STACYVILLE, Maine — Regional School Unit 89, serving students in the Katahdin area, has told parents in a letter that remote learning at the Katahdin Schools will continue at least until January, due to increased transmission rates of COVID-19 in the area.
The letter, dated Dec. 9 and signed by RSU 89 Superintendent Marie Robinson, said that the goal for both Katahdin Middle-High and Katahdin Elementary schools was to resume in-person learning by Jan. 4. The school had already been doing remote learning since after Thanksgiving, after a positive COVID case in the area had been linked to the school.
“Over the past week and a half, we’ve continued to see continued community spread,” Robinson said. “We’ve decided to continue remote learning into Christmas, and reevaluate as weeks progress where we are.”
In the letter, Robinson called on parents and community members to continue to adhere to guidelines meant to protect against the spread of the virus, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
“During this difficult time, we need to continue to work together. Please do your best to follow the safety guidelines throughout our small community,” wrote Robinson in the letter. “Adherence to safety guidelines in the community will assist with the school returning to in-person learning following winter break.”
By switching to a “red” status, it also means that no extracurricular activities can be held at the school. Basketball players were allowed to begin conditioning and skills practices starting Dec. 14, but will now not be able to participate in any practices until Jan. 4, according to Athletic Director Dylan Harris.
School meals will continue to be delivered daily until Wednesday, Dec. 23. Robinson also said the school’s remote learning capabilities had greatly improved since the start of the pandemic last spring, and that elementary students were allowed more independent activities and working in small groups with teachers.
“We continue to make adjustments as needed to provide a quality learning experience for your child,” Robinson wrote. “The elementary structure moving forward will include a reduction of screen time with live daily meetings continuing. Please continue to provide feedback to your child’s teacher over the coming days.”
Staff Writer Joseph Cyr contributed to this article.
