COVID-19 Updates and Information READ MORE

Date: 7.27.20

From the Head of School...

Dear Families,

As I have made decisions throughout this pandemic, I have sought out the advice of our independent school association (NWAIS, NAIS), other private schools in Alaska, our staff and community and health experts. This week I have spent much time reviewing research and even conducting a few experiments myself and have decided that PNA will require staff and students K-8 to wear cloth face coverings when we return to school. On Friday the CDC published Guidance for K-12 School Administrators on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools which supports my decision. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry agrees with the need for face coverings and lists several other higher-priority strategies that we plan to meet. These are:

Children should wear face coverings when harms (eg, increasing hand-mouth/nose contact) do not outweigh benefits (potential COVID-19 risk reduction).
Desks should be placed 3 to 6 feet apart when feasible.
Cohort classes to minimize crossover among children and adults within the school.
Utilize outdoor spaces when possible

I want to thank you for your patience as the administration, Back-to-School Task Force and Board of Trustees work to make sure that the decisions we make are the best for the health and safety of the whole community. I appreciate your trust and support.

Please continue to read the following important information that provides more details for the upcoming school year.

According to CDC guidelines, which we will follow, the following exceptions are allowed for a student to not wear a face coverings.

The student has severe asthma or breathing problems.
If wearing a cloth face covering may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition.

Before and After School Care (EDP) will be purchased using UltraCamp. Reservations for EDP must be made by August 7th to ensure your spot.

You will receive an email this week with detailed instructions on how to sign up.
Drop in care will not be available.
If you have already purchased EDP through TADS, you will receive a credit to your TADS account.

Due to the unique nature of the teaching schedule, instruction will be four and ½ days. We will have early release on Friday. Care will be available at no charge from noon to 3:30pm.

You will be required to sign your child up for this care so that staffing can be arranged. An email will be sent out next Monday that will allow you to sign up.

You will need to select a regular drop off and pick up time for the school year or until COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Drop off choices will be: 8:00am, 8:15am, 8:30am, and 8:45am so that health checks can be administered. (If you require before school care, you can drop off at 7:00am, 7:15am, 7:30am, and 7:45am.)

Pick up choices will be: 3:15pm or 3:30pm. (If you require after school care, no designated time is required.)

An email will be sent out next Monday that will allow you to sign up.

Previous Updates