Many had hoped that this fall would be a return to normal for Maine's students — but COVID-19 and changing health and safety protocols have made the year more confusing than ever. In our ongoing series, "Making School Work," Maine Public will be sorting through all of those changes and sharing what you and your family need to know. Along the way, we'll bring you the voices of administrators, teachers, parents and students across the state.
Maine Public wants to hear from you. Are you a parent? Teacher? Student? Administrator? How are you feeling? Click here to share your pandemic education experiences.
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We talk with educators and school staff about the start of the school year, especially given the resurgence of the pandemic.
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President Grace Leavitt says the steps are needed to keep students, staff and communities safe. More than 2,000 cases have already been reported in Maine schools.
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More than 440 Maine schools have signed up for the program, and more than 120 have begun weekly testing. But quickly ramping up the statewide program has required a substantial logistical effort and more than $40 million in federal funds.
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Caribou High School reported the largest outbreak, with 35 cases, followed by Hermon High School with 34.
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According to the data, school staff in southern Maine had the highest vaccination rate. More than 80% of staff in York County — and nearly 90% in Cumberland County — had received their shots as of August 31. Meanwhile, Waldo County had the lowest rate, at about 61%.
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State officials say that nearly 1,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Maine schools so far in September.
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As part of the plan, state officials highlighted their strategy to address learning loss through online programs and partnerships with local businesses. The state says it is also putting aside funds to address students' mental health needs, and will continue efforts to recruit more school staff members.
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With a new surge across the state, some parents are calling for their district to once again offer full-time remote learning programs. But those options are few and far between as schools prioritize keeping students safe, while in school, this fall.