Contributed by Kimberly Bustillos
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District has been working tirelessly in response to Friday’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Damage is being assessed in all MSBSD schools. Two thirds of the school in the MSBSD will be opening tomorrow, Thursday December 5th. Updates on the remaining schools will be posted soon.
MSBSD is working hard to get schools open and keep everyone informed. “We want to let folks know we understand.”, said Jillian Morrissey, MSBSD Public Information Officer. Principals will be reaching out to parents and guardians to give updates on schools.
Students attending Career Tech will need to check the status of their boundary schools. Transfer buses will be running between all boundary schools and Career Tech. If a student’s boundary school isn’t open they will need to get a ride to their boundary school to catch the transfer bus, or be dropped off directly at Career Tech.
A big concern for Morrissey is the unmet needs of parents and students. The MSBSD is working diligently to find solutions. For schools yet to receive and opening date - students’ items left in school lockers and class rooms can’t be accessed. Until school buildings are safe to enter students will need to wait. “We are trying to find a solution.”, said Morrissey.
Houston and Big Lake Community will be providing Meals on Wheels for students. These will be free meals from Nutrition Services. Information on these services will be sent out to students in the area.
There are multiple resources on the MSBSD 2018 Earthquake page to assist families with coping after a natural disaster, earthquake preparedness, and water sources.
Stay updated with school openings, damage reports, and resources at MSBSD 2018 Earthquake page: www.matsuk12.us/earthquake