IMPORTANT UPDATE
September 25, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As noted in an email sent home on Monday, the Biddeford School Department received confirmation from the Maine CDC that a member of our school community tested positive for COVID-19. We immediately followed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) developed by the Maine CDC for PreK-12 Schools (see highlighted pages 3-5). One classroom at Biddeford Intermediate School was closed and any students and staff in close contact with the affected person were notified directly and are required to quarantine up to 14 days from the known exposure. A CLOSE CONTACT is identified as anyone who has been within 6-feet of the infected person (with or without a face mask) for at least 15 minutes. If you, or a member of your family, were not identified as a close contact to the infected person then you are not required to quarantine.
The first positive case has ignited some unsettling and fearful feelings in our community. I encourage you to read these helpful CDC COVID-19 webpages which explain close contact, contact tracing, and when/how long to quarantine:
Contact Tracing: Next steps after an exposure and contact tracing.
When/How Long to Quarantine: Easy-to-understand scenarios and graphics
I think it is important to note that we have put safety processes in place, including the useful daily self-screening tool which assisted us in reducing the spread of infection through early intervention. It is important to stress that this screening tool worked because parents and staff are completing it daily and answering honestly. This is so important so we can act swiftly, and we commend everyone who is doing their part to take these prevention measures seriously.
Effective September 23rd, Massachusetts has been added to the list of states that is exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. As a reminder, our school guidelines remain, “If a family travels outside of the state of Maine to one of the states NOT on the Governor's approved list for travel, the student must receive a negative COVID-19 test result OR quarantine for 14 days before being allowed back into school. If students participate in remote learning during the quarantine, those days will not be counted as absences.” Parents must check in with the school nurse prior to sending their child back to school.
As a reminder, public health officials warned of a potential “twindemic” if we have a severe flu season leaving people more susceptible to COVID-19. We encourage families to attend the Drive-thru Flu Vaccine Clinic on October 1st from 5-7 PM at the Biddeford Middle School Bus Loop for all students, staff, and their families (Dayton dates and hours TBD). Please click on the below link for more information and forms in multiple languages.
As always, all important COVID-related documents are located on our website at biddefordschools.me/health and questions or concerns can be emailed to closurequestions@biddefordschools.me.
Stay Well,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
Transitioning Between Remote and In-Person Learning
Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic
CLICK HERE FOR ALL FORMS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
Thursday, Oct 1, 2020, 05:00 PM
Biddeford Middle School, Tiger Drive, Biddeford, ME, USA
TECH TIP: Add Screening Form to Phone Home Screen
Official Links/Contact Information
Email: closurequestions@biddefordschools.me
Website: www.biddefordschools.me/health
Location: 18 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-391-6868
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biddefordschooldepartment/
Twitter: @BiddefordSchDpt