The following was shared by Islesboro Central School’s Head of School, Chuck Hamm: 

Dear ICS Community,

Governor Janet Mills recently announced a shelter in place order for the state of Maine through the month of April. Considering the news, ICS will remain closed to classes until May 1st.

Even though our doors will remain closed for now, we continue with virtual classes, counseling, and administration. Meal preparation and delivery will continue on the island. If you would like meals delivered to your child, contact Melissa Burns at mburns@icspathways.org. Lunches are free to all children.

Until now, staff have had access to the school building. Given the directive from Governor Mills, we ask that staff refrain from traveling to Islesboro Central School from the mainland unless it is essential. Access to the school and Kinnicutt Center is limited to those employees providing services to the community or cleaning the facility itself.

Families and school staff are in constant communication through various digital platforms. Together, we leveraged a significant shift in how education is being delivered. Remote learning has given rise to a troop of parents and guardians, suddenly finding themselves as leading partners in education. Their involvement has been vital throughout this process. Our students continue to persevere despite recent events. They display an eagerness to learn and a desire to connect with their classmates and teachers in spite of the pandemic. Their resilience is admirable.

Please join me in practicing social distancing in an effort to stop COVID-19 in its tracks. We encourage families to shelter in place, leaving home only for essentials. We urge students to not see each other in person throughout this month. The virus moves through us. We cannot overstate this point.

The rest of the school year holds uncertainty for all of us. Students will continue needing our support and guidance, whether in person or virtually. We will be there.

Let us close by saying we miss our students very much and hope that they are all healthy and safe.

Be kind and remain optimistic.

Chuck Hamm
chamm@icspathways.org