26 March, 2020
Dear VCS Staff and Families,
I’m sending you all a virtual high five for making it through a very tough week. I am so proud to be a part of the Valdez community and Valdez City Schools. Our staff has been working around the clock to provide opportunities for our families through these uncertain times. I want to send a special shout-out to our incredible food service staff members who have provided meals for almost 100 students for the past two weeks.
These employees epitomize the heart of our VCS community, as they prepare meals for our families, welcome visitors so they can pick up food, and offer an abundance of smiles and love to all those they interact with. I am so grateful for all of the good work they are doing to support our families.
Shelter in Place
The District Office and all school buildings will close through April 8 per the City of Valdez’s proclamation urging everyone in Valdez to shelter in place. Essential staff will be working remotely during the shelter-in-place order and further information will be released as it is available. Teachers will continue partnering with parents to provide student instruction during this time. Email is the best method of communication for all District Office and school site staff. This is a developing situation and we are working closely with our partner organizations, and changes may arise. We will keep you updated. Please don’t hesitate to email us with your questions or concerns but please understand that there may be a delay in normal communication given the orders we are following. Here is a direct link to the City of Valdez Emergency Proclamation Urging Everyone in Valdez to Shelter in Place.
Meal Service
We acknowledge that families rely on school meals for students throughout the school year. On Friday, the Grab and Go program for meals that have been picked up or delivered daily will include meals for next week. We will closely monitor the shelter-in-place order to let families know if we are able to resume providing meals.
Technology
Technical support is available by email and phone. The best way to request technical support is to send an email to helpdesk@valdezcityschools.org and we will provide assistance as quickly as possible. You are also welcome to call the VCS technical support phone line at 907-834-2351 Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Copper Valley Telecom and GCI both have programs to provide internet service. Copper Valley Telecom has recently upgraded their services and households may be eligible for inexpensive upgrades. Both Copper Valley Telecom and GCI offer Lifeline Mobile Phone Service – just $1 per month for qualifying Alaskans. See the linked flyers for details.
Find Your Happy
As we close, I want to share with you a few things that have brightened the days for me this week. We are excited to launch a new program called VCS Reads! where our teachers and staff have recorded themselves reading stories for our students as a way to stay connected during this time. Look for the debut of the program on Monday, March 30, in the early evening.
I have loved seeing all of the online learning suggestions shared with me, but this live webcam of a giant panda sanctuary in China makes me especially happy. Take a moment to watch them interact and play, and it will surely bring a smile to your face.
Going into the weekend, I hope you all find some rest and relaxation. I want to encourage you to get outside and move your bodies. Exercise is good for the mind and the soul. There are some great trails in our community that you may want to check out.
In closing, I am proud of all of us for working so hard to minimize the impacts of this virus in the Valdez community, the state of Alaska, and our country. I applaud your efforts to remain physically distanced from your friends, and to encourage your children to do the same. Please continue to stay at home whenever possible, maintain six feet of separation between you and your neighbors, and wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, many times throughout the day.
Take care of each other,
Shawn Arnold
Superintendent, Valdez City Schools
