Good Afternoon Region 9 Students, Families and Staff;
Throughout the weekend, Region 9 has been continually monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in Maine. In an effort to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of our community, Region 9 will be closed for students Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th (in line with our sending school districts). The situation will then be reviewed and reconsidered based on the information available to us at that time.
It is important to note that this decision 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. This decision has not been made lightly and we certainly empathize and understand the significant burden this will cause families in the coming days.
On Monday, all Region 9 staff will report to work as usual and will participate in staff meetings and in professional development activities so that we may provide the best possible distance learning opportunities for our Region 9 students. All Region 9 students will be contacted by their instructors in the next few days regarding distance learning assignments/tasks.
More information will be forthcoming on this closure, but we want to communicate this 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. We will be working with our sending school districts, our staff and board members to provide more information as soon as possible.
During this closure, you can assist in this effort by minimizing group meetings of students and adults. Practicing social distancing and good personal hygiene are the two greatest steps we can take to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you for your support in this challenging time. Please continue to check our Region 9 Facebook page and your sending school’s website for continued updates. Please know we will continue to work with RSU 10, RSU 56 and MSAD 44 to communicate with you as we move forward.
Sincerely, Dr. Brenda E, Gammon Director-Region 9