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.
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.
