Code Red activates Remote Learning Plan for now-closed public schools

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With American Samoa under the Code Red threat level declared Monday night by the governor and with all public schools’ closed, the local Education Department has already implemented its Remote Learning Plan (RLP).

In a special bulletin to parents and the community, ASDOE said the plan — which was activated after the governor announced the new threat-level due to community spread of COVID-19 — is to “ensure continuous instructions but most importantly, the safety for all students and [AS]DOE personnel.”

ASDOE described the “Mode of Instruction” for the RLP in which remote learning utilizes available technological devices and internet access.

Additionally, Elementary and Secondary divisions collaborate for distribution to students accordingly.

ASG officials said yesterday that when the governor “elevated the risk level to Code Red” resulting in closure of public schools, it also effectively activated virtual learning platform.

“Every government agency has [had] plans in place for more than a year now, including the Education Department, when the threat level is elevated to Code Red,” said a senior ASG official. “And agencies are required to test, re-test and review such plans constantly.”

And some parents are already asking whether student lunch meals will be delivered to a designated site for pick up or delivered elsewhere.

According to the ASDOE bulletin, distribution of meals is currently on suspension due to the Code Red restrictions. Additionally, the School Lunch Division has confirmed that families will qualify for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program (P-BET) and will collaborate with the Human and Social Service Department in providing distribution updates.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the federally funded P-BET program provides food assistance for school children who have lost access to free meals at school because of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, all ASDOE instructional and athletic activities and competitions are currently suspended. Furthermore, all ASDOE buildings and facilities are closed with exception to device issuance plans.

For parents with questions, contact your child’s school principal or deputy director Dr. Roxanne Salavea at 782-6163 or email [[email protected]].