At-home learning extended into next week for Homer students

Students at Homer area schools are under remote learning this week after Covid-19 cases in the Southern Kenai Peninsula continued to rise.
    Homer High School Principal Doug Waclawski posted a video to students and parents on Wednesday discussing the change.
    “We were doing so well. Even though the Covid19 numbers were increasing in the community, there was never a known transmission of a Covid-19 case in Homer High School," he said. "This means that mitigation plans were working.”
    In the spring when the coronavirus struck, students were kept home after spring break as the district scrambled to institute remote learning. Waclawski said lessons learned then must be applied now.
    “We learned a lot from last year. And the Number One thing we need to change is that we must let students know what the expectations are, and enforce them, to make them successful," he said. "Students are required to attend class, complete work and they will not be excused from work while receiving remote education.”
    Waclawski called on parents to make sure their kids know remote learning is not a vacation from school.
    “Help them get up in the morning, attend classes, and develop a routine. Our goal is that HHS no one gets behind because they are at home for a couple of weeks," he said. "Thanks for helping us with this. This was our number one challenge last year, and your support is essential.”
    Waclawski said assistance is available from the school if parents need it.
    “If you need supplies, Chromebooks, textbooks, call us at the office 235-4600 and we will assist you," he said. "If your child is struggling, let us know, and we will try to get them help. Call Chad at 235-4600.”
    According to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District website, the remote learning in the southern peninsula has been extended an additional week, through next Wednesday (October 28).
    Thursday and Friday of next week are parent-teacher conferences, with no school for students and no “Get-It-And-Go Meals,” the free breakfast and lunch boxes usually provided during the school day.