Mask Update from the Superintendent
Dear Friends,
Since the beginning of the pandemic almost 2 years ago, we have all worked together to support the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. We have consistently followed the guidance of the Maine Department of Education and Maine CDC. Yesterday, Governor Mills announced that the recommendation for masking in schools and child care settings was being lifted.
After consulting with the School Committee, acknowledging the reduced number of positive cases of COVID impacting our schools in recent weeks, and following the revised guidance, I am pleased to announce that beginning on Wednesday, March 9, wearing a mask indoors at school will be optional for students, staff, and visitors. Individuals may continue to wear masks, and their choice to do so will be respected and honored. Also, individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID and are returning to school after the required 5-day quarantine will continue to be required to wear a mask thorough the tenth day after their diagnosis.
If guidance or local conditions change, we will revisit this change. These conditions could include a new surge in the number of cases or if a school is in outbreak status. We will also continue to follow our other COVID 19 prevention practices, including frequent hand washing, social distancing to the extent practicable, self-screening of symptoms at home before coming to school, staying home when symptoms are present, and quarantining when there is a positive COVID diagnosis. We will also continue with pooled testing in grades K-6 for the time being as an early detection strategy. We encourage all eligible individuals to be vaccinated or boosted as another strategy to prevent the contraction of COVID.
I would like to thank our entire school community – students, staff, and families – for your support and cooperation throughout the pandemic. While we must still be cautious, we have hope that the effects of COVID are diminishing and we are finally moving forward.
Take care, and be strong!
Peter Lancia, Superintendent of Schools
Language Services
The Westbrook School Department provides interpreter services. If you would like to request an interpreter for a meeting or you require translation for reading a school form, please contact the Central Office at (207) 854-0800. After you are connected, please say the requested language and provide your name and telephone number. A staff person will return your call with an interpreter.