September 23, 2022

Dear CCSD Families and Community Members:

At the writing of this letter, CCSD is completing our 4th week of school. The first four weeks of school have gone really well. The entire staff has done a fantastic job of welcoming our new students to the district and welcoming back our returning students. The first couple of weeks of a new year are always hectic as everyone settles into new routines and schedules. Our teachers, support staff, office staff, and administrative team in collaboration, of course, with our students and families have done an exceptional job. We couldn’t be more pleased about our start and what lies before us during the 2022-2023 school year.

As we prepare for the end of September and the start of October, all Alaska school districts are preparing for the official student count period. The official student count period for the 2022-2023 school year begins on Monday, October 3 and runs through Friday, October 28. Our student enrollment during this four-week period determines the amount of state funding CCSD will receive this school year to provide student services. As our enrollment currently stands, CCSD is anticipating a 3% increase in our PACE homeschool student enrollment from last year and an 11% growth in our Craig-based programs compared to last year. Our current enrollment trend is really good news for each of our buildings and programs, and I believe, is a testament to the level of service and care CCSD staff provide our students and their families.

Additionally, CCSD’s next in-service is scheduled for Monday, October 31 and Tuesday, November 1. In light of recent national news centered on school shootings, all districts and schools are reviewing plans and procedures to address school emergencies. CCSD has been in contact with Erin Terry from the Anchorage Office of the FBI to travel to POW for our October 31 and November 1 in-service. Details have not been finalized. However, it is imperative that the district and community revisit this important topic. CCSD wants to ensure that we have all the research-supported practices embedded in our operations to respond to any school emergency we might encounter.

CCSD is extremely pleased with the collaborative spirit that is embedded within our community. It is only by working in partnership with our families and community organizations that a school district can best meet the educational needs and interests of the students we are privileged to serve. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any item noted in this letter in greater detail. Thank you for all that you do in support of CCSD’s goals and objectives.

Sincerely,

Chris Reitan, CCSD Superintendent

Email: creitan@craigschools.com