Negative COVID tests mean Caribou, Limestone schools will reopen Oct. 26

3 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — Testing for two probable cases of COVID-19 in RSU 39 schools yielded negative results, so schools will reopen to face-to-face instruction on Monday, Oct. 26.

The cases were first detected on Tuesday, Oct. 20, prompting the schools to move into the “red,” or remote learning, model immediately. 

The Limestone Community School followed suit out of what Limestone Superintendent William Dobbins called an abundance of caution, since the districts share students and resources. Dobbins said schools would remain “red” through Friday, Oct. 23.

According to a community letter sent out by RSU 39 Superintendent Tim Doak on Oct. 22, the two individuals with probable cases have been tested, and the Maine CDC and their personal care providers have informed RSU 39 that the results were negative.

Limestone Community School Principal Ben Lothrop posted an announcement via the school’s Social media on Oct. 22 announcing that, with these two negative test results, Limestone would also resume in-person classes starting Monday, Oct. 26

“I would like to commend all of the LCS faculty and staff for their quick response this week, with distance learning and the delivery of breakfast and lunch starting immediately,” Lothrop wrote. “As we proved last spring, we can make the best of any situation.”

Caribou High School also released a new schedule for upcoming games, with boys varsity soccer playing at Fort Kent on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m., girls varsity soccer playing at Central Aroostook on Monday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m., and the Caribou boys hosting a game against Central Aroostook on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m..

Doak encouraged the community to continue taking social distancing seriously by avoiding crowds, staying at home, and maintaining a six-foot distance from others. 

“Thank you for your continued support,” Doak wrote. “By working together, we will get through these challenging times. With your participation, we believe we can create a safe and meaningful experience for your children.