Tomorrow, April 5, 2024 – RSU23 Schools Closed
Posted onRegularly scheduled school day tomorrow, Monday, March 25, 2024
Posted onReturn To School Plan for 10-30-23
Posted onOctober 29, 2023
Dear RSU 23 Community,
The past several days have been unthinkable, and our hearts are with those directly affected by the senseless tragedy that has unfolded in Lewiston. I also recognize that the impacts to all Mainers are wide and far reaching, and we are now learning the connections and their ramifications on our own school community members.
That being said, I wanted to send just a quick update to everyone regarding plans for tomorrow. We will open schools on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. All transportation schedules and school schedules will run on regular times.
We will have extra precautions and resources in place this week such as additional OOBPD coverage at all three schools, as well as social worker and guidance support for students and staff. Each school’s student support teams have put the appropriate structures in place to ensure that we can safely open. It is time for our community to return to normalcy.
I know I speak for all staff when I say that I look forward to having students back to school tomorrow. If youhave any questions, please email me at jsuttie@rsu23.org and I will be happy to address any inquiries you may have.
Sincerely,
John Suttie
RSU 23 Superintendent of Schools
10-27-23 No School Today
Posted onToday, Friday October 27th, RSU 23 Schools are closed due to the ongoing search and investigation of the Lewiston incident. There will be no remote learning today. Additional updates will be communicated as necessary throughout the weekend.
10-26-23 RSU 23 Community Evening Update
Posted on_________________________________________________________________________________
October 26, 2023
4:30 PM Update
Dear RSU 23 Community,
I am reaching out to all of you this evening with a brief update. We continue to monitor the current search that is underway for the suspect in the Lewiston shootings. I have been in frequent contact with area law enforcement, area superintendents and our RSU 23 leadership team as we prepare for the upcoming days.
At the moment, it is too early to definitively say whether or not we will be able to safely return to school tomorrow morning. Law enforcement efforts continue to be underway to apprehend the individual responsible for the shootings and we continue to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our school community. While we all hope for a return to normalcy, we intend to make a decision that is best for the safety of our students, staff, and families within our district.
I will communicate via phone and email to all families no later than 5:30 AM with the plan for tomorrow. Building administrators, school leadership teams, and our district crisis teams have met throughout the day to develop communication and support plans for students. In addition, members of our law enforcement have committed to providing additional resources to support our returning students and staff.
As stated earlier today, we know many of you will be discussing this with your children and coming to terms with it yourselves. Violence of this nature is difficult to understand. As partners in your child’s well-being, we want you to know the district has support in place to help students process their feelings at school. HERE is a resource for parents and educators as you prepare to talk with children about this tragedy. We also ask that you share any concerns or information related to the incident with our school administration or law enforcement as appropriate.
Sincerely,
John Suttie
RSU 23 Superintendent of Schools
10-26-23 Mid Morning Community Update
Posted onOctober 26, 2023
Dear RSU 23 Community,
Law enforcement efforts continue to be underway to apprehend the individual responsible for the shootings. We want to assure you that we are taking the necessary steps to provide support and ensure the safety of our school community. Although the incident did not occur within our town directly, we understand the impact tragedies such as this can have on all of us in Maine.
We know many of you will be discussing this with your children and coming to terms with it yourselves. Violence of this nature is difficult to understand. As partners in your child’s wellbeing, we want you to know the district has support in place to help students process their feelings at school. HERE is a resource for parents and educators as you prepare to talk with children about this tragedy.
We also ask that you share any concerns or information related to the incident with our school administration or law enforcement as appropriate.
Sincerely,
John Suttie
RSU 23 Superintendent of Schools
10-26-23 Morning Community Communication
Posted onOctober 26, 2023
Dear RSU 23 Community
There are no words that accurately describe feelings we are all having following the news from Lewiston over the past 12 hours. The senseless and intentional violence targeting members of that community is unimaginable. As a school district, our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Lewiston community.
I’ve been in conference with local and state law enforcement, the Maine Department of Education, and
superintendents in York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin counties overnight. After consultation with the Old Orchard Police Department, and area superintendents and after having conducted a full assessment of existing conditions, we have made the determination to close schools today Thursday, October 26, 2023 out of an abundance of caution. Parent-Teacher conferences are also postponed and will be rescheduled. We will continue to assess existing conditions throughout the course of the day today to inform plans for school on Friday. Additional communications will be forthcoming later today. We are so grateful to be part of such a caring, resilient community. By pulling together during this difficult time, we can help our students emerge stronger. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
John Suttie
RSU 23 Superintendent of Schools
Delayed Start for RSU 23 Schools
Posted on