The following letter was shared March 15 by RSU 71 Superintendent Mary Alice McLean. 

RSU 71 includes Gladys Weymouth Elementary School, Ames Elementary School, Captain Albert Stevens Elementary School, Kermit Nickerson Elementary School, Belfast Area High School, East Belfast Elementary School and Troy Howard Middle School.

Dear RSU # 71 Community, 

A lot has changed since my last message on Friday. The scientific and medical communities are recommending early and aggressive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

Like superintendents throughout the state of Maine, who are taking similar steps to avert catastrophe striking the community, I am closing down the school system beginning Monday through the end of April vacation.  Nothing is more important than saving lives.

This closure is in response to the call by medical professionals to implement practices of social distancing as we all work to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19). This closure is not the result of any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our communities, though we know the virus is present in southern Maine. We are taking a proactive approach out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 cases in Maine. (Please click on links to articles below for more information.)

Principals will be in touch tomorrow to let students and families know when they can come in on Tuesday or Wednesday to pick up books, material, laptops, chrome books, and food.

Food Service for all RSU # 71 students wishing to eat (at no cost) will begin Monday, March 16th at the East Belfast Elementary School, Ames Elementary will be served every weekday from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. Students may pick up “grab and go” bagged breakfast and lunch at the same time or may eat during that time.

More information will be forthcoming tomorrow.  In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds and practice social distancing, leaving six feet between you and other people outside your family.

Our community is strong, caring and resilient and our best selves will undoubtedly be summoned to the surface in loving and supportive and creative ways to help one another through this unprecedented worldwide pandemic and, especially, to help our children be safe and secure and enjoying myriad opportunities for good-old-fashioned fun.

Please feel free to be in touch with me or with any member of the RSU # 71 Administrative Team.

Sincerely, 
Mary Alice
mamclean@rsu71.org