7574-R1_LGP_MechanicFalls_AnnualReport_2021_Text_4C_Web

REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT 16

February 2021 Dear Citizens of Mechanic Falls, This has been a year like no other. Covid-19 was the primary topic, concern and challenge throughout this past year. In March 2020, we had to abruptly bring our in-person instruction to a screeching halt and start an unplanned remote instruction system for every student in the school district. It is no exaggeration to say that our world changed overnight. We were locked down in many different ways, we could no longer gather in large groups, we were encouraged to stay at home, unless it was absolutely necessary to leave, we could not see our friends and families outside our immediate households, we needed to stand at least six feet away from anyone else, and we were required to wear face masks, making our lives much more confined than any of us could have ever possibly imagined. As the RSU 16 staff, students and community adjusted to our new educational normal, we caught our second wind, and, although not ideal, we all made the best of a new situation. RSU 16 established protocols for hybrid in-person learning, two days in-person and three days remote learning and Virtual Learning 5 (VL5) five days a week. Some students and families chose alternative educational settings for their individual education. Although our RSU 16 family feels a little splintered and spread out at present, each student found an educational solution that worked for them during these uncertain times. As we start a new calendar year, we strongly believe the RSU 16 team is headed in the proper direction and continue to plan for further safe opening of our school system as CDC and DOE guidelines allow. Our hope is that very soon the vaccinations, herd immunity and personal responsibility will help us eradicate Covid-19, so the social distancing requirements that currently exist will be relaxed for school buses and for buildings. Only then, we will be able to bring all of our students back for the same school day, and get back to some degree of normalcy. No matter what the immediate future holds for all of us, please know that our number one goal is to return all of our students to five days a week later this year or for the beginning of the next school year. Finally, I would like to thank our heroes in RSU 16. Every single person has worked tirelessly to provide a safe, engaging educational environment. Our staff is truly the best! Sincerely, Kenneth J. Healey Kenneth J. Healey

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