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Welcome back message | MSAD 15

To: MSAD 15 Community
From: Craig King, Superintendent
Date: April 22, 2021
Re: Welcome Back

School will resume on Monday, April 26, 2021. I hope all families and employees are enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation. I wish everyone well as we prepare to complete the final 34-days of the school year.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) has released guidance stating that fully vaccinated individuals may gather indoors without wearing face masks. However, this does not apply to Maine public schools. The Maine Department of Education’s Return to School Framework requires everyone to wear masks on school grounds (both indoors and outdoors). Limited mask breaks are allowed. It is the expectation that everyone on an MSAD 15 campus (indoors or outdoors) will wear a mask until we are given direction otherwise from the Maine Department of Education.

I appreciate the fact that School Year 2020-21 has been an enormous challenge for all students, employees, and families. I appreciate the fact that many sacrifices have been made and many inconveniences have been endured by everyone throughout the school year. We are all suffering from “COVID Fatigue.” Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I respectfully ask everyone to withstand a few more weeks of COVID-19 rules and regulations as we make our final push of the school year.

As of this date, 85% of our employees have received at least their first vaccination. This is an exceptional accomplishment. As it has become easier to receive the vaccination in Maine, I encourage everyone who is willing and eligible to pursue vaccination in an effort to stop this pandemic. If you have traveled out of state over April break, I encourage you to follow recommended guidelines to help keep our schools open and safe and avoid a post-vacation spike in COVID-19 cases: https://mainedoenews.net/2021/04/21/priority-notice-reminder-to-april-vacation-travelers-test-for-covid-19-upon-return/

I am proud of our school community for pulling together and overcoming the many challenges we faced. We all anticipate a fresh start in late August and having a “normal” school year with full in-person attendance five days a week. As we did last summer, we will provide regular information regarding plans for the new school year both in writing and through scheduled public school board meetings and workshops.

Thank you