Mt. Redoubt Erupted Last Night (March 22)

Dear Parents & Staff,

Well, Mt. Redoubt finally erupted last night. Thus far the winds have kept the ash clouds on the west side of Cooke Inlet. The forecast for the next twenty-four hours is for the winds to continue to push the ash plume to the west. Naturally we will continue to monitor the situation. Should there be a sudden change in the volcano forecast and the ash clouds start heading our way we will utilize our emergency phone system and ask that parents take their children home.

As long as the volcano continues to be active we will shadow the morning decision of the Anchorage School District. If ASD is open in the morning then we will be open.

Experts at the Alaska Volcano Observatory predict that Anchorage should have at least two hours of notice before an ash cloud would reach our school, so there should be enough time for parents to pick up children and drive home. Our school has masks for each child, as well as supplies of water and food if needed. School staff would of course remain at the school until all children are picked up.

Information about ash cloud related school closures will be available on Channel 14, e-mail, our school blog available through our website, through the AMS phone line message outside of the school day, the Anchorage School District emergency recording (742-4000), and major media.

Please contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Stephen O’Brien