School Vaccination Requirements Have Changed –
Are You Caught Up?
Beginning September 1, 2021, under Maine Law, religious and philosophical objections to vaccination in school settings are no longer allowed, with limited exceptions.
Make sure your student is up to date on their vaccinations to ensure a safe, healthy, and on time start to the school year. Make an appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this law affect?
The law affects any institution that had previously allowed philosophical/religious exemptions including childcares, private and public K-12 schools, post-secondary schools, and some healthcare facilities.
Which vaccines are required?
Required vaccinations vary by age. Your healthcare provider can give you a list of all the required vaccinations and help answer questions.
Who can give medical exemptions?
A medical exemption is available to people who provide a written statement from a licensed physician (MD/DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that, in the provider’s professional opinion, immunization against one or more diseases may be medically inadvisable. At Northern Light Health we now use a standard form for medical exemptions.
What is a medical exemption?
Northern Light Health supports the CDC/ACIP vaccine schedule and contraindications to vaccination.
Who can keep their religious or philosophical exemptions when attending school?
A student covered by an individualized education plan (IEP) on September 1, 2021, who elected a philosophical or religious exemption from immunization requirements on or before September 1, 2021, may continue to attend school under that student's existing exemption as long as:
• The parent or guardian of the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant has consulted with that parent or guardian and has made that parent or guardian aware of the risks and benefits associated with the choice to immunize; or
• If the student is 18 years of age or older, the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant has consulted with that student and has made that student aware of the risks and benefits associated with the choice to immunize.
RSU #34 is finalizing its annual application for federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Our ESEA funds support academic interventions at our elementary schools, professional development at all schools, and certain efforts under Title IV related to the effective use of technology, safe/healthy schools, and providing a well-rounded education. Our strengths, needs, and goals for these funds were developed throughout the winter and spring in parallel with the local planning/budgeting process, and members of the public were invited to participate through monthly district-wide committee meetings.
Before we submit the application there is another opportunity for public comment; if you're interested in learning more about the application or commenting please contact Dr. Jon Doty no later than July 31st (jon.doty@rsu34.org)
Thank you for your support of our schools and students!
We're excited to share the digital version of our May 2021 Community Connections! Print copies were sent to mailboxes earlier this week; you can access the digital version here: https://5il.co/t5ff
Thanks to those who contributed articles and pictures!
Great opportunity! The Maine Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers is offering scholarships to kids in K-8 for STEM-related summer camps. You can access the application here: https://5il.co/sjy7
(Applications must be received by June 1st)
The selection criteria are based on financial need and the camper’s statement about why they would like to attend a STEM camp.
The state of Maine has updated its data dashboard, where you can explore a variety of information about schools in Maine such as demographics, staffing, funding, and assessment data. You can access the dashboard here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/dashboard If you have any questions about school/district data please do not hesitate to reach out to our district or school administrators! Contact information for each can be found at www.rsu34.org
The Finance Authority of Maine is offering a free webinar, "Balancing College Savings with Retirement Savings," at noon on Friday. You can register at the link below.
"Paying for college is just one concern for many families. Preparing for retirement can be even more important.
Join us as we’ll discuss these competing financial goals. We’ll provide an overview of some college savings alternatives such as Section 529 plans, Coverdell accounts, taxable investment accounts, and IRAs and share national research on how families typically pay for college. We’ll also debunk the myth that savings negatively impacts financial aid eligibility."
https://www.famemaine.com/events/balancing-college-savings-with-retirement-savings/
Opportunity for Parents and Educators: The Penobscot River Educational Partnership (PREP) and the Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities (SPRPCE) are offering additional virtual information sessions for member school district parents and educators on Mondays in May from 5-6 p.m. with Acadia Hospital presenters. 1. Eating Disorders in Youth and Young Adults - Monday, May 3rd, from 5-6 p.m. Sara Porter, LSCW, Clinical Supervisor, Pediatric Out Patient Services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital will review the more common type of eating disorders that can impact youth and young adults, understand the role the media can play for these individuals, and outlines types of treatment and how to best support youth with an eating disorder. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/NtvV4vY3gBxC9gkM7 2. Managing Stress and Enhancing Self-Care: The COVID Course Marathon Continues - Monday, May 10th, from 5-6 p.m. Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Associate Vice President of Community and Pediatric Services will review and validate the impact that COVID-19 has had on individuals of all ages, individuals will gain skills in order to develop self-care plans, and we will define resiliency and learn strategies to implement in the classroom Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/msRKfTTFPPK64yUk7 3. Suicide and Suicide Prevention: Stigma, Awareness, and Empathy - Monday, May 17th, from 5-6 p.m. Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness to the prevalence, risk factors, signs and symptoms of suicide, combat the myths of suicide, and prepare school professionals to respond to suicidal students with empathy, concern and appropriate resources. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/irk7VjXETEcxTHhj7 4. Caring for LGBTQ+ Students and Families: Becoming an Ally - Monday, May 24th, from 5-6 p.m. Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness of the risk factors associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, educate school professionals of the basic terms and definitions associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, and prepare school professionals to respond to LBGTQ+ individuals with compassion and empathy to best meet their needs. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/LdtoHm6ZzFGJiUh47 These informational sessions were presented to regional educators on March 19th and received excellent reviews. Given the extremely positive feedback, PREP and SPRPCE wanted to share this opportunity with parents and other educators.
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff,
This email/notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified a positive case of COVID-19 at Leonard Middle School. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing.
As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open!
For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811-5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Vanessa by emailing them at Vanessa.Koch@rsu34.org or by calling 827-3900.
You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
David A. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
General Information follows:
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes:
· Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures.
· Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
· When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
Please see at this link (t.ly/mg7x ) an update to Maine's travel guidance, as well as information on accessing RSU #34's COVID Hotline over the April student vacation. Be safe, enjoy the spring, and we look forward to the rest of the school year!
Link: t.ly/mg7x
The Maine Department of Education has assembled a quick reference guide for travel based on the current state precautions (link below). The quick reference details testing requirements, quarantine requirements, and special considerations for both international travel and domestic travel. The international travel details are on the top three rows of the image, and the domestic travel details are on the bottom three rows.
Please be sure to follow the testing and quarantine requirements if your family travels at any time, such as during the upcoming April vacation. The current guidance is to avoid non-essential travel.
https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/Travel%20Guide%204.8.21.pdf
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff,
This email/notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified a positive case of COVID-19 at Old Town High School. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing.
As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open! For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811-5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Jana by emailing them at jana.caron@rsu34.org or by calling 827-3910. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org.
Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus
or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
David A. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
General Information follows: Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes: • Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures. • Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
Opportunity for Parents and Educators:
The Penobscot River Educational Partnership (PREP) and the Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities (SPRPCE) are offering additional virtual information sessions for member school district parents and educators on Mondays in May from 5-6 p.m. with Acadia Hospital presenters.
1. Eating Disorders in Youth and Young Adults - Monday, May 3rd, from 5-6 p.m.
Sara Porter, LSCW, Clinical Supervisor, Pediatric Out Patient Services, Northern Light Acadia Hospital will review the more common type of eating disorders that can impact youth and young adults, understand the role the media can play for these individuals, and outlines types of treatment and how to best support youth with an eating disorder.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/NtvV4vY3gBxC9gkM7
2. Managing Stress and Enhancing Self-Care: The COVID Course Marathon Continues - Monday, May 10th, from 5-6 p.m.
Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Associate Vice President of Community and Pediatric Services will review and validate the impact that COVID-19 has had on individuals of all ages, individuals will gain skills in order to develop self-care plans, and we will define resiliency and learn strategies to implement in the classroom
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/msRKfTTFPPK64yUk7
3. Suicide and Suicide Prevention: Stigma, Awareness, and Empathy - Monday, May 17th, from 5-6 p.m.
Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness to the prevalence, risk factors, signs and symptoms of suicide, combat the myths of suicide, and prepare school professionals to respond to suicidal students with empathy, concern and appropriate resources.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/irk7VjXETEcxTHhj7
4. Caring for LGBTQ+ Students and Families: Becoming an Ally - Monday, May 24th, from 5-6 p.m.
Chris McLaughlin, LCSW, Acadia Hospital Vice President of Pediatric and Community Services will bring awareness of the risk factors associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, educate school professionals of the basic terms and definitions associated with LBGTQ+ individuals, and prepare school professionals to respond to LBGTQ+ individuals with compassion and empathy to best meet their needs.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/LdtoHm6ZzFGJiUh47
These informational sessions were presented to regional educators on March 19th and received excellent reviews. Given the extremely positive feedback, PREP and SPRPCE wanted to share this opportunity with parents and other educators.
Maine Jump$tart is offering a free webinar, "Raising Financially Savvy Kids."
Friday, April 2nd at Noon
"Children learn about money and making choices from the adults in their lives, which makes the family an important influencer of a child’s financial knowledge and behavior. Now is a good time to talk with your child about money–whether your child is seven, or seventeen. Engaging your child in conversations about money will help prepare them for future decisions around career and college planning, including student loan borrowing and overall financial decision-making."
You can register at the link below.
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0013MPcsplTqrJ8XAvfw3jKUixMnX4-514qYA5OPx7ftqutAhXgRFhnn1FIm_b3mBvxgvvFBaxfAPtyZgspgj8GkcXYq0FZbUcxuO6YaVd71xI6hB3SSRKOVCBGcUoaG-NwwLOH4KtfIRk=&c=oSl3jMVqsdsLLWyYmsDCa_ozBUBylDb7PFnzWiEcueTvkmO6Fya6wQ==&ch=D6JG91yHuadvLVO9mdH89wfhWvlzjuCnoH_VDJO8LOHCyoNAJaab6Q==
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff,
This email/notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified a positive case of COVID-19 at Leonard Middle School. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing.
As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open!
For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811-5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Vanessa by emailing them at Vanessa.Koch@rsu34.org or by calling 827-3900.
You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
David A. Walker
Superintendent of Schools
General Information follows:
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes:
• Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures.
• Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.
Opportunity for Parents and Educators:
The Penobscot River Educational Partnership (PREP) and the Southern Penobscot Regional Program for Children with Exceptionalities (SPRPCE) are offering a virtual information session for member school district parents and educators on April 29th from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Title: Age Appropriate Media Use and Screen Time
Join Michael A Ross, MD, NL Primary care Pediatrician and Regional Medical Informatics Officer for Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for a discussion of age appropriate media use and screen time. From toddlers to teenagers, Dr. Ross will review the benefits and challenges associated with media use, and explore adverse associations including sleep disruption, obesity, social learning challenges, and addiction. Dr. Ross will provide guidance and resources on how to developing a balanced screen time environment in the home.
Interested parents and educators should sign up at https://forms.gle/88YtY7BZayfh4C9t5. Participants will receive a Zoom link to the April 29th, 6:30 p.m. session a week before the actual date.
Dr. Ross shared this informational session to regional educators on March 19th and received excellent reviews. Given the extremely positive feedback, PREP and SPRPCE wanted to share this opportunity with parents and other educators.
Check out our LMS and OTHS River Runners on the new Aspirations Incubator Program website! https://www.aspirationsincubator.org/partners/old-town-orono-ymca
At the April school board Curriculum / Instruction / Assessment committee meeting, we will focus on input about a proposed Humanities Diploma at Old Town High School, and input about planning/budgeting for federally-funded programs in the 2021-22 school year. If you'd like to be involved please email Jon.Doty@rsu34.org
Friday, March 19th is a school day for RSU #34 (Alton, Bradley, and Old Town). Here's a link to the current 2020-21 calendar: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/871751/2020-21_Student_Calendar_Revised.pdf
Our River Runners youth cohort is proud to share their February newsletter! You can read it here: https://5il.co/qluv
Dear RSU #34 Families and Staff, This notice is to inform you that RSU #34 has identified an exposure to COVID-19 related to an Old Town High School Extra-curricular activity. All close contacts have been notified and advised of next steps such as quarantine, symptom checking, and testing. If you have not been individually contacted, you do not need to take any additional steps. As always, please remember to conduct daily screening, and use our COVID hotline when you learn of a positive or likely case of COVID-19 in our school community. We thank you for your efforts to keep our schools safe and open! For general Covid-19 questions, please dial Maine’s helpline at 211 or 1-866-811- 5695. Questions for the school nurse may be directed to Nurse Jana at 827-3910 or jana.caron@rsu34.org. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Please call your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Sincerely, David A. Walker David A. Walker Superintendent of Schools General Information follows: Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that may range from mild to severe. Some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all,) but may still test positive. Covid-19 may be more severe in adults 60 years and older and anyone with underlying health conditions. The virus mainly spreads through droplets and aerosols, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms of Covid-19 may include: Fever or chills, new or uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. The Maine CDC recommended preventative measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes: • Wearing a mask in public and increased hand hygiene measures. • Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze and disinfect your hands afterwards. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner or wipe.