November 29, 2020
Dear RSU 50 Staff, Students, Parents,
I have learned many things in the last few months, one them being things can change in an instant. This letter is to inform you that an individual associated with RSU 50 has been deemed a positive case for COVID - 19, and out of an abundance of caution we will be switching to remote learning starting on Tuesday December 1st. Remote learning will continue until Friday December 4th. The plan is to return to in-person instruction on Monday December 7th. Monday November 30th will be a teacher and staff workshop to prepare for remote learning, there will be no school for students on this day.
Should the district need to extend the period of remote learning, you will first be notified via Blackboard Connect. Notifications will also be made via RSU 50 social media pages and our district website. We will be in contact with parents tomorrow morning to determine food delivery for Tuesday-Friday and also any details about school materials needed for remote learning.
We have been directed by the CDC to notify students and adults who had close contact with the individual that they must quarantine for 14 days from last contact. We are completing those calls at this time, and plan to have all calls made tomorrow morning. If you do not receive a call, then your child was not one who had close contact with this individual.
As always, please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a health care facility before you show up in person. Stay home if you are sick.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.
Maine CDC recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper hand washing with soap and warm water, which is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough, or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
For school specific questions please contact Kathy Chamberland, School Nurse, at (207) 757-826. For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Call a health care provider for questions about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Jon Porter, Superintendent/Principal
RSU 50