Dear Valdez Families:
Beginning Tuesday, October 19 all Valdez City Schools will be moving to a distance delivery model for 10 days starting from today October 16th. Regular in-person classes are scheduled to resume on October 26th. Building administrators and their staff will be contacting families with days and times for class meetings. All IEP services will be delivered during this time period.
During the period of distance learning activities and practice are being evaluated. Coaches will contact players with updated information. The wrestling meet scheduled for October 22nd and 23rd has been cancelled.
This news may come as a surprise to some because VCS has echoed our commitment to in person learning. Keeping kids in school with face to face learning is our goal. We can’t however ignore the realities happening in our city. As of October 15 there were 92 active cases of COVID in Valdez. COVID cases continue to rise in the schools and that rise is having an impact on teaching and learning. As of October 15 there were 29 active COVID cases in the district. This past week HHES averaged 60 plus students absences. A similar number was shared at GMS. Teacher and staff are working hard to keep up but are finding the task difficult.
As we take these 10 days to hopefully get a clearer picture of our next steps. Families can do their part as well. Vaccinations are one way to slow the spread of COVID. Vaccinations are available in Valdez. DHSS and the CDC has provided specific guidance for vaccinated students which would allow schools to remain open to in person learning. During these 10 days limit the circle of people you are in contact with. Wear a mask in public buildings and small spaces where people are gathering. If you are sick, stay home.
Finally, this decision to move to distance learning was made with the knowledge that it will have unintended consequences.The administrative team as well as our medical advisors believe this is the right choice at this time. Thank you for your continued support of Valdez City Schools.