Dear Parents and Guardians:

As a result of the rapidly changing advice regarding the COVID-19 virus from both the state and federal government we have decided to not have school on Wednesday, March 18 as previously planned. Students will not attend school again until further notice. Our tentative re-open date is April 6th but truthfully, we will be assessing the situation on a daily basis and will re-evaluate that date as it approaches. Both our President and our Governor are recommending that we have no gatherings of groups larger than 10 people. As a result of that new directive, and also the heightened level of concern, we feel that it would not be in the best interest of our students to have school on Wednesday.

Parents may pick up educational packets at school all day Tuesday, March 17th, and Wednesday, March 18th. Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday. Materials may be picked up and dropped off from 10:00 to 12:00 everyday Monday through Friday beginning Monday, March 23. We are hoping to be able to have lunches, breakfasts, and snacks picked up at school by Wednesday for those who choose to pick them up. We plan on delivering these food packets to your home (if you sign up) as soon as we can make it happen. We will definitely be delivering food by Monday.

Further details specific to your school and your child(ren)’s classes will be posted on our website, Facebook, and sent home via a letter.

Once again please accept my apologies for the short notice regarding this change. Please also understand that the decision to make this change was made with your children’s safety foremost in our thoughts.

Moving forward, we will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves through information and guidance provided by the Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Education. We will continue to provide information either through communications like this letter or through our website, Facebook pages and our alert system. We also encourage you to stay informed on the COVID-19 situation by reviewing links on the Maine CDC website.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work together through this difficult situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Ronald C. Ramsay

Superintendent of Schools

MSAD #37