Health Update 4 – March 13, 2020

Good Evening,

I want to continue to update you on the Bangor School Department’s preparation and planning regarding COVID-19/Coronavirus.  Given the President’s declaration of a national emergency and the continuing guidance from the Governor, Maine Department of Education, Maine CDC, Maine Principals’ Association, Bangor’s Public Health Director, and the Community Health Advisory Board, additional steps are being taken to enhance our strategies beginning Monday, March 16th.  Please review the following:

School Remains in Session:  We will continue with a full academic program during the school day until further notice.

After-School Activities Suspended:  In line with the Maine Principal Association’s decision to suspend athletics, all after-school activities are suspended until April 27th.  Our schools will be open for the regular school day, but all students will be dismissed at the end of the regular day.  This will allow our custodial staff to do more thorough daily cleaning when students and staff are not in the buildings.

All Field Trips and Travel Suspended:  All field trips and travel are suspended until April 27th.

All Guest Speakers, Volunteers, and Visitors Suspended: Until April 27th, only those who absolutely have to be present will be allowed at school.  We want to limit foot traffic and exposure in our schools.  There will not be any assemblies, guest speakers, volunteers, or visitors allowed until April 27th.

Absenteeism:  Those who have underlying medical conditions should consult with and follow the advice of their medical provider.  Students and staff who are sick should stay home.  If you have a fever, you should be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

We are aware parents need to make decisions regarding what is best for their families and the guidance we have received from the Maine Department of Education is that absences in which parents keep their children home will be marked “absent due to Covid-19”. Please know take home packets will not be distributed until there is a decision to close school.

Avoiding Panic: Please use caution regarding what you read or post on social media.  It is best to use a trusted site such as the Maine CDC site at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus.shtml

This is a stressful time for everyone and it is best to know the facts and be kind to one another.

Here is a helpful video on COVID – 19  https://youtu.be/QaRiYddhHkc

We thank everyone for your patience and support during this time.  I am pleased to share our student attendance was at normal levels today.

Have a restful weekend, and be well.

Sincerely,

Betsy Webb, Ed.D.