Dear RSU #57 Community, 

Thank you for your patience as we work through this unprecedented and rapidly changing situation.  It is imperative that we work collaboratively with each other, within and outside of our immediate community.  Please know we are heeding the advice of trusted educational and medical professionals.

As educators our first priorities are to keep students safe and to educate them to the best of our ability. We understand that a school closure, should it come to that, would present a significant hardship for many families.  Our focus must remain on the safety of our students and staff and we will do our best to limit the impact on their academic progression. 

Neither Governor Mills nor the Maine CDC recommend school closure at this time.  We are focusing on providing your child with an excellent education whether that is on-site or through distance learning.  Information around these procedures will be communicated.

The following decisions have been made and I will continue to make adjustments in the best interest of all stakeholders:

·       Distance learning plans are being prepared in the event of a school closure.

·       Daily attendance is being monitored as it relates to potential COVID-19 symptoms.

·       Student drop-off and pick-up procedures may be revised and will be communicated to you as needed.

·       The use of school volunteers will be suspended through April 27th.

·       Staff and students who have been absent as a result of fever are being asked to consult their medical professional and return to school when directed with a note.

·       We are in contact with known staff and students who have travelled out of the country.

·       We have implemented measures to reduce the number of students in one place at any given time as we encourage social-distancing when possible.

·       The Maine Principals Association Board of Directors and Interscholastic Management Committee voted today, March 13, 2020 to delay the start of the 2020 Spring sports pre-season practice until April 27, 2020.  We will continue to monitor the situation and will make the appropriate changes as needed to ensure the safety of all students.

·       The remainder of the middle school winter sports season has been cancelled.

·       Field trips are suspended through April 27th.

·       Out of state school trips are cancelled through April 27th.

·       The district will be cancelling activities and events outside of the regular school day.  Some activities and events scheduled during the school day may also be cancelled and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

·       Building use by outside groups has been suspended with the exception of childcare to support our enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices.


Please continue vigilantly washing your hands with soap and water and maintain a reasonable distance from others as suggested by the CDC.  Please remain home if you or your children have symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus and seek medical advice via phone should you have questions. 


These plans are developing rapidly and we will keep you informed.  Thank you.

Larry Malone, Superintendent

 

https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19