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Regional School Unit No. 56

147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224

Phone: (207)562-4300    -    Fax: (207)562-6075

www.rsu56.org

Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools

September 25, 2020


Dear Staff, Students, and Families, 

Oxford County was changed to a “yellow” designation today from Maine CDC. As noted by the Maine Department of Education:

“Oxford County is recategorized from green to yellow as a result of rapid and significant increases in COVID-19 prevalence. The rate of new cases per 10,000 residents over the last two weeks jumped from 4.66 cases to 10.69 cases, exceeding the rate of new cases in York County. Its two-week positivity rate increased from 1.6 to 2.1 percent.” 

Although our 14-day quarantine is ending on Monday, September 28, 2020 with the plan to return to in-person learning on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, RSU 56 is now moving to a hybrid model as outlined in the RSU 56 Return to Classroom Instruction Framework that was approved by the RSU 56 Board on August 6, 2020. 

In the RSU 56 Framework, the hybrid model was outlined in the following manner:

A hybrid model would be utilized if the district was unable to meet all the CDC and/or MDOE requirements to be fully in school or is recommended by CDC/MDOE as “yellow” classification. A hybrid model consists of students attending on certain days and working remotely on other days. If RSU 56 has to implement a hybrid model, the following would occur:

 

On Mondays and Tuesdays, students who live in Peru and Canton would attend in-school sessions. Students who live in Dixfield and Carthage, would work remotely on those days.

 

On Wednesday, all students would work remotely. This would allow time for industrial cleaning to occur in the schools.

 

On Thursdays and Fridays, students who live in Dixfield and Carthage would attend in-school sessions. Students who live in Peru and Canton would work remotely on these days.

Students attending RSU 56 on a superintendent’s agreement should plan to attend with the Canton and Peru students unless otherwise notified by the building principal. 

Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms of COVID19. The RSU 56 daily self-check form is below. 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:

  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 handwashing, wearing a mask and to remain socially distanced. RSU 56 will continue to follow those guidelines upon reopening. 

Questions for the district can be directed to Pam Doyen by calling 207 562-4251. 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, 

Pam Doyen, Superintendent