SHS, SMS COVID Announcement 12.1.20

December 1, 2020

 Dear Faculty, Staff, Students and Families,

We have just became aware of additional individuals testing positive for COVID-19 at Sanford High School and Sanford Middle School.  These individuals were not in school while infectious so there are no school-related close contacts.  The Maine Department of Education in partnership with the Maine CDC is currently revising Standard Operating Procedures for positive cases in schools.  This means that although Sanford High School officially qualifies as an outbreak, we do not automatically have to close the school and go to full remote learning. Out of an abundance of caution however, we feel the prudent decision is to go full remote at Sanford High School and Sanford Regional Technical Center for the remainder of this week.  Sanford Middle School will continue with their current hybrid in-person model.  Our current plan is to have Sanford High School/SRTC return to in-person learning next Monday, December 7th .  We have ongoing meetings scheduled with the Maine CDC Team and we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the return date if necessary. 

 Please continue to monitor yourself and call a health care provider if you experience symptoms.  Remember, it is important that everyone accurately complete the symptom check each day before coming to school and stay home if they are sick.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe.  The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus.  Signs and symptoms include:

  •  Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Questions for the school can be directed to your building administrator.  For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695).  You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org.  Call a health care provider for questions about your symptoms.  More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus .

Sincerely,

 Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools