May 10, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that a student associated with Maranacook Middle School and a student from Maranacook High School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Contact tracing is taking place for students and staff and should be completed by the time you receive this letter. We wanted to inform the communities out of an abundance of caution. Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you show up in person. Stay home if you are sick.
At this time Both Maranacook Middle and High School will continue to operate in person with those students and staff deemed close contacts following quarantine protocols. Those students, if not ill, should plan on following a remote schedule which will be communicated through their classroom teacher. Students/Families affected at Mount Vernon Elementary School due to bus exposure should be checking Seesaw for communication from the classroom teacher.
All other RSU #38 will be running as scheduled.
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 • new loss of taste or smell
cough • sore throat
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • congestion or runny nose
fatigue • nausea or vomiting
muscle or body aches • diarrhea
headache
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 handwashing 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 percent 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.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Dwayne Conway, the principal at the High School, Dr. Kristen Levesque the principal at the Middle School or the school nurses by calling 685-4923. 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