November 18, 2020

Dear Staff, Students, and Families, 

This letter is to inform you that an individual associated with Searsport District Middle High School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is a possibility that other staff or students came in contact with this individual and therefore may have been exposed to the virus. We are informing you 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. 

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: 

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 or a school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. Close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure to the positive individual. A negative test result does not get an individual out of quarantine.

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 for the school can be directed at Monica Furrow by calling 548-2313. 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, 

Chris Downing

Superintendent of Schools, RSU #20

November 06, 2020

Message from Superintendent Chris Downing

Re: State Designation of Waldo County, “Green Status”

On November 6, 2020, the Maine CDC and Maine DOE issued a status update and categorized Waldo County as green.  Categorization as green suggests the county has a relatively low risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools may consider in-person instruction, as long as they are able to implement the required health and safety measures.  

At this time, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within RSU #20.  Under the current conditions, we have elected to enter our in-person continued learning plan starting on Monday, November 9, 2020. The Maine CDC and Maine DOE will continue to issue status updates every two weeks for Maine counties.  We will issue any updates as soon as Maine CDC and Maine DOE provides any changes for Waldo County.

SDMHS

SES

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools. 

Sincerely,

Chris Downing
Superintendent of Schools

October 30, 2020

Message from Superintendent Chris Downing

Re: Continued State Designation of Waldo County, “Yellow Status”

On October 30, 2020, the Maine CDC and Maine DOE issued a status update and has continued to categorize Waldo County as yellow.  A yellow category suggests the county has an elevated risk of COVID-19 spread and schools may consider hybrid instructional models as a way to reduce the number of people in schools and classrooms at any one time.  Please take a moment to read the latest media release from the Maine Department of Education for further information about this decision (latest MDOE media release). 

At this time, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within RSU #20.  Under the current conditions, we have elected to continue to remain in our hybrid continued learning plan starting on Monday, November 2, 2020.  Fall athletics programs have been canceled for the remainder of the season.  Extracurricular activities will be suspended until a decision is made to go back to our in-person continued learning plan.

The Maine CDC and Maine DOE will issue status updates on a weekly basis for Waldo County.  We will issue an update as soon as Maine CDC and Maine DOE provides an update.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools. 

Sincerely,

Chris Downing
Superintendent of Schools

October 23, 2020

Message from Superintendent Chris Downing

Re: State Designation of Waldo County, “Yellow Status”

On October 23, 2020, the Maine CDC and Maine DOE issued a status update and has categorized Waldo County as yellow.  A yellow category suggests the county has an elevated risk of COVID-19 spread and schools may consider hybrid instructional models as a way to reduce the number of people in schools and classrooms at any one time.  For more information, see the latest MDOE press release: Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

At this time, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within RSU #20.  Under the current conditions, we have elected to enter our hybrid continued learning plan starting on Monday, October 26, 2020.  All athletics and extracurricular activities, including games and practices, will be suspended until a decision is made to go back to our in-person continued learning plan.

The Maine CDC and Maine DOE will issue status updates on a weekly basis for Waldo County.  We will issue an update as soon as Maine CDC and Maine DOE provides an update.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools. 

Sincerely,

Chris Downing
Superintendent of Schools