March 14, 2020
Dear West Bath Parents,
After much consideration, research, and collaboration with our neighboring districts, given the increasing concern about the spread of COVID-19 across our nation and into our state, we have made the challenging decision to close the West Bath School from March 16th to March 27th to help to slow the community spread. At that point, we will reevaluate information and determine whether we need a continued closure or if we are able to reopen. This decision has been made in tandem with our neighboring school districts.
While this is done out of the abundance of caution, we support the science behind “flattening the curve”. Closing the school to students helps to not only keep our students and faculty safe, but also helps to maintain the health and safety of our community.
The faculty and staff will report to school on March 16th to finalize remote learning and school nutrition options for students, and then I will communicate that information to you. I will also work with families if there is a need to collect your child’s personal belongings or to gather materials from school that might be useful during school closure. While the building will be closed, teachers and staff will be accessible remotely, and we are here to support you during this challenging time.
This situation is unprecedented for all of us, and will without a doubt cause hardship for families. I hope to be able to minimize this hardship and invite you to reach out to me as a problem solving partner. In this extreme case of a global pandemic, we appreciate your understanding that the health and well-being of our community is placed as our first priority.
I will be in touch with more information on Monday.
With regards,
Emily Thompson