COVID-19 Update 3-24-2020

March 24, 2020

Dear Staff, Parents, and Community Members:

This afternoon, Governor Janet Mills issued an order expanding restrictions to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The new restrictions take effect on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and will last until April 8, 2020.  I am writing to update you on R.S.U. 67’s response based on this new information. 

Two weeks ago your child received materials so he/she could remain engaged in learning through Friday, March 27, 2020.  Our teachers worked tirelessly over the past four days to prepare new materials for students to extend remote learning opportunities through April 17, 2020.  Our plan was to distribute these learning materials to families at our schools tomorrow.   

It is imperative that we join our fellow Mainers and do our part to protect the health of our family, friends, neighbors, and community.   R.S.U. 67 staff members will be unable to distribute learning materials until these restrictions have been lifted.  As a result, we are suspending remote learning opportunities after Friday, March 27, 2020 until we can get materials to our students in a manner that is safe for all.

Providing healthy, nutritious meals to our students continues to be an essential service under the order from Governor Mills.  We will begin meal service beginning tomorrow, March 25, 2020, at Mattanawcook Academy, and the parking lots of the Town Offices in Chester and Mattawamkeag from 10:30-12:30.  Meals will be available at these locations each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until further notice.

In order to practice social distancing, we are asking that you stay in your car until a staff member is ready to assist you.  Please designate one adult or older student to pick up meals from our staff member.  We encourage families to coordinate meal pickup for neighbors whenever possible.  

I want to publicly recognize the heroic efforts of all R.S.U. 67 staff members in these unprecedented times.  In addition, I want to thank our students and their families for their flexibility and resiliency.  Please remember above all to take care of yourselves, your neighbors, and those you love.  Visit our website frequently for updates. 

Sincerely,

Jean Skorapa, Superintendent of Schools

"It will be impossible to know if we overreacted or did too much, but it will be QUITE apparent if we under reacted or did too little."