As I was sitting in my office last Saturday thinking of what to write during this holiday season, I was having a hard time concentrating thinking of the many other tasks that needed to be done both at school and at home. I checked my email, and again this year was pleased to receive a special message from Project Wisdom. I took a moment to read it and I realized that it was the same message that I printed this time last year. At first I thought that I should come up with something new this year, then I read the message again and realized that the meaning behind the message is as important this year as last and that maybe you will find the time this break to take the message heart and to take some time for yourselves and your families. So from me and Project Wisdom . . .

Take a moment just for you and read these comforting words by poet Dame Edith Sitwell:

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

As we move into the winter break, many of us don’t anticipate a break at all. There’s still so much to do in preparation for family gatherings and celebrations. There may be work we carry home from school.

That’s why it’s important to make a decision right now. Decide to make this winter break a time for comfort. Let it be a time to slow down and enjoy the warmth of friends and family, the touch of a loving hand, a meaningful conversation with a loved one. Let it be a time for home and hearth and hearty meals shared with the ones who matter most.

Make a decision to focus on what’s important to you — emotionally, spiritually, physically — not on what the world tells you ought to be important, not on things that will only gather dust and will fade away soon enough.

School will be here when you get back. Be grateful for this time to slow down and focus on places of the heart and of the soul, knowing that home truly is where the heart is.

I wish you all a happy, restful, peaceful, and relaxing holiday season. I’ll see everyone in January.

There will be no in-person tutoring or Learning Labs during the week of Jan. 4th. All students will be online during the first week of January.

ASD complies with the State Health Mandate 10 for returning to work/school following out of state Travel.

• Health Mandate 10 was revised on 16 October 2020 LINK

• The mandate applies to all persons entering Alaska by any form of travel.

• Children 10 and under are exempt from the testing requirement. However, untested children traveling with a parent or guardian must remain in the same status for the same duration as the parent/guardian (self quarantine and/or strict social distancing).

• All travelers must complete a travel declaration form and self-isolation plan in the Alaska travel portal LINK

• Staff/students have two options for returning to work/school

• Option 1

• Submit proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

• Must follow strict social distancing** for 5 days after arrival. (NEW)

• A second test between 5-14 days after arrival is recommended but not required. (NEW)

• Option 2

• Arrive in Alaska without a test and receive a test at the airport at no cost.

• Self-quarantine until a negative test returns.

• All travelers with negative results from the arrival test must follow strict social distancing** for 5 days after their arrival in Alaska.

• A second test between 5-14 days after arrival is recommended but not required.

• A resident may still decline a test; however, they must quarantine for the 14 days after arrival.

• An Alaska resident may travel outside of the state for less than 72 hours with the following requirements.

• No test or quarantine is required

• Residents will self-monitor for 14 days after arrival for any symptoms, even mild ones.

**No school/work during strict social distancing.

December

• 12/14 - 12/17 - School Work Turn In week
• 12/18 - 1/ 3 No School - Winter Break

January

• 1/4 Online learning starts
• 1/6 PTA Mtg
• 1/18 No School - MLK Day

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