September 10, 2021
Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,
I reach out to you today with a brief summary of some key topics from this past week of school. First, I am sharing our current status of covid cases and those affected by quarantine as of 3:00 pm this afternoon. Please also, note the cumulative information in the lower right hand corner.
We are strongly encouraging parents and students to review the COVID screener on a daily basis. If you are sick, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider.
If your son/daughter is a close contact or tests positive for COVID-19, please notify your school immediately and keep your child home.
Our recent positive case reports have necessitated quarantining students. We are hearing confusion from the community in regards to why there is a need to quarantine, if we as a district have implemented universal masking. We follow quarantine guidelines set forth by the Department of Education in the Maine Standard Operating Procedures for schools available here.
Clarifying information concerning quarantine will be issued next week.
Thank you for your continued commitment to working with us in following our district protocols in the interest of staff, students, and community health and safety.
Transportation is our next challenging area and I would like to provide the following reminders and updates:
Bus # 8 which serves Wayne Elementary School as well as Maranacook Middle and High Schools and will not have a Morning or Afternoon run on and Monday September 13. (We are expecting the bus to be back in operation on Tuesday, September 14.)
Bus #6 Readfield which has been transported by Mika Fit vans will be covered by Bus #11 until further notice.
Bus # 29 which serves Mount Vernon Elementary School as well as Maranacook Middle and High Schools and will not have an Afternoon run on Monday, September 13. (We are expecting the bus to be back in operation on Tuesday, September 14.)
We recognize the tremendous burden transportation has placed on families. Thank you to the parents and community members for assisting in transporting students to and from school. (And once again to Mika Fit for providing assistance in the form of their vans.) We are working to improve the situation as quickly as possible and hank everyone for their understanding and patience.
Finally, Wednesday September 15th is an early release day for students. Student dismissal is at 11:40 am. Please note on early release days the pre-kindergarten program does not run for the morning session. Our full school calendar for the 2021-022 school year is available here.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, stay safe! Go Bears!
Sincerely,
James Charette
Superintendent of Schools