The Maine CDC has adopted the United States CDC’s COVID-19 prevention strategies.  They can be found at the following link.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

 

     The federal and state CDC, the Machias School Committee, and our RMG educators are in agreement that students benefit from in-person learning, and safely returning to in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year is a priority.  At Rose M Gaffney Elementary, all students are required to engage in in-person learning.  

     Emphasis is on current vaccination, staying home when sick, ventilation, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, cleaning and disinfection, knowledge of community levels, masking protocol, and testing. 

RMG does not have a universal masking mandate in place.  Staff and students are welcome to choose face coverings, they are not required to do so.

     Vaccination is considered the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic.  Vaccinated students are less likely to require quarantine than their unvaccinated peers. Lori Martin, school nurse, is available to help families seek vaccination appointments should they request her assistance.  COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend Rose M Gaffney Elementary School.

     Ventilation is an important component in combating Covid-19.  Teachers will keep windows and doors open as much as possible. Teachers will utilize outdoor learning spaces as often as feasible, particularly for classes where distancing is more difficult.

     Hand hygiene continues to be an important layer of prevention in protecting from illness.  Hand washing sinks are located in all restrooms and in all main classrooms.  Hand sanitizer is located throughout the building and is readily available.  Our custodial staff pays great attention to cleaning and disinfection of the school and its surfaces.

     Students and staff MUST stay home when they are sick or have any signs of any infectious illness. Please notify the school secretary by phone or email if you are keeping your student home. Please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse lmartin@rmges.org if you have any questions or concerns.

 

POSITIVE COVID CASES

     The Maine CDC had standard operating procedures (SOP) in place for responding to positive COVID cases.  The SOP has since been retired. RMG requires five days of quarantine and then five days of masking. Parents of students with a positive Covid test are asked to call or email Lori Martin. Her number is 207-263-3239.

 

Document Initially developed in August, 2020 – RMG Re-Opening Team

First Revision August, 2021 – RMG Re-Opening Team

Second Revision September, 2021

Third Revision January 9, 2023

Reviewed on January 8th, 2024