- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Much of the discussion around COVID-19 is now focused on the restart and reentry of schools. Alaska’s Smart Start 2020 – Restart and Reentry Framework Guidance for K-12 Schools was released last week, and is now available via a link on DEED’s homepage and COVID-19 page.
If you have not yet registered, it’s not too late to attend DEED’s seven-week series of workshops and expert panel discussions: From Uncertainty to Certainty – Alaska’s Smart Start 2020. This webinar series was developed to help guide school districts through the framework. 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. You can register here! Slides and materials from past meetings can be found on the website.
Other COVID-19 Related Updates:
State of Alaska shares recommendations for summer gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.