School Closure

James Stoneton II 

March 15, 2020 Dear AOS 47 Parents, Guardians and Staff:

The situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID -19) is evolving quickly and information coming to us is changing at a rapid pace. Many businesses and organizations around the country have shifted to a work-at-home model if possible, and many events and activities have been postponed or cancelled.

In an effort to proactively slow the spread of COVID-19, AOS 47, the Dedham, Orrington and Airline Schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27th. No classes, clubs, or activities will be held. We will continue to monitor the situation and inform parents as new information becomes available.

The decision to close is based on input from the Maine Center for Disease Control and the Maine Department of Education, and it acknowledges the rapidly changing situation. Please know I do not take this action lightly and will provide you with detailed communication around our closure that will include activities for engaging in learning, possible food service alternatives, along with other pertinent details.

Monday, March 16th will be an inservice day, and we will use this day to further develop and organize learning activities. As educational professionals, we recognize there is no replacement for the instruction provided in the classrooms from quality educators. However, given the nature of an extended closure, we are providing learning activities to maintain students' skills.

As we have all seen, this is a rapidly changing situation and as we move forward communications to our families and communities will be updated and shared via our email system, as well as posted on our websites.

Thanks to all of you who have expressed support and helped to make the job easier as we work together to understand the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak and react in a responsible manner.

Sincerely, James Stoneton II 

AOS #47,  Superintendent of Schools

Dedham, Orrington & Airline 

19 School Street Orrington, ME 04474