11.10.2020
Dear Brewer Schools’ Families,
As we approach the upcoming break in November we face rising cases of the COVID-19 virus across Maine with an increasing number of schools dealing with positive cases within their communities that have caused more temporary shutdowns and quarantine in order to prevent the spread.
The Maine Center for Disease Control (MCDC) is reminding us all to be careful when visiting other households or hosting others in our own homes. Additionally, Governor Mills and the MCDC have recently increased the requirement to wear masks in all public spaces. Regardless of where or how these notifications reach us, we in the Brewer School Department are remembering to adhere to these keys to safety in Brewer Schools when we’re in session, but they are also good to keep in mind during busy times that involve interacting with people we don’t see on a regular basis.
Our hope is to reduce the need for any school shutdowns and to limit quarantine restrictions being imposed on students, their families, or on our staff.
In a related matter, and because cases have also increased in other states as well, there has been a revision to travel restrictions. This includes reinstating restrictions for those coming to Maine from New York State, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These travelers are once again required to either self-quarantine for 14 days or have a COVID test within 72 hours. Travelers from New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts are still exempt at this time. See this Travel Guidance FAQ document from the State of Maine’s Keep Maine Healthy Plan.
If you yourself are traveling outside of Maine to a non-exempted state, please plan for COVID-19 testing and call and provide documentation to the school nurse in order to have your student(s) remain or re-enter school without any disruption. Alternatively, if you plan to complete a 14 day quarantine before having a student(s) return to school then please call your school to avoid any concerns regarding consecutive missed days and also so we can help coordinate providing academic work.
Further information may be found at this State of Maine Travel Updates site. Also, here is a link to our revised 2020-2021 A/B calendar just to remind you of our rotation coming out of the break.
Please call or email with any questions.
Sincerely,
Gregg Palmer, Superintendent of Schools
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