April 11, 2021
Dear RSU 1 Community,
This letter is to inform you that three more individuals associated with Morse High School/Bath Tech tested positive for COVID-19 this weekend. At this point, we are also monitoring several other possible positive cases. So far we are still certain there is no in-school transmission as none of the cases are connected from in-school circumstances. However, to allow time to monitor the potential cases and ensure we do not have in-school transmission, we are closing Morse High School/Bath Tech for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (4/12-4/14) of this week. We hope to return on Thursday and Friday to have students back before April break. Should the cases continue to increase, or if it is determined they are connected during in-school time, we may need to continue remote learning for the entire week. We will send an update to all families and staff on Wednesday, 4/14, with a decision about Thursday and Friday.
We know that this closing is very difficult news for all of us. With vaccinations underway and the ability to be outside for various activities including spring sports, we all hoped we were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, case numbers are still high in Maine, with the highest number of new infections among young people. Please remember that our ability to return to in-person school, complete the spring sports season, and celebrate the class of 2021 with in-person graduation events relies on everyone taking appropriate COVID precautions, including wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding large group gatherings, and washing hands. We all want to finish this year together, but we will need your support to do so.
PLEASE make sure that if you do have the below symptoms, you do not come to school and you get a COVID-19 test, if necessary. Stay home when you feel sick, even if you have only one symptom. Please check in with your school nurse with news of any symptoms or test results. COVID-19 signs and symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Questions for the school can be directed to the Bath Tech/Morse High School nurse, Katrina Barter, by calling 207-443-8250 or emailing kbarter@rsu1.org. For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Call a health care provider for any questions you have about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Patrick Manuel
Superintendent of Schools