Press Releases and Updates from the August 26th, 2025 Incident
Greetings Petersburg School Community,
We want to provide you with an update regarding the situation that occurred yesterday. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we are deeply grateful for the swift and professional response of our local law enforcement entities. Their immediate actions helped ensure the security of our schools and community. Below you will find the official press releases that provide additional details and updates.
Thank you for your support and commitment to the safety and well being of our school community.
RobynTaylor, Superintendent
Petersburg School District
Press Release #1: Community Notification – Active Threat Incident and Public Alert Systems
The Petersburg Police Department would like to address questions regarding why a community-wide alert was not issued immediately during yesterday’s active threat incident.
When the call came in, every available sworn officer responded directly to the school. At the same time, our 911 dispatch center was inundated with calls from the public. This created a true “all hands-on deck” situation where every resource had to be directed toward stopping the threat and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and the broader community.
In rapidly evolving emergencies like this, our highest priority is always life safety and neutralizing the threat. While the Police Department has access to mass notification systems, sending an alert requires available staff, accurate situational awareness, and carefully crafted messaging. Attempting to issue an alert while the situation was still unfolding would have diverted critical resources away from the emergency response and risked creating confusion or conflicting information when clarity was most essential.
We fully understand the community’s desire for timely alerts, and we are committed to reviewing our protocols with our emergency services partners to determine how public notifications might be improved during future critical incidents without compromising response efforts.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to protect our community and strengthen our communication practices.
Respectfully,
Petersburg Police Department
Press Release #2: Update on Active Threat Incident at Petersburg High School
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Petersburg Police Department
Date: August 27, 2025
The Petersburg Police Department is providing an update regarding the active threat incident reported at Petersburg High School on August 26, 2025.
Through the ongoing investigation, the Petersburg Police Department has obtained the phone number that was used to place the false report. It has been confirmed that the call originated from an out-of-state caller. At this time, the exact location of the caller cannot be traced.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been notified of both the phone number and the incident.
While this incident appears to have been a false report, the Petersburg Police Department remains committed to pursuing all leads to identify those responsible. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure accountability.
We would like to again thank the Petersburg School District, its staff, students, and the community for their cooperation and calm response during yesterday’s incident. The safety of our schools and community remains our top priority.
Respectfully,
Chief James Kerr
Petersburg Police Department
PO Box 329
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
Office: 907-772-3830
Cell: 907-518-0482
Fax: 907-772-3504
Dear Petersburg School District families and staff,
Earlier today, law enforcement responded to a reported threat at Petersburg High School. The building was immediately evacuated and thoroughly searched. I want to thank our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their swift and professional response, and I also extend my appreciation to our staff and families present for following directions quickly and calmly.
Below is the official press release from the Petersburg Police Department with further details.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Petersburg Police Department
Date: August 26, 2025
Active Threat Report at Petersburg High School
The Petersburg Police Department received a report today regarding a male subject allegedly armed with an AR-15 at Petersburg High School.
Officers from the Petersburg Police Department, with assistance from the Alaska State Wildlife Troopers and the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, immediately responded to the school. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was evacuated, and law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the premises.
No suspect was located, and there is no current indication of an ongoing threat. At this time, the incident appears to have been a false report; however, the investigation remains active as officers work to identify the source of the call.
The Petersburg Police Department wishes to thank the Petersburg School District staff and students who were present for their quick and orderly response in evacuating the building.
Public safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Chief James Kerr
Petersburg Police Department
PO Box 329
Petersburg Alaska, 99833
Office: 907-772-3830
Cell: 907-518-0482
FAX: 907-772-3504
As a reminder, official communications regarding school situations will come directly from the Petersburg School District. We ask parents and community members to please avoid speculation or relying on social media sources for information. Registration and activities will resume as normal tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27, 2025. For the safety of our students and staff, entry to school buildings during the school day will continue to occur at the main school doors with the buzzer system.
Sincerely,
Robyn Taylor
Superintendent,
Petersburg School District
supt@pcsd.us
877-526-7656
Petersburg School Community-
Welcome back to a new school year.
Petersburg Schools Newsletter August 2025 - (full of district and school information)
We're looking forward to seeing our students back in action next week!
Robyn Taylor, Superintendent
High School Laptop Rollout – Fall 2025
As part of the Petersburg School District’s 1:1 technology initiative, high school students will receive their MacBooks and backpacks during our annual rollout week. We’re proud to partner with families to help students maximize the benefits of these powerful tools in a safe, responsible, and supportive learning environment.
What to Expect:
Returning Students (Grades 10–12)
Returning students will sign their laptop agreements electronically when they collect their devices. These students previously completed both the in-person rollout orientation and the required 8th-grade Digital Literacy course, which qualifies them for 24/7 take-home access to their MacBooks.
Rollout Schedule:
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Students in grades 10–12 are invited to pick up their laptops and backpacks anytime between Monday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 27, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the MacTech Room.
Freshmen & New-to-District Students:
Thursday, August 28
📍 Wright Auditorium | 6:30 PM Freshmen & New-to-District Students
All freshmen and newly enrolled students are required to attend the in-person rollout event on Thursday, August 28, at 6:30 PM, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This session is required before students can take their laptops home for 24/7 access.
Students who completed 8th grade at Petersburg School District have already met the Digital Literacy course requirement.
Students new to the district will be enrolled in a condensed version of the course, to be completed during the first quarter of the school year.
A $70 Device Fee:
To enable 24/7 take-home access, families are asked to pay a $70 device fee.
This fee helps cover:
The AppleCare+/ Insurance premium for extended protection
Accidental damage repair costs are not covered under warranty.
The orientation will cover:
Safe and responsible use of school devices
Tips for preventing damage and lowering insurance costs
District technology expectations and student support
Practical strategies for families to manage technology at home
This program works best as a partnership between home and school, ensuring students are well-supported both academically and digitally.
Make-Up Option:
If your family cannot attend the August 28 orientation, a make-up session will be offered during the second week of September.
📌 Please note: Until orientation is completed, student laptops will remain on campus during the school day and will not be allowed to go home.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us launch this technology successfully. Together, we can help students stay safe online, build healthy tech habits, and fully engage in their learning with these new MacBooks.
I stand corrected. There is a Middle School Supply list. See the image.
Apologies.
Hello parents and students of Petersburg High School. I am excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year.
I wanted to share a few points with you to help with a smooth start.
• Registration is Aug 25th through 28th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
o Aug. 25th Last Names : S-Z
o Aug. 26th Last Names: M-R
o Aug. 27th Last Names: G-L
o Aug. 28th Last names: A-F
• Please, take note of policies concerning Personal Electronic Devices, Dress Code, and Late/Missing Work. All of these are in the updated handbook.
• High School Laptop Rollout is Aug 25th-28th.
o August 25th-27th is for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors during registration (9:00 AM-3:00 PM).
o Freshman will be August 28th at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. There is an orientation included.
• High School Open House is September 4th at 5:30 PM. Come meet the staff!
I am looking forward to a successful and enjoyable year with your students. As always, if you have questions or concerns, or just would like to talk, call me at any time.
Thank you.
Brad King, Principal
Mitkof Middle School/Petersburg High School
bking@pcsd.us
877-526-7656 ext. 301 (call)
(907) 302-2411 (call or text)
Hello parents and students of Mitkof Middle School. I am excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year.
I wanted to share a few points with you to help with a smooth start.
• Registration is Aug 25th through 28th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
o Aug. 25th Last Names : S-Z
o Aug. 26th Last Names: M-R
o Aug. 27th Last Names: G-L
o Aug. 28th Last names: A-F
• The entrance to the Middle school will be on 1st Street this year. It will be open from 7:45 AM -8:30 AM each school day. After that time entrance will need to be at the High School Entrance.
• This year, chrome books and backpacks will not be issued to each student. Please contact the office if there are special circumstances and we will work with the Tech Department to resolve them.
• There is no supply list for Middle School students. Writing utensils, notebooks, and inside shoes for PE are basic needs each student should bring.
• Please, take note of policies concerning Personal Electronic Devices, Dress Code, and Late/Missing Work. All of these are in the updated handbook.
• Middle school Activities and Athletics meeting is September 3rd at 6-7 PM in the auditorium.
• Middle School Open House is September 4th at 5:30 PM in the Auditorium. Come meet the staff!
I am looking forward to a successful and enjoyable year with your students. As always, if you have questions or concerns, or just would like to talk, call me at any time.
Thank you.
Brad King, Principal
Mitkof Middle School/Petersburg High School
bking@pcsd.us
877-526-7656 ext. 301 (call)
(907) 302-2411 (call or text)
Middle and High School registration starts next week, Monday, August 25th. We will be registering by last name again this year, but with a twist: we will start at the end of the alphabet and work backward. We have to give the Z's some love this year! It looks like a construction zone, but go ahead and enter through the High School doors to register.
An email will be sent with more information.
Greetings Middle School Students and Parents!
The year is fast upon us and it's school supply time! The following are needed supplies for the upcoming school year:
Five (5) folders
One (1) composition notebook (Science)
Four (4) notebooks of your choice
Highlighters
One (1 ) big box of pencils
One (1) pack of whiteboard markers
Two (2) glue sticks
Gym shoes and gym clothing
One (1) water bottle
Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Announcement for Grades 6–8 Families
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, backpacks for students in grades 6 through 8 will be issued upon request.
Please note that Chromebooks will no longer be sent home with students in these grade levels. Students will still have full access to devices during the school day.
If your student is experiencing challenges completing assignments outside of school hours, we encourage families to reach out to the school for support options.
Jon Kludt-Painter
Technology Coordinator | Petersburg School District
Address: 201 Charles W. St., Petersburg, Alaska 99833
Phone: 1-877-526-7656 ext. 226 | Office: ext. 226 | Mobile: 907-302-2376
Email: jpainter@pcsd.us
Website: www.pcsd.us
Photos from Worcester, Massachusetts where the Waffle International Lego Robotics Competition took place between June 13-15!
The Middle School team did an amazing job explaining about their innovation project in front of the judges. The judges were so impressed, one of them said he was left without words.
For the robot game they scored high in their 4rounds and they got to keep their highest score of 355 points. This is a PR for Petersburg Lego Robotics Teams by almost double their previous scores.
The competition brought to the Lego tables teams from 28 countries and 40 states, ranging from 4th grade to high school. The boys really enjoyed meeting kids from all over the world.
Come cook with Jasmine Shaw and Alex Helms in the Petersburg School Garden as we turn fresh-picked produce into something extra delicious!
This fun, hands-on cooking class is a great chance to learn kitchen skills, explore new recipes, and taste the freshness straight from the garden.
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/CookingPetersburg
Have questions? Contact Alex at ahelms@pcsd.us.
Space is limited, so sign up ASAP!
🏀 Viking Hoop Camp 2025 – August 28–30 🏀
Join us for the Viking Hoop Camp, featuring Coach Frank Ostanik,
📅 Camp Schedule & Costs:
K–2: Fri 12–1 PM, Sat 10–11 AM – $15
3rd–5th Grade: Thurs 4–5:30 PM | Fri 2–3:30 PM | Sat 11–12:30 – $40
6th–8th Grade: Thurs 5:30–7:30 PM | Fri 3:30–5:30 PM | Sat 1–3 PM – $60
High School: Thurs 7:30–9:30 PM | Fri 6–8 PM | Sat 3–5 PM – $60
📄 How to Register:
Paper forms are available at Parks & Rec or any school office (*When school resumes)
Registration Forms (https://petersburgschooldistrictak.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/16968158)
About Coach Ostanik
Coach Ostanik brings 32 years of coaching experience, including 12 years at the collegiate level. As UAF Men’s Basketball Head Coach, he led the Nanooks to an NCAA Sweet 16 and a GNAC Championship, and was named GNAC Coach of the Year in 2006–07.
He holds the highest winning percentage in UAF history (55–32) and recently led the Nanooks to their first conference tournament appearance since 2020.
Before UAF, he compiled a 369–85 record and guided Monroe Catholic Rams to four state titles. Coach Ostanik is also the founder of the Alaska Basketball Academy (ABA), which offers low-cost camps across Alaska.
“It is our goal at the Alaska Basketball Academy to ensure that every child learns how to play the game of basketball and develops a love of the game they will carry through life.”
