Gardiner   -   Randolph   -   Pittston   -   West Gardiner

Maine School Administrative District No. 11

150 Highland Avenue

Gardiner, ME  04345

Patricia Hopkins                                                     Phone:  207-582-5346                                                     Angela Hardy

Superintendent of Schools                                  Fax:  207-582-8305                              Director of Curriculum & Instruction

                                                                           www.msad11.org

October 27, 2020

Dear Families, Students, and Staff:

This letter is to inform you that two individuals associated with the Gardiner Area High School have tested positive for COVID-19 and one individual that is a probable positive. Following CDC guidelines, multiple students and staff must now quarantine for 14 days. Due to the number of staff required to quarantine, GAHS will remain operating in ‘Red’ through Friday, November 6. All of the elementary schools and the middle school will remain operating in the current mode of ‘Yellow’.

Individuals who were in close contact will be notified by the high school administration. High school students should monitor for signs and symptoms.  Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you show up in person. Please stay home if you’re sick.

As a reminder, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever or chills                                                                     New loss of taste or smell      

Cough                                                                                 Sore throat

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing                     Congestion or runny nose

Fatigue                                                                                Nausea or vomiting

Muscle or body aches                                                     Diarrhea

Headache

Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.

Maine CDC recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper handwashing with soap and warm water, which is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Questions for the high school can be directed to Nora Diversi by calling 582-3150 ext 3347. Questions for the elementary schools or middle school should be directed to that building’s school nurse. 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 questions about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

All high school athletics and after school activities are cancelled for this week and next.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hopkins

Superintendent of Schools