April 6, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that there is an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Manchester Elementary School and Maranacook Community High School. An outbreak means that there are three or more cases of COVID-19 within a 14-day period that are epidemiologically linked. Manchester Elementary and Maranacook High School have four cases each, three confirmed and one probable, resulting in over 125 students and staff in quarantine from the two schools. Typically, an outbreak status ends 28-days after the last positive test or symptom onset date, whichever is later. This is two complete 14 day cycles of the virus. Due to our label the schools will be listed Thursday at 4:00 pm on the outbreak page found here.
Based on discussion with the Maine CDC, school administrators as well as our school nurses and based on information we currently have about student and staff pending tests we are going to err on the side of caution and send Manchester Elementary and Maranacook Community High School fully remote next week, Monday, April 12 thru Thursday, April 15. The tentative return to in person learning date will be April 26, the Monday after spring break. At this point, all other schools will continue to follow their planned schedules.
We can not stress enough the importance of keeping the school informed if anyone in your household develops symptoms of Covid-19. We are here to support and guide you to available resources. If you must travel during the spring break please follow the Maine state guidelines and communicate with the principal or school nurse. Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Continue to use the Ruvna Covid screening app even if in remote learning. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you show up in person.
Questions for Maranacook Community High School can be directed to Principal Dr. Dwayne Conway or Anya Davidson, the school nurse by calling 685-4923. Questions for Manchester Elementary School can be directed to Principal Abbie Hartford or Erin Foth, the school nurse by calling 622- 2949. 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,
James Charette
Superintendent of Schools