Coronavirus Update 3.13.20

March 13, 2020

Dear Sanford Community,

I am writing to provide an update on our Coronavirus planning and preparations.  Public health officials have indicated that school closures may be expected, but as of today, we are planning to hold school on Monday, March 16th.  Our goal is to support continuous learning for our students and our schools while protecting the health and welfare of our community. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and communicate information as it becomes available.

Here a few highlights of the academic plans if school is closed:

  • For grades K-4, teachers have developed home packets by grade level for continued learning.  To be proactive, we sent those learning packets home with students today.
  • For grades 5-12, we will use Google Classroom to provide classwork.  Students have had a good deal of practice using technology for learning and independently accessing online resources. As part of our emergency procedures, each student in grades 5-12 brought home their assigned device today.  Important information regarding students and technology can be found here, on our website.

 A few other items that I would like to draw your attention to:

BUILDING ACCESS WILL BE RESTRICTED.  All volunteer programs are suspended, effective immediately.  Parents who are not attending scheduled, program-specific meetings such as IEPs are asked to refrain from entering our schools.  You may see some changes to pick-up and drop-off routines in the coming days, and we are restricting deliveries and vendor access.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

  • COMMUNITY MEALS.  The Sanford School Department is working in coordination with service providers in our community, as well as the USDA and the Maine Department of Education to secure waivers to continue to feed hungry people in our community.  Memorial Gym and Lafayette School are likely sites for meal prep and service.  Specific information will be forthcoming.
  • ATHLETICS SUSPENDED.  The Maine Principals’ Association has postponed all athletic competitions until April 27th and will determine when and if practices for spring sports may begin.
  • FAMILIES MUST PLAN FOR CHILDCARE.  In the event that schools are closed, families should consider childcare needs and alternative plans for work. 
  • WHEN TO STAY HOME.  If you feel you, or your child, may have Coronavirus, the Maine CDC has asked that you stay home and call your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, then call an Urgent Care facility. Please do not go in-person to the doctor’s office or Emergency Room unless directed as it is important to protect the vulnerable populations who could be exposed.

As this is a fast-evolving, ever-changing situation, important updates will be provided through our emergency notification system.

Sincerely,

Matthew Nelson, Superintendent