Parents,
I am writing to you today to let you know about a schedule change next month. On April 14th and 15th, RSU 18 will be shifting to remote-only learning in all of our schools.
From the time our Collaborative Planning Team met last July to develop our educational plan for the year, I have shared with everyone these two goals:
1. Keep our students and staff safeAND
2. Continue to provide our students with the high quality education that they deserve and our community is accustomed to.
I look at these goals every day. I use them to help make difficult decisions. Since December when vaccinations first started being released, I have been transparent with everyone that if I had the opportunity to provide vaccinations to a large number of my staff I would make that a top priority. That is the reason for this change. On Tuesday 4/13, a large percentage of our staff will be receiving their second vaccination. Based on recommendations from our nurses and other medical professionals, I have made the decision to shift the district to remote learning for two days. All students will be taking home iPads or laptops, and teachers will be conducting classes via Google Meet. In addition, educational material will continue to be posted on either Seesaw or Google Classroom.
Every staff member in this great district recognizes the disruption this causes for families. Every staff member has also gone above and beyond to ensure that we meet all of the CDC mandates for schools and that we continue to educate students safely. I ask for your understanding and flexibility in this change. Our students and staff will benefit from this.
Thank you parents for everything you have done to help us make this year a success. We are not done with this virus yet, but we can see better days coming soon. Have a great weekend.
—
Carl Gartley
Superintendent of Schools
RSU 18 Messenger 