Lake Otis Elem. School Shifts to Online Learning Due to COVID-19
A letter to Lake Otis Elementary families and posted to the school's Facebook page, cites several cases of COVID-19 as the reason for the school's decision to shift to online learning for the next ten days. In addition to Lake Otis Elementary, multiple school classrooms and "courses" have also transitioned to online learning, according to the Anchorage School District website.
Dear Lake Otis Families,
Out of an abundance of caution, Lake Otis Elementary shifted to on-line learning on Friday, April 16, when the District learned there have been several cases of COVID-19 at the school involving multiple students and staff.
Based on further investigation today, Lake Otis Elementary will extend on-line learning through the week of April 19, returning to in-person learning on Monday, 26 April. During the coming week the District will conduct a deep cleaning of the entire school.
Following the ASD Response Matrix for a Confirmed Case, the District chose to transition the entire school to online learning for the safety of staff and students. The pause will also give the school and District leadership time to thoroughly assess the situation and will allow for a “reset.”
All Lake Otis Elementary students and staff who have been deemed close contacts have been notified and have been given their quarantine end date. If you have not been notified that you or your student are a close contact you do not need to quarantine and may simply transition to online learning.
Parents are highly encouraged to get their child tested even if they do not have symptoms. A negative test result does not mean that your child will not develop symptoms or become sick after the test. A negative test result means that your child did not have COVID-19 detected at the time of testing. Based on CDC recommendations, ASD Health Services advises student and staff testing on Wednesday or Thursday, April 21 or 22. There are several testing sites close to Lake Otis.
Teachers will contact families with information about online learning activities and a Zoom class schedule. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions. Also, please note that even though we are in distance learning, it is important to let the school nurse know if your student has symptoms or has tested positive during the coming week.
ASD Student Nutrition will continue to provide meal services to families at any meal distribution location. The closest pickup locations to Lake Otis are Clark Middle School and Hanshew Middle School. Pick-up dates are every Tuesday and Friday between noon and 3 p.m.
We understand that this closure may create a hardship for families; however, the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We love our students and want to keep them safe. Thank you for your continued patience and support. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or ASD Healthcare Services with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lynn Mayberry-Burke
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