- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
On Thursday DEED released Alaska’s Smart Start 2020 – Restart and Reentry Framework Guidance for K-12 Schools.
Commissioner Johnson and Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink presented the information during the Alaska’s Smart Start 2020 webinar session. DEED launched a seven-week series of workshops and expert panel discussions: From Uncertainty to Certainty – Alaska’s Smart Start 2020, to help guide school districts through the framework and strategize implementation. Over 200 education stakeholders have been attending the dynamic webinar series. Each week guest speakers from around the nation participate to facilitate dialogue around the uncertainties that face Alaska’s school districts and how to build a build plans to mitigate the risks around reopening. The webinar series runs through July 2. It’s not too late to register! Slides and materials from past meetings can be found on the website.
DEED continues to update its webpage specific to COVID-19 to provide schools with the most up-to-date information and resources. New this week you’ll find the following resources available:
- The full Alaska Smart Start 2020 guidance is now available on DEED’s COVID-19 website in the “Alaska Smart Start 2020” section
- Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund Competitive Grant Request for Proposals
- Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund RFA
- FY21 Coronavirus, Relief, and Economic Security Act Assurances and Certification Packet (GEERF)
- US ED CARES Act Programs Maintenance of Effort FAQs
Please check the website often for updates and information. Information is also shared via DEED’s social media channels. You can follow @alaskaDEED on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
If you have any questions or concerns relating to COVID-19 prevention and preparedness in schools, please visit DEED’s website or contact todd.brocious@alaska.gov.
Other COVID-19 Related Updates:
NEW! Should You Attend that Party or Community Event?
State of Alaska shares recommendations for summer gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEW! USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Alaska
Alaska will be able to operate Pandemic EBT, a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school.
The School Superintendents Association Releases Resolution to Reopen Nation’s Schools
AASA, The School Superintendents Association is pleased to release a resolution to support a safe, healthy and district-specific reopening process that was informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Impact of COVID-19 on Alaska Families
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services conducted a survey to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 on Alaska families. Their preliminary survey results were released with 2,952 responses.
USDA Announces Online Tool to Help Families Find Meals for Kids During COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the launch of an online tool – the “Meals for Kids” Site Finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the latest in a series of swift actions USDA has taken to keep children and low-income individuals fed during the ongoing health crisis.
ACPE Offers Resource to Prevent Default During Outbreak of COVID-19
In this unprecedented environment, one of the primary concerns for the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is ensuring meaningful relief is available for the state student loan borrowers impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate adverse economic impacts, the Commission has implemented a number of strategies to support borrowers.
Alaska Performance Scholarship Test Score Requirement Update
In accordance with the Governor’s emergency public health mandates and continued social distancing efforts across Alaska, and in consultation with DEED, ACPE will now also waive the WorkKeys test requirements for the Alaska Performance Scholarship in addition to the previously waived ACT and SAT requirements.
Coursera Offering Free Courses to Help Workers Displaced by COVID-19 Re-Enter the Workforce
To assist during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Coursera community is launching an effort to help reskill unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce. Cousera will provide every government agency directly serving an unemployed population impacted by COVID-19 with free access to its course catalogue for these unemployed workers. Government organizations can sign up to provide unemployed workers with access to more than 3,800+ courses and 400 Specializations from Coursera’s university and industry partners.
COVID-19 Resources Guide from the Alaska State Library
The Alaska State Library has published an Alaska-specific guide for Libraries and COVID-19. The COVID-19 website includes:
- Statement about the latest health mandates applicable to libraries, archives, museums and schools.
- Resources for remote working and professional development.
- Self-care resources to help you destress in this time of crisis.
- A working list of services currently offered by libraries in Alaska.
COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding
Calling all Principals, School Nutrition Managers, School Nutrition Directors and District Superintendents! GENYOUth is providing grants of up to $3,000 per school to supply much-needed resources for meal distribution and delivery efforts to get food to students during COVID-19. From soft-sided coolers, bags and containers for individual servings, to protective gear for food service sanitation and safety, this equipment will help ensure our children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need.
Free Children’s ebook About Coronavirus
Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. The book answers many key questions in simple language appropriate for 5-9 year olds.