Dear Parents/Guardians,
Last week I shared new CDC guidance which no longer requires fully vaccinated people to wear masks in physically distant outdoor settings, along with other activities they could safely enjoy (see full guidance here). Governor Mills' office then announced that Maine would largely mirror the CDC, with slightly less stringent guidance, viz., that masks outdoors are no longer required regardless of whether a person has been vaccinated.
Maine superintendents are deputized to make their own decision about masking procedures in outdoor settings where students and staff are able to maintain the 6 foot physical distancing requirement. For now, we will continue to require masks at recess (where larger groups of children tend to gather closer together), during a field or walking trip, busing/stops, or other school day outdoor experiences.
Specific to outdoor athletic events, we will follow the updated guidance which aligns with the Community Sports Guidelines published by The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DEDC) in conjunction with the CDC, DOE, and DHHS:
Masks are not required for outdoor practices and competitions. Masks are recommended when 6 feet of physical distance is hard to maintain (e.g., athletes on the bench). They are also required when individuals go inside (e.g., to locker rooms, restrooms, or on a bus).
Spectators are not required to wear a mask at outdoor events if they are able to maintain 6 feet of distancing.
The School Department will be following this new guidance and require our coaches and student-athletes to continue wearing masks when in team/bench areas, in dugouts, during team meetings/huddles, and when riding buses. We ask spectators to remain masked in a congregate setting (e.g., bleachers).
COVID VACCINE CLINIC
The Biddeford, Dayton, and Saco School Departments are working together with York County Emergency Management and local healthcare providers to offer a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic targeted for students. As of today, the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for youth ages 16+ with potential for approval as early as next week for youth ages 12+. Recent evidence suggests major vaccines are safe and effective for children, and as we have with flu clinics, we are working with local healthcare providers to host vaccine clinics onsite for our students.
We had a very productive meeting last night with Dr. Shah and our partners at MaineHealth and NorthernLight Healthcare. We’ll provide confirmation and details as soon as MEMA confirms dose allocation and the availability of providers.
OTHER VACCINES: LAW CHANGES EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1
Recently, the Maine Legislature passed--and Governor Mills signed--LD 798, removing the philosophical and religious exemptions from school immunization requirements. The bill, which was entered into law in May, 2019, is slated to take effect on September 1, 2021. As a result, unless your child has laboratory evidence or reliable documentation from a healthcare provider of immunity or a medical exemption completed by a healthcare provider, all students (PreK-12) MUST receive the required vaccines below prior to the start of school:
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DTaP)
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
Polio (IPV)
Varicella (aka Chickenpox)
Meningococcal Conjugate
(students in grades 7-12 only)
We’ll remind families of this requirement again as the start of the school year approaches, but area healthcare providers are asking us to encourage families not to wait until the last minute. If your child can not be vaccinated at the direction of a physician, please contact your school nurse and furnish verification thereof. Only documentation from a qualified healthcare provider will be considered.
At this time, there is no requirement for students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The health and wellbeing of our students is certainly on everyone’s mind, and as we endeavor to return to school with students in session five days per week, we need you to do your part to ensure that our school is in compliance with a law intended to protect against preventable childhood illness. If you have any questions, please follow up with the school nurse or your primary care provider.
MOBILE APP
Don’t forget to download the new mobile app! It will allow parents to choose the school(s) they would like to get notifications from, see the dining menu quickly, access the live feed, sports schedules and scores, important documents, emergency notifications, and more! Simply download the relevant app at the link below:
Stay Well,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
