Dear Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD Parents & Community,
It is hard to believe that we have already reached the halfway mark on our school calendar. The 2020 - 2021 school year has been like no other. We continue to be challenged like never before. Our sense of normalcy has been shaken and we continue to deal with the effects of the global pandemic as the days move us forward. Schools across our state and nation have been working tirelessly, to educate students virtually, in-person, and many scenarios in-between. Many hands have worked hard to be certain that every safeguard is in place in our schools.
We remain committed to enforcing safety protocols in our schools and need your continued support. All students and staff must conduct a health screening, using the Runva App, each morning prior to getting onto buses and/or entering the school buildings. All students and staff are required to wear a mask. Masks should follow all guidelines outlined in our reopening plan. The school has masks available for any student that does not have one. Bandanas and kerchiefs are not acceptable alternatives. Additionally, hallways are marked to support physical distancing and our teachers and staff will continue to remind students about our procedures to help support a healthy and safe school day. We will continue to do all that we can to remain open for in-person instruction.
It is January in Maine, which brings an increase in common cold symptoms. The common cold symptoms are also symptoms of COVID-19. We recognize that it’s confusing and may seem “unnecessary”, however, we will continue to require that you do not send your child to school with symptoms. If symptoms develop while at school, you will need to pick your child up. In either case, we require that you follow up with your medical provider to determine the next step in care. There are many students and staff who have displayed symptoms and are required to follow the above procedures. There are also students and staff who have been considered close contacts and are required to quarantine and follow testing protocols to return to school. We will continue to notify our school community when there is a member of our school who has tested positive for COVID-19. It’s most helpful to not speculate why a staff or classmate is out of school. Speculation leads to rumors, which are not helpful to our school climate.
We are thankful for your continued support and attention to our important protocols. We will continue to navigate this time together and remain focused on the education, health, and safety of all of our children.
We know this is hard and you are truly appreciated!
Tricia Campbell, Principal BRHS & Shawna Kurr, Principal BRES