March 17, 2020
Dear Families,
I would like to give you an update on what RSU 38 is currently doing in response to the Covid-19 viruses health care crisis that led to the closing of schools through March 27. Before I get into the specifics I would like to take this opportunity to direct you to resources that may be helpful in supporting and discussing our current situation with your family.
The first is entitled: Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
The second is entitled: Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The third is entitled: Parent and Caretaker guide for helping families cope with COVID 19
All are free downloads, more can be found on the Maine Department of Education website.
What follows are updates specific to RSU 38.
All school buildings are closed for “deep” cleaning. Our custodial teams are working diligently to clean and disinfect our buildings and as a result we have asked all non-essential personnel to stay out of the building through Friday.
The central office will be open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday, Friday will be by appointment only. We encourage our communities to email or call should you have any needs. If you need to meet face to face we respectfully ask you to schedule an appointment to minimize office traffic during this time of social distancing.
We will be offering drive thru food service beginning Wednesday, March 18 at Mount Vernon Elementary School. The time it is open will be 7:00 am until 9:00 am. Visit maranacook.org for more information.
Our food pantry continues to run and there will be boxed meals for pick-up this Friday 3/20 from 3 - 5 PM in front of the high school for those in need. We will bring the boxed meals out to your vehicle. Please contact the Dr. Conway via email at dwayne_conway@maranacook.com for more information or to be added to the list of receivers.
Plans are underway concerning remote learning days should this closure move beyond March 27 and this will be communicated to you when it becomes necessary.
Thank you all for your patience and calm approach to the current situation. We, like so many others, are making decisions based on information that literally changes minute to minute. I will be continuing to reach out over the next several days as more information becomes available and informed decisions are made about next steps. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves, your families, and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
James Charette
Superintendent of Schools