical and social distancing, cleaning protocols and safety considerations, social, emotional, and mental health resources, school visitor protocols, contact tracing, and action plans for various COVID-19-related scenarios. All students, parents, and guardians are encouraged to read the handbook in its entirety.

LKSD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and will continue to adhere to the most recent COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), and the Alaska Department of Education.

The District and individual school sites will continue to update parents and communities as we gear up for the start of school. The health, safety and well-being of our students, staff and families remains our top priority. Thank you all for your support and we look forward to welcoming back all of our students in August!