ISLESBORO — Islesboro School Head of School Chuck Hamm released the following letter March 12 regarding the school’s COVID-19 preparations.

Dear School Community,

In light of the evolving circumstances related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to be sure and let you know we are closely tracking the situation and its potential impact on our students, staff, and community. Minimizing the risk of contracting or passing the virus are the main priorities. ICS Administration is working closely with other Islesboro organizations, the Maine CDC, and the Maine Department of Education. Collectively, our goals are to minimize the chance of the virus spreading on Islesboro, minimize educational disruption, and ensure staff and students understand and practice best preventative measures. The decision to close school will be made with utmost regard for the health, wellness, and safety of students, staff, and the entire school community.

Prevention: The CDC recommends frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoid touching one’s face and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms. Custodial staff have been working diligently cleaning all public areas, common surfaces, and buses. Signage has been added throughout the building as well as additional hand sanitizer and sanitizing supplies. All staff are pitching in to keep their areas sanitary.

Trips:

1. Approval of school trips will be decided on an individual basis. We are not placing direct restrictions at this time, however we are being prudent as the situation is changing daily.

2. Senior Trip: Due to the ever-changing status of many European countries, the likelihood of quarantine and exposure to health risk, the senior class trip will not include a European portion. Alternate plans are still to be determined. The trip may end up being domestic as we don’t want to risk a quarantine of staff and students upon return from overseas or expose them to a health risk. A decision will be announced soon. For more information, EF Tours link is here.

Building Use: School officials will give serious consideration before approving events. Large events may be postponed or canceled, depending on the current situation. We are asking anyone who has traveled to a country of concern to follow current CDC guidelines and self quarantine as appropriate.

Personal Travel: Staff and students who travel internationally over April break should check in with the Head of School and our school nurse before returning to ICS. We respectfully ask all our families to follow CDC guidelines at the time of travel and upon returning to Islesboro. All health and medical information is protected by privacy laws under HIPAA regulations and will not be disclosed.

Possible School Closure: School closure will occur only through recommendations from the Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Education. ICS will approach school closure with proactive strategies. Should closure be necessary, our goal is to continue educational services. Recently, teachers have received training regarding remote learning and have held grade level meetings in order to develop the strategies for extended distant learning.

Middle school and high school students will use Google Classroom. Elementary teachers are preparing boxes and folders of classwork. Special Education teachers and Counselors are working on ways to make themselves available as needed. There will be challenges we cannot predict and we ask for your patience and assistance in the coming weeks.

Counseling Department message:

• Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions. Allow them the time and attention to tell you what's on their mind.

• Monitor your child’s exposure to the media. Constantly watching updates on the status of COVID-19 can increase anxiety, and information designed for adults can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.

• If possible, try to stay calm and reassuring. What you say and do about COVID-19 can have an impact

on how your child is feeling and reacting to COVID-19.

• Be honest and accurate with the information you discuss with your child. Review and model basic

hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices to help you and your family stay healthy.

In the event of a school closure, school recovery will begin when normal supplies, resources and response systems can manage ongoing school activities. The entire school will undergo a deep cleaning guided by public health recommendations prior to school reopening. Communication will continue through our text alert system, phone calls, emails, and social media.

The strength of ICS is evident every day. The school community is made up of kindhearted students and staff. Working in tandem with community leaders, Islesboro Central School will weather this challenge with prudence and wisdom.

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

Sincerely,

Chuck Hamm

Head of School