UNITY — RSU 3 Superintendent Charles Brown released March 11 a letter containing updated information on how RSU 3 is working to keep students and staff healthy. 

RSU 3 includes Monroe Elementary School, Morse Memorial Elementary School, Mount View Elementary School, Mount View High School, Mount View Middle School, Troy Elementary School, Unity School and Walker Elementary School.

Dear RSU #3 Families, 

This letter is to provide you with information about the measures already in place in RSU 3 schools to prevent widespread flu/virus illnesses in our schools, and the latest guidelines from the Maine Department of Education. RSU 3 follows CDC recommendations for students/staff to stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. We are encouraging all school community members to cover cough/sneezes and frequently wash hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), and we have stepped up our disinfecting of shared surfaces. 

To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please follow these guidelines: 

Your child should remain at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms: 

• Fever-greater than 100°F and should remain home until at least 24 hours after they are fever free without the fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). 

• Vomiting (even once) 

• Diarrhea

• Chills

• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches

• Frequent congested (wet) or croup cough

• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

The Maine Department of Education is now advising medical masks for those who are ill at school. Students who are sick with a fever AND respiratory symptoms will be dismissed from school. Based on recommendations from the CDC and Maine DOE, students with these symptoms will wear a medical mask while waiting for a ride home. 

To help prevent the flu and other viruses please reinforce these good hygiene habits with your child/ren: 

• Wash hands frequently

• Do no touch eyes, nose or mouth

• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

Thank you for your assistance as we try to keep RSU 3 schools as healthy as possible. 

Sincerely, 

Mr. Charles D. Brown, Superintendent