Sun, 03/15/2020 - 10:52 pm

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

Taking into account meetings, emails, and discussions with school leaders and community members, it has been decided to close Islesboro Central School for two weeks beginning March 16th. We will return to school March 30th. Please understand that as things develop, we may decide to extend school closure and families should prepare for such a decision. This closure is not the result of any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our immediate communities. This decision was made in consultation with many, and out of an abundance of caution, to follow the rapidly changing guidance regarding enhancing social distancing efforts. Closure of school has not been made lightly and we certainly empathize and understand the significant burden this will cause families in the coming days.

I appreciate the input many of you have given. Closing school comes at a cost, both figuratively and literally. School officials will continue to work and make ourselves available throughout this period of time. The school will essentially continue functioning with a skeleton crew. Most of the staff will be working remotely with students. The kitchen team, custodial staff, administration and assistants will have much to do. Cafeteria staff are working on plans to deliver lunch or have meals ready for pickup for island children. Special Education and counseling services are also brainstorming ideas in efforts to continue their services.

Information will continue to be released as we fine tune plans and address unforeseen aspects of this challenge. We want to communicate news to you as soon as possible so you may begin planning for child care and other concerns that will be raised by this decision. I will be working closely with board members to provide more information as the situation develops.

We find ourselves in uncharted waters. The COVID pandemic requires adjustments in planning almost hourly. Noone has all the answers and we are smarter and stronger together. The ICS community is well prepared and eager to do whatever it takes to support our students and their families. During this closure, we ask that you assist by minimizing group meetings of students and adults. The two greatest steps we can take to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19 are practicing social distancing and good personal hygiene.

Finally, we would like to commend each of our stakeholders who are contributing positive energy and dynamic solutions to our schools’ response to this fluid situation. We as a school shall remain composed, collected and compassionate as we navigate through any challenges we face now and in the future.

Below are some helpful websites:

U.S. CDC – includes information on what people need to know about the virus and provides national and international updates

Maine CDC – additional information on the coronavirus and updates specific to Maine

Maine CDC Fact Sheet – provides quick answers to common questions about COVID-19

In keeping with social distancing protocols, the School Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6:15 will be broadcast using a digital platform. A link will be shared through an additional text alert/email. We ask that you attend virtually, if at all possible. If you would like to be added to our alert system, please email Melissa Burns at mburns@icspathways.org.

In these trying times, remember this year’s school wide theme…..be kind.

Chuck Hamm

Head of School