January 14, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
Out of an abundance of caution Readfield Elementary School will be remote on Friday, January 15. Based on the possibility of positive covid cases we will use the remote day to deep clean the building, conduct contact tracing as necessary and verify covid test results. A further communication will be provided over the weekend as more information becomes available.
The following schools will continue to be open for in-person instruction: Maranacook High School, Mount Vernon and Wayne Elementary Schools.
As we work to keep our schools open to in-person instruction it is essential to communicate with the schools if anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19. Based on the CDC definition, everyone in the household will be considered a close contact if there is a person in your home who tests positive and will need to complete a quarantine period. I strongly encourage you to reach out to the building nurses as a source of information and support because transmission is especially high in household exposures. I am respectfully asking for your help in keeping our schools open to in-person instruction by limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 by keeping your child home if you or someone in your household shows symptoms and/or has a positive test. Please err on the side of caution, we can be a support for you through this difficult time through open and timely communication.
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:
fever or chills • new loss of taste or smell
cough • sore throat
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • congestion or runny nose
fatigue • nausea or vomiting
muscle or body aches • diarrhea
headache
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 recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper hand-washing 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 can be directed to Jeff Boston, the principal or the school nurse by calling Readfield Elementary School at 685-4406. 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,
James Charette
Superintendent of Schools