April 17, 2020

Good afternoon,

It is hard to believe that it has been four weeks since we closed our doors to in-person instruction for our students. What a crazy time it has been and continues to be. I hope you are all doing well and taking care of yourselves and each other.

Below are a few updates:

Planning for remote learning through the end of the school year

The Commissioner of Education reported last week that our planning should include the strong possibility that we will remain out of our schools for the rest of this year. This, of course, does not mean that we are out for the summer. It means that our buildings will likely remain closed for the rest of the year and that we need to plan accordingly.  One thing that we have learned with this situation is that our course of action can change quickly. We will continue to plan for remote learning through the remainder of this school year. If something changes, and we are able to open our schools prior to the end of the school year - we will also be ready to do that. 

Regarding when we will close schooling and instruction for the summer - our current, board approved calendar, still provides us with the approved last day of school, which is June 12th. If the School Board votes to change that last day of instruction, we will communicate that change. 

Our next push-out of remote learning opportunities/packets

Our last push was on Friday, April 3rd. Those learning opportunities are for the period of April 6- April break.

Our next push-out will go out between Wed - Friday of April 29 - May 1st. These opportunities and materials will be for about three weeks - through May 22nd. 

For those schools and other individuals receiving hard copy packets, they will be mailed. If you do not receive a packet or you need one, please contact your school. 

April 20-24th   - April Break

We are still observing April Break. That means that students, teachers, and parents….it is time to take a break from teaching and learning! I hope that we have lovely weather and people are able to get outside (in socially distancing ways) and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. 

Meal Program during April Break

Our amazing cafeteria crews, volunteers, and drivers will continue to provide meals following the schedule that is currently in place (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) at the provided sites. 

Thank you for your support and understanding as we work through this unprecedented time. If you have any concerns about your child’s work or you would like to communicate with a teacher and have not been able to do so, please call your child’s school. Calls are being forwarded to our secretaries and administrative assistants and they will pass your message on to the appropriate person. 

Be well,

Ellen Halliday

Superintendent of Schools RSU 29

Hammond ~ Houlton ~ Littleton ~  Monticello

7 Bird Street, PO Box 190, Houlton, Maine  04730 ~ (207)532-6555 FAX (207)532-6481

RSU29 does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, ancestry or national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical or mental disability in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities