Letter to the Sanford School Community

March 12, 2020

Dear Sanford School Community,

The Sanford School Department continues to monitor the status of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) locally.  We are receiving guidance from the Maine Center for Disease Control, the York County Emergency Management Agency and the Maine Department of Education.  We are following recommended precautions and our custodial staff is frequently disinfecting target areas (desktops, doorknobs, water fountains).  Ledgemere, our transportation provider, is frequently cleaning and disinfecting all buses and vans.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and the Maine Department of Education have recommended that we gather additional information when parents or guardians report a student absent, including why the student is absent and what symptoms they are experiencing.   Please know that when an administrative assistant or school nurse asks these questions, answers are confidential and shared only with the Maine CDC anonymously.  I am happy to report that recent attendance for both staff and students has been normal for this time of year.  

Currently there are not any cases of COVID-19 in Maine but public health officials believe it is just a matter of time.  The Maine Department of Education states that the chance of any prolonged school closures is low but we have been encouraged to develop plans proactively as a precautionary measure.  We cannot truly replace school but we can offer support to students and families in the event of a school closure. If it becomes necessary to close school due to a COVID-19 outbreak, it is important for parents/guardians to have a plan in place for childcare.   

We will continue to provide updated information.  Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  for the most current information regarding COVID-19. 

In the meantime, remember that the best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the disease is:

  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects.
  • Wash hands for 20 seconds

Sincerely,

Matthew F. Nelson



Superintendent of Schools