Public Information and Announcements

On Thursday, February 17, the MSAD 54 School Board supported the recommendation to move to “Mask Optional” in MSAD 54 schools this school year. This shift, the timing of which will likely be finalized at the next board meeting on March 10th, reflects new guidance, which was changed because of the improving case numbers state-wide.

At the MSAD 54 School Board Meeting of 8/12/21, I recommended the board require the use of masks in school for everyone, regardless of vaccination. The Board supported this recommendation and committed to reviewing the decision monthly throughout the year. At the Board meetings of 10/21, 11/16, 12/16, and 1/20, the Board affirmed/reviewed the decision and my recommendation that masks continue to be required for this school year unless the following criteria were to change: 1) State & Federal Guidance, 2) Keeping Kids in School Safely, 3) Student Vaccinations, 4) State and Local Data.

The next building committee meeting is scheduled for March 2nd in the Skowhegan Area Middle School Library.

I am writing to you this evening to share that over the past week the district was informed of 31 additional cases of COVID-19. These cases impacted students and/or staff at Canaan Elementary School (3 case), Bloomfield Elementary School (4 cases), Margaret Chase Smith School (2 cases), Mill Stream Elementary School (6 cases), Skowhegan Area High School (12 cases), and Skowhegan Area Middle School (4 cases).

It is important to remember that under the new SOP from the state, all individuals who test positive must isolate for 5 days and then, depending on symptoms, may be around others but must mask for 10 days when they are around other people. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 it is recommended that you contact their primary care provider to discuss any steps you should take as they heal and start taking part in activities again such as sports.

RFP for Additions and Renovations to the existing Skowhegan Area Middle School

Bids must be received before 2 p.m. on March 15, 2022. Bids received after 2 p.m. will not be considered and will be returned unopened.

I am writing to you this evening to provide an update on the positive cases of COVID-19 so far this week. The district was informed of 43 additional cases of COVID-19. These cases impacted students and/or staff at Bloomfield Elementary School (2 cases), Canaan Elementary School (1 case), Margaret Chase Smith School (5 cases), Mill Stream Elementary School (11 cases), Skowhegan Area High School (10 cases), Skowhegan Area Middle School (11 cases), and Marti Stevens Learning Center (3 case).

I want to thank our staff who have been working tirelessly to keep school open and keep our students safe and learning. Over the past few months I have seen staff step up to help out others in so many ways. Some are covering classes when there are not enough substitutes, driving a bus route when that is not their primary job, and putting in extra time to support each other and our students. Our nurses and administrators continue to support our students and families when they need assistance. Our nutrition staff continue to provide healthy meals each day. Our maintenance, custodial and grounds staff keep the facilities up and running and keep things clear. Our office staff at the buildings and the central office field a plethora of questions and situations that need attention each day. Our transportation department ensures that students have a safe trip to and from school and our instructional staff put the needs of our students as their priority each day. Our guidance staff work with individuals each day to help them process what is going on in their lives and our coaches and club advisors provide opportunities for students to grow and shine. There are literally thousands of actions that our staff do every week to support our students' success. The extra time, effort and support has not gone unnoticed. Thank you and we appreciate you. 

I am also writing to you this evening to provide an update on the positive cases of COVID-19 this week. The district was informed this week of 82 additional cases of COVID-19. These cases impacted students and/or staff at Bloomfield Elementary School (10 cases), Canaan Elementary School (6 cases), Margaret Chase Smith School (4 cases), Mill Stream Elementary School (23 cases), North Elementary School (7 cases), Skowhegan Area High School (12 cases), Skowhegan Area Middle School (19 cases), and Marti Sevens Learning Center (1 case).