November 24, 2021
Dear parents, students, and the entire LKSD learning community,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I wish to extend my gratitude and appreciation for the entire LKSD community. I am incredibly thankful for how far we have come since this time last year. I am grateful for the more than 1,000 outstanding and dedicated staff, teachers, and administrators, each of whom continuously work together to support the growth and development of our students. I am grateful for the continued support from our dedicated School Board members, and for all all LKSD students and families.
We have so much to be thankful for:
- School Construction:
- Ayaprun Elitnaurvik School: Design plans have been completed and bids have been solicited for the construction of the new school on the Bethel campus. Our administration has worked hard to ensure that we have the resources to replace the school with a new facility that meets the needs of our community. Construction is expected to begin next spring and finish in the summer of 2023.
- Eek School: Construction continues on the Eek school renovation and addition project, with a projected completion date of late summer, 2023.
- Atmautluak School: Work on the new Atmautluak school is nearing completion with an anticipated move-in date of spring, 2022.
- Vaccination Clinics: Vaccinations have been an incredibly powerful tool for combating the transmission of COVID-19 and protecting the community. Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and LKSD, along with all regional school districts, has been working with the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation to offer students and staff the opportunity to receive vaccines in schools. YKHC has completed their first round of vaccination clinics in schools and will continue to administer vaccines in school and at YKHC. COVID-19 booster shots are also available to eligible community members and staff.
- State Competitions: Congratulations to the BRHS Warriors volleyball team for making it to the state competition held in Anchorage earlier this month. Also, congratulations to the Toksook Bay Islanders mixed-six volleyball team for earning a spot at the state competition happening next week.
- Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Heads to Washington, DC!: Ayaprun Elitnaurvik is one of two schools selected to represent the State of Alaska on this year's White House Christmas Tree. Six ornaments designed and created by Ayaprun Students representing our region and culture will be hung on this year's National Christmas Tree. You can tune in to CBS on Sunday, December 5th, from 7-8 p.m. to help celebrate Alaska, our region, and Ayaprun Elitnaurvik!
As always, we thank you for entrusting your child’s education to our dedicated team of educators and staff. We wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Hankins
Superintendent