We're excited to share the digital version of our May 2021 Community Connections! Print copies were sent to mailboxes earlier this week; you can access the digital version here: https://5il.co/t5ff
Thanks to those who contributed articles and pictures!
Great opportunity! The Maine Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers is offering scholarships to kids in K-8 for STEM-related summer camps. You can access the application here: https://5il.co/sjy7
(Applications must be received by June 1st)
The selection criteria are based on financial need and the camper’s statement about why they would like to attend a STEM camp.
The state of Maine has updated its data dashboard, where you can explore a variety of information about schools in Maine such as demographics, staffing, funding, and assessment data. You can access the dashboard here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/dashboard If you have any questions about school/district data please do not hesitate to reach out to our district or school administrators! Contact information for each can be found at www.rsu34.org
The Finance Authority of Maine is offering a free webinar, "Balancing College Savings with Retirement Savings," at noon on Friday. You can register at the link below.
"Paying for college is just one concern for many families. Preparing for retirement can be even more important.
Join us as we’ll discuss these competing financial goals. We’ll provide an overview of some college savings alternatives such as Section 529 plans, Coverdell accounts, taxable investment accounts, and IRAs and share national research on how families typically pay for college. We’ll also debunk the myth that savings negatively impacts financial aid eligibility."
https://www.famemaine.com/events/balancing-college-savings-with-retirement-savings/
Opportunity for Parents and Educators: The Penobscot River Educational Partnership (PREP) and the Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities (SPRPCE) are offering additional virtual information sessions for member school district parents and educators on Mondays in May from 5-6 p.m. with Acadia Hospital presenters. 1. Eating Disorders in Youth and Young Adults - Monday, May 3rd, from 5-6 p.m. Sara Porter, LSCW, Clinical Supervisor, Pediatric Out Patient Services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital will review the more common type of eating disorders that can impact youth and young adults, understand the role the media can play for these individuals, and outlines types of treatment and how to best support youth with an eating disorder. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/NtvV4vY3gBxC9gkM7 2. Managing Stress and Enhancing Self-Care: The COVID Course Marathon Continues - Monday, May 10th, from 5-6 p.m. Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Associate Vice President of Community and Pediatric Services will review and validate the impact that COVID-19 has had on individuals of all ages, individuals will gain skills in order to develop self-care plans, and we will define resiliency and learn strategies to implement in the classroom Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/msRKfTTFPPK64yUk7 3. Suicide and Suicide Prevention: Stigma, Awareness, and Empathy - Monday, May 17th, from 5-6 p.m. Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness to the prevalence, risk factors, signs and symptoms of suicide, combat the myths of suicide, and prepare school professionals to respond to suicidal students with empathy, concern and appropriate resources. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/irk7VjXETEcxTHhj7 4. Caring for LGBTQ+ Students and Families: Becoming an Ally - Monday, May 24th, from 5-6 p.m. Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness of the risk factors associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, educate school professionals of the basic terms and definitions associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, and prepare school professionals to respond to LBGTQ+ individuals with compassion and empathy to best meet their needs. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/LdtoHm6ZzFGJiUh47 These informational sessions were presented to regional educators on March 19th and received excellent reviews. Given the extremely positive feedback, PREP and SPRPCE wanted to share this opportunity with parents and other educators.
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff,
This email/notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified a positive case of COVID-19 at Leonard Middle School. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing.
As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open!
For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811-5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Vanessa by emailing them at Vanessa.Koch@rsu34.org or by calling 827-3900.
You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
David A. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
General Information follows:
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes:
· Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures.
· Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
· When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
Please see at this link (t.ly/mg7x ) an update to Maine's travel guidance, as well as information on accessing RSU #34's COVID Hotline over the April student vacation. Be safe, enjoy the spring, and we look forward to the rest of the school year!
Link: t.ly/mg7x
The Maine Department of Education has assembled a quick reference guide for travel based on the current state precautions (link below). The quick reference details testing requirements, quarantine requirements, and special considerations for both international travel and domestic travel. The international travel details are on the top three rows of the image, and the domestic travel details are on the bottom three rows.
Please be sure to follow the testing and quarantine requirements if your family travels at any time, such as during the upcoming April vacation. The current guidance is to avoid non-essential travel.
https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/Travel%20Guide%204.8.21.pdf
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff,
This email/notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified a positive case of COVID-19 at Old Town High School. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing.
As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open! For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811-5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Jana by emailing them at jana.caron@rsu34.org or by calling 827-3910. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org.
Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus
or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
David A. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
General Information follows: Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes: • Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures. • Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
Opportunity for Parents and Educators:
The Penobscot River Educational Partnership (PREP) and the Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities (SPRPCE) are offering additional virtual information sessions for member school district parents and educators on Mondays in May from 5-6 p.m. with Acadia Hospital presenters.
1. Eating Disorders in Youth and Young Adults - Monday, May 3rd, from 5-6 p.m.
Sara Porter, LSCW, Clinical Supervisor, Pediatric Out Patient Services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital will review the more common type of eating disorders that can impact youth and young adults, understand the role the media can play for these individuals, and outlines types of treatment and how to best support youth with an eating disorder.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/NtvV4vY3gBxC9gkM7
2. Managing Stress and Enhancing Self-Care: The COVID Course Marathon Continues - Monday, May 10th, from 5-6 p.m.
Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Associate Vice President of Community and Pediatric Services will review and validate the impact that COVID-19 has had on individuals of all ages, individuals will gain skills in order to develop self-care plans, and we will define resiliency and learn strategies to implement in the classroom
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/msRKfTTFPPK64yUk7
3. Suicide and Suicide Prevention: Stigma, Awareness, and Empathy - Monday, May 17th, from 5-6 p.m.
Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness to the prevalence, risk factors, signs and symptoms of suicide, combat the myths of suicide, and prepare school professionals to respond to suicidal students with empathy, concern and appropriate resources.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/irk7VjXETEcxTHhj7
4. Caring for LGBTQ+ Students and Families: Becoming an Ally - Monday, May 24th, from 5-6 p.m.
Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness of the risk factors associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, educate school professionals of the basic terms and definitions associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, and prepare school professionals to respond to LBGTQ+ individuals with compassion and empathy to best meet their needs.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/LdtoHm6ZzFGJiUh47
These informational sessions were presented to regional educators on March 19th and received excellent reviews. Given the extremely positive feedback, PREP and SPRPCE wanted to share this opportunity with parents and other educators.
Maine Jump$tart is offering a free webinar, "Raising Financially Savvy Kids."
Friday, April 2nd at Noon
"Children learn about money and making choices from the adults in their lives, which makes the family an important influencer of a child’s financial knowledge and behavior. Now is a good time to talk with your child about money–whether your child is seven, or seventeen. Engaging your child in conversations about money will help prepare them for future decisions around career and college planning, including student loan borrowing and overall financial decision-making."
You can register at the link below.
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0013MPcsplTqrJ8XAvfw3jKUixMnX4-514qYA5OPx7ftqutAhXgRFhnn1FIm_b3mBvxgvvFBaxfAPtyZgspgj8GkcXYq0FZbUcxuO6YaVd71xI6hB3SSRKOVCBGcUoaG-NwwLOH4KtfIRk=&c=oSl3jMVqsdsLLWyYmsDCa_ozBUBylDb7PFnzWiEcueTvkmO6Fya6wQ==&ch=D6JG91yHuadvLVO9mdH89wfhWvlzjuCnoH_VDJO8LOHCyoNAJaab6Q==
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff,
This email/notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified a positive case of COVID-19 at Leonard Middle School. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing.
As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open!
For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811-5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Vanessa by emailing them at Vanessa.Koch@rsu34.org or by calling 827-3900.
You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
David A. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
General Information follows:
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes:
• Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures.
• Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
Opportunity for Parents and Educators:
The Penobscot River Educational Partnership (PREP) and the Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities (SPRPCE) are offering a virtual information session for member school district parents and educators on April 29th from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Title: Age Appropriate Media Use and Screen Time
Join Michael A Ross, MD, NL Primary care Pediatrician and Regional Medical Informatics Officer for Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for a discussion of age appropriate media use and screen time. From toddlers to teenagers, Dr. Ross will review the benefits and challenges associated with media use, and explore adverse associations including sleep disruption, obesity, social learning challenges, and addiction. Dr. Ross will provide guidance and resources on how to developing a balanced screen time environment in the home.
Interested parents and educators should sign up at https://forms.gle/88YtY7BZayfh4C9t5. Participants will receive a Zoom link to the April 29th, 6:30 p.m. session a week before the actual date.
Dr. Ross shared this informational session to regional educators on March 19th and received excellent reviews. Given the extremely positive feedback, PREP and SPRPCE wanted to share this opportunity with parents and other educators.
Check out our LMS and OTHS River Runners on the new Aspirations Incubator Program website! https://www.aspirationsincubator.org/partners/old-town-orono-ymca
At the April school board Curriculum / Instruction / Assessment committee meeting, we will focus on input about a proposed Humanities Diploma at Old Town High School, and input about planning/budgeting for federally-funded programs in the 2021-22 school year. If you'd like to be involved please email Jon.Doty@rsu34.org
Friday, March 19th is a school day for RSU #34 (Alton, Bradley, and Old Town). Here's a link to the current 2020-21 calendar: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/871751/2020-21_Student_Calendar_Revised.pdf
Our River Runners youth cohort is proud to share their February newsletter! You can read it here: https://5il.co/qluv
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff, This notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified an exposure to COVID-19 related to an Old Town High School Extra-curricular activity. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing. If you have not been individually contacted, you do not need to take any additional steps. As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open! For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811- 5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Jana at 827-3910 or jana.caron@rsu34.org. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, David A. Walker David A. Walker Superintendent of Schools General Information follows: Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes: • Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures. • Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
OTHS JROTC cadets, led by 1st SGT Peaslee, taught local cub scouts this afternoon how to conduct a flag ceremony and care for the flag. Just a few weeks ago, OTHS JROTC earned an incredible score of 99 on its three-year accreditation inspection!
Exposure and travel reminders
-----------------------------------------
Dear RSU #34 Community,
We hope our families had a wonderful and safe February vacation week!
In this notice please see a reminder about travel and what to do if you learn of confirmed or likely exposure to a COVID-positive person. Please also continue to be vigilant about daily home screening, masking, social distancing, and hand hygiene to keep the spread of COVID slow!
Exposure to COVID: Please remember that the SARS-COV-2 virus spreads quickly, and in some cases without symptoms. It is very important to communicate quickly with us if you learn at any time of a positive or likely case of COVID-19, so we can be sure we’ve notified anyone who may have been in close contact with the student or staff member during an infectious period. Throughout the school vacation we have had staff checking the COVID hotline multiple times daily. Please leave a detailed message at (207) 827-7171 (choose option zero), or use the webform at http://rsu34me.apptegy.us/o/rsu-34/page/covid19--2
Travel Overview
Each year many families use school vacation weeks opportunities for travel, but at this time such travel brings with it additional risks for contracting and transmitting COVID-19, according to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). It is critically important that our school communities continue to do everything we can in order to keep our schools safe, open, and able to provide in-person instruction. The US CDC has issued strong guidance to the American people to continue to limit our interactions and travel at this time. We encourage our staff and families to know the risks and the requirements for travel, and to communicate with your school office if you have travelled so that our schools can continue to operate safely.
Travel within the U.S.
In accordance with Maine travel guidelines, any staff or students who travel within the US to any state other than New Hampshire or Vermont (no restrictions as of 2/21/21 for these two states only), will be required to either: 1. Complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Maine and continue to monitor for signs and symptoms for an additional 4 days OR 2. Obtain and receive a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test result within 72 hours prior to arrival back into Maine to forgo the 10-day quarantine. Travelers may be tested upon arrival in Maine as well but must quarantine while they wait for test results. A negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test result will allow the traveler to leave quarantine early.
International Travel
CDC has also provided guidance as it relates to international travel. The current risk assessment level for COVID-19 is at 4, or VERY HIGH, for nearly every country. You can review the risk levels by country, here (t.ly/47xI). At this time, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight back to the United States. See Frequently Asked Questions about this requirement for more information (t.ly/urM0). Upon return to the United States, staff and students must quarantine. International travelers can return to school after they: 1. Get tested 3-5 days after travel, and receive a negative test result AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. 2. Do not get tested and stay home for 10 days after travel. 3. Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not. (t.ly/J2w3)
Any staff or students who have travelled internationally will not be permitted inside the school building for a minimum of 7 days, even if a negative test has occurred. Returning to work or school after travel is not dependent on the length of time spent within the restricted states or other countries, meaning that a day visit still requires any person to quarantine and/or test as described above. All members of the household who travel must test or quarantine if over 12 months old. Testing site information for Maine can be found, here (https://www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine/keepmainehealthy/testing).
Any person who is quarantining should stay home, and not have in-person contact with others unless there is an emergency. Please continue to follow best practice safety protocols: wear a mask, keep physical distance, wash your hands and monitor for symptoms, and help protect our schools and neighbors. Thank you for your hard work and support!