April 13, 2020
Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Communities,
It is with a heavy heart that I send the following update to RSU #38’s response to the current health crisis surrounding Covid-19. As many of you know, Commissioner Makin from the Maine Department of Education issued a recommendation late Tuesday, April 7th encouraging schools to move to continued remote learning for the remainder of the school year. Her recommendation is based on guidance and information from the Maine CDC and has received the support of Governor Mills.
At this time RSU 38 will continue remote learning until the end of the school year. If by some chance the CDC provides information that returning to building based instruction is deemed safe before the end of the school year that possibility remains open. However, having said this administrators, teachers, and other staff have begun the process of preparing for extended remote learning to finish the school year. Plans are underway to look at alternatives to typical end of the year celebrations and will be communicated as the details emerge.
It was also announced Thursday, April 10 by the Maine Principals Association that all spring athletics and co-curricular events have been canceled for the spring season. Certainly more difficult news to process however, given the current circumstances a wise decision to keep everyone safe.
Please note that meal service will continue during the week of April vacation and through the extended closure. We are having April vacation as scheduled April 20 thru April 24. Be on the look for communications from your building Administrator about further remote learning guidance and information on end of year activities. As we head into mid-April and begin our 5th week of social distancing, please know that the challenges we face in the coming weeks will not dampen our spirits! We are in this together!
Sincerely,
James Charette
Superintendent