Regional School Unit No. 56
147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224
Phone: (207)562-4300 - Fax: (207)562-6075
Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools
January 9, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
RSU 56 has received confirmation that multiple individuals associated with the RSU 56 school system tested positive for COVID-19. The positive cases were at Dirigo Elementary School. All close contacts were notified by Principal Charlie Swan or School Nurse Erin Wainwright. The RSU 56 schools will revert to remote learning for all students for the next 14-days as outlined in the board approved RSU 56 Return to Classroom Instruction Framework. All RSU 56 students will be receiving remote instruction starting Monday, January 11, 2021 and going through Friday, January 22, 2021. In person instruction, for those who have opted for such, will resume on Monday, January 25, 2021. (As a courtesy “head’s up,” the board is reviewing the Framework Tuesday evening and the remote period may be adjusted. Additional information will be sent out to parents/families as soon as possible if the board adjusts the RSU 56 Return to Classroom Instruction Framework.)
School lunches and breakfasts will be delivered on Wednesday, January 13, Tuesday, January 19 and Thursday, January 21 for those who have signed up for school nutrition services.
Please monitor yourself and/or your student for symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. Symptoms include:
COVID Symptoms
Less Common Most Common
Headache Cough
Runny nose/congestion Shortness of breath
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea New loss of taste or smell
Muscle pain Fever (100.4 degrees or higher)
Fatigue Sore Throat
Chills
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 mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These measures include social distancing, wearing a mask and frequent hand-washing. Please help us remain in school by following these guidelines both in school and outside of school.
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 of RSU 56