This is a special message for Tuesday, August 31, 2021 and likely the last time I will be contacting you using the Honeywell Instant Alert system as we prepare to move to a new platform beginning tomorrow.
I am touching base this afternoon to remind you that we are looking forward to welcoming all of our students back to school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 1.
If you have not already done so, I would urge you to sign your child up to participate in the SAD 44 Pooled Testing program. This is an additional level of precaution that we are instituting this year to potentially help students avoid quarantine and be able to stay in school. Ms. Arsenault provided an Instant Alert on that program last Friday and additional information about it can be found on our website. We would also ask for your continued support in monitoring your children for COVID related symptoms and to keep them home if they are not feeling well. We plan to again work with area health agencies to offer more vaccination opportunities for interested families by scheduling clinics for eligible students this year.
Finally, as we carefully monitor the impact that the Delta variant is having across our state and nation, I join the School Board in requesting that you strongly consider having your child return to school fully masked as an important health and safety precaution. Although masking is not mandatory in schools at the current time, it is still strongly recommended. It is important to note that students are still mandated to wear masks while riding on school buses. This is a federal CDC requirement. The Board does plan to continue their conversation on this important topic at their September Board meeting, which has recently been changed from September 27 to September 13. As always, we will continue to closely monitor all pandemic related issues and make adjustments as necessary.
Thank you for your continued support and best wishes for successful school year!