12.14.2020
Dear Staff and Brewer Schools’ Families,
This letter is to inform you that we have just learned that one individual associated with Brewer High School (BHS) has tested positive for COVID-19. This person was present at the school on just a single day -- Tuesday, December 8, 2020 -- after they had been in contact with another positive case outside of the school. They have not attended school in person since that day.
The Maine Center for Disease Control (MCDC) is only asking us to contact trace based on this single case; we will have those who were in close contact quarantine for the recently specified MCDC recommended 10 calendar days. School can remain in regular session for everyone else.
There is no connection to Brewer Community School which will remain on its regular hybrid schedule.
The school nurse and administration will have spoken with all close contacts for each case by later this afternoon. If you do not receive a call or email then no one in your family was determined to be a close contact. Should anyone need it, this is a link on COVID-19 testing in Maine.
Currently, the return date for those close contacts will be Friday, December 18, 2020. Any students who are quarantining will be able to attend school remotely. Students who are not able to connect for their classes will be able to make up the work.
As we have been saying, we are appreciative of our staff and students who have been diligent in wearing masks and practicing social distancing along with other important safety measures. Please remember the Keys to Safety in the Brewer Schools that have helped to keep our schools safe and will continue to do so.
If someone on quarantine needs a lunch here is the Lunch Request Form. Families can pick up the lunch at BCS between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please submit your request form by 9:00 a.m. of the day your student would like lunch.
As always we continue to ask all families to monitor students for any symptoms. The same is true for Brewer School Department staff. Individuals should call a health care provider if they develop symptoms. It is important to call a healthcare facility before showing up in person if symptoms appear.
People should stay home when they are sick. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include the following:
• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting or diarrhea
Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.
Questions for the school should be directed to school Principal Brent Slowikowski, Assistant Principal Scott Walker, nurses Cathy Sherman RN at BHS and Carol Warmuth RN at BCS, or Superintendent Gregg Palmer. Email addresses include first initials and last names followed by @breweredu.org
Thank you and know that we continue to monitor health and safety information very carefully and will continue to reach out to you regarding any developments.
Sincerely,
Gregg Palmer, Superintendent of Schools