United Technologies Center (UTC), Maine Vocational Region #4

United Technologies Center (UTC), Maine Vocational Region #4, is the largest Career and Technical region in the state. Thirty-one local communities have a vested interest in the Center and the support of these communities assures that UTC remains a premier technical high school. The sending schools we serve are Bangor High School, Brewer High School, Central High School (Corinth), Hampden Academy, Hermon High School, Old Town High School, and Orono High School. Students may also attend private high schools within the region. UTC also offers a wide variety of continuing education courses in the evening.  

UTC Adult Education Website:

http://utc.maineadulted.org

11/23/2020

United Technologies Center Public Statement

Notice of COVID-19 Positive Case at UTC:  Tuesday/Thursday Cohort

UTC Full Remote Monday 11/23/2020

This weekend we were notified that an individual from a local sending school has been identified as presumptive positive for COVID-19. The individual’s last contact day at UTC was Thursday, November 19th.  Families of students who are in the individual’s program cohort had what Maine CDC defines as close contact and are being notified. Out of an abundance of caution, the late timing of this situation, other UTC sending schools already closed for COVID concerns and other reasons, UTC will be full remote for Monday 11/23/2020.  

Maine CDC or a school representative has contacted you directly if you are a family of an identified close contact. Close contacts must quarantine at least until the original individual’s test results come back. If that test comes back positive, asymptomatic close contacts must quarantine for 14 days from last exposure to the positively tested individual. Asymptomatic close contacts may also get tested but a negative test result does not allow them to discontinue quarantine.  Symptomatic close contacts should contact their health care provider for evaluation.

If you have not been contacted directly by UTC, sending school staff or CDC contact tracers you have not been deemed a close contact. Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you arrive in person. Stay home if you are sick.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include:

• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.

Maine CDC recommends preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include wearing a face covering over your nose, under your chin and snug against your cheeks, practice physical distancing, and wash hands with soap and warm water.  When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Call a health care provider for questions about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Questions for the school can be directed to email at the following addresses:

 

Contact	Email
UTC Administration	covidinfo@utc4me.org

11/8/2020

United Technologies Center Public Statement

• Notice of COVID-19 Positive Case at UTC: Monday/Friday Cohort

This weekend we were notified that an individual from a local sending school has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual’s last contact day at UTC was Monday, November 2nd.  Families of students who are in the individual’s cohort had what Maine CDC defines as close contact and have been notified. These students will now be participating in full remote learning until a return to in-person learning is recommended by Maine CDC. 

Maine CDC or a school representative has contacted you directly if you are a family of an identified close contact. Close contacts must quarantine for 14 days from last exposure to the positively tested individual. A negative test result does not allow an individual to discontinue quarantine.

If you have not been contacted directly by staff or CDC contact tracers there is no interruption to your school. Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you arrive in person. Stay home if you are sick.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include:

• fever or chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea

Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.

Maine CDC recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include wearing a face covering over your nose, under your chin and snug against your cheeks, practice physical distancing, and wash hands with soap and warm water.  When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Call a health care provider for questions about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Questions for the school can be directed to email at the following addresses:

 

Contact	Email
UTC Administration	covidinfo@utc4me.org

 

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CENTER

ESSENTIAL SUMMARY of COVID-19 September 2020 REOPENING PLAN

 

UTC COVID-19 Response Team:

UTC Director   942-5296

UTC Assistant Director 942-5296

Student Services Coordinator 942-5296

UTC School Nurse 942-5296

UTC School Physician 942-5296

Email to:  covidinfo@utc4me.org

UTC COVID-19 Visitor Policy:

During this period, UTC will not be permitting visitors in the school during school hours.  After school hours and on non-school days, UTC will allow limited access with advanced notice and permission from the administration.  Exceptions to this rule will include: essential outside contractors and inspectors for critical services.  Deliveries will be directed to overhead door number 7 during the school day.  Any essential contractors/inspectors/delivery personnel must adhere to our safety rules including PPE and complete a symptom questionnaire and temperature check.

UTC COVID-19 Communications Plan:

 Communications

• During this period, official communication spokesperson will be either the Director or Assistant Director, available by phone at 942-5296 or  covidinfo@utc4me.org
• Important COVID-19 information will be posted on our website and on our Facebook page.  Updates to essential information will also be provided.

Signage

• Signage is placed outside and throughout the building. Adherence to the current rules is essential and will be enforced.

Official Communication upon Confirmation of a Positive COVID-19 Case:   

In the event a confirmed case of COVID-19 notification will be directed to:

• Maine CDC: 207-287-8016
• UTC School Nurse (if not already notified)
• School Physician, Dr. Jonathan Busko
• Maine Department of Education School Nurse, Emily Poland
  • (207)-592-0387
  • poland@maine.gov

COVID–19 Communications Updates:

UTC will continue to collaborate with our sending school partners, Maine DOE, Maine CDC, industry, parents, and other Maine CTE schools.  To aid in communicating updates to our plans based on current best guidance, we will utilize our website, our Facebook page and direct emails once we acquire them.  We also invite interested parties to contact us directly at school at 942-5296 by email at:  covidinfo@utc4me.org 

UTC Access and In-Building Traffic Flow

Student and staff entrances and regular exits:

• Students will enter through the front entrance only and will depart through either the front or rear entrances as specifically assigned.
• Staff may enter and exit through the main entrances or through their specific shop door.  Staff may not use other shop doors.

UTC Sanitizing Stations

• Sanitizing stations are placed throughout the school in traffic flow pathways and in each classroom.  Product utilized meets standards for public schools.
• Restrooms have been equipped with touchless fixtures and self-closing stall doors to eliminate touchpoints.  Hand dryers have been equipped with HEPA filtration, and ventilation has been increased.  Due to social distancing, some fixtures have been rendered inoperable.
• Water Coolers have been disabled; however, bottle fillers remain available on both the 1^st and 2^nd

UTC Health and Safety Protocols and Procedures:

In consultation with our school physician, Doctor Busko, Maine and Federal CDC guidance, and Maine DOE, UTC will adhere to the following protocols and procedures until revised by guidance.

 

      Student Health Issues Other than COVID-19:

• Students who are ill or injured, but not with COVID-19 symptoms, will continue to utilize the present health station located in the front office.

UTC Health and Safety Protocols and Procedures:

• Unfortunately, food will not be allowed due to the complexity of sanitizing and mask removal.
• Detailed signage will be provided as guides to one way pathways and reminders of protocols.
• Unfortunately, visitors, including parents, will not be allowed in UTC beyond the airlock.

            UTC COVID-19 PPE Protocol:

• Face masks are required for staff and students at all times except in cases of a written medical exemption, in which case a face shield will be required.
• Staff will be provided with several cloth face masks and secondary face shields.
• Students will be expected to arrive with appropriate face masks, limited extras will be available.

 UTC COVID-19 Health Screening Protocol:

• Caregivers will need to complete a self-screening assessment daily for their child to check for symptoms of COVID-19. A screening assessment is provided in Appendix C for reference.
• Staff will self-administer the daily health questionnaire, including a temperature check.
• If symptoms develop while present at UTC, a secondary screening may be conducted by medical personnel.

Upon Recognition of a Student Having Possible Symptoms:

• A student who exhibits or reports possible symptoms of COVID-19 will be placed in a designated nursing area. Guardians and the sending school will be notified immediately for arrangement of student pick-up.
• UTC may require medical clearance prior to physical return to UTC.
• UTC will follow Maine CDC and Maine American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines in the event a student or staff member tests positive in all regards including communication to schools and community, building status response and sanitizing.

Return to School After Exhibiting Concerning Symptoms:

Students and staff returning to school after exhibiting concerning symptoms may need to provide medical provider clearance to return to in-person classes. Requirements will continue to be based on current Maine CDC and Maine American Academy of Pediatrics guidance for reentry.

General UTC Lab COVID-19 Protocols:

Instructors will educate students on the protocols required for COVID-19 safe lab operation.  General procedures include:

1. • Individual tool assignments whenever possible
   • When individual tool assignments are not possible, AM and PM students, working under close instructor supervision, will thoroughly wipe down any shared items at cleanup.
   • Under close instructor supervision, students will thoroughly wipe down shared items prior to beginning work.
   • PPE will be worn by all while at UTC
   • Students and staff must wash or sanitize hands after touching community tools and surfaces

• Each lab will have additional specific procedures

Hand Tool Sanitizing

• Students will be issued non shared hand tools for the given class period whenever possible.
• All tools handled by a student will be cleaned at the end of each class

General Classroom COVID-19 Protocols:

Classroom utilization, general procedures include:

• Students will utilize the same seat location each day in class
• In person attendance must be carefully documented in case of the need for later contact tracing.
• Students will utilize individual items as much as possible
• Under close instructor supervision, students will thoroughly wipe down shared items prior to beginning work.
• No food will be allowed due to sanitizing complexity and the 2-hour class time limitations
• PPE must be worn by all
• Instructors will spray each area utilized by students in between the AM and PM session with provided COVID-19 certified disinfection agent

Custodial Overview

• While school is in session, UTC custodial staff will, in an ongoing way sanitize common touch points.

 The MVR# 4 Board approved a tiered hybrid return to our Fall classes

 Beginning August 31^st UTC will be offering hybrid learning, (approximately 50% in building student capacity at any one time)

• Closely monitor ongoing data and local challenges to inform adjustments
• Full return to 5 day/week in-person as soon as safely possible

Our plans for the 3 re-opening options in order of preference are:

1st Choice A Full Return to in-person classes (Aspirational Option)

Date:  When the school can meet the safety preconditions set forth.

• Students would return to normal attendance schedule at UTC (5 days each week)
• Face coverings may or may not be required based on risk, CDC and State DOE guidance
• Building environmental improvements and settings will continue
• Instructors will utilize either Brightspace or Google Classroom as a learning management system (LMS). The LMS will continue as an important element of improved educational delivery.  An LMS will also prepare us for the possibility of needing to return to either hybrid or full remote learning model.

               2^nd Choice Hybrid Return: approximately halftime in person and remote learning halftime (Recommended Initial September 2020 Option)

Pre-Condition:  When Social Distancing is required to operate the school safely 

• Approximately, only half of our students can safely attend in-school instruction at UTC at any one time. To further protect students, individual schools will attend on consistent days.
• Face coverings/masks will be required while in person at UTC.
• On alternate days (schedules determined in coordination with sending schools) UTC students will attend in-school programming paired with remote learning.
• Remote learning will consist of utilizing our LMS systems also called asynchronous delivery and in some cases synchronous elements such as ZOOM or Goggle Meets.  Whether here at UTC or while learning at home professional expectations remain in place including class attendance and grading.
• Paper or hard copy versions of work will also be available for students who have no or limited internet capabilities.

3^rd   Full-time Remote Learning​ (Last Choice)  

Precondition:  Maine CDC, State DOE Define the Risk for Schools to be High

• All UTC staff, unless medically exempt, will work from school, providing both asynchronous delivery through our LMS and hard copy versions as possible for those who have limited or no internet access. Synchronized delivery will occur with each instructor delivering live “ZOOM” lessons and taking attendance.
• In the event of a State mandated lock down precluding staff from coming to UTC daily, faculty will teach remotely from home.
• Full PPE requirements will be in effect for all UTC employees, except when alone in their individual private areas.

Our September 2020 Recommendation is the 2^nd Choice, Hybrid Return

 STATIC DAY HYBRID SCHEDULE

(to help reduce cross contamination)

Monday and Fridays    

• Bangor High School
• Hampden High School
• Old Town High School
• Orono High School
• Bangor Christian

Tuesdays and Thursdays

• • Brewer High school
  • Central High School
  • Hermon High School
  • John Bapst High School

    TOOLS WE WILL UTILIZE

Remote and Hybrid Learning Strategies:

At the onset of the pandemic shutdown, UTC quickly expanded the use of Google Classroom as a Learning Management System as an organizing and communication tool for each program’s curriculum. Google Classroom is a useful tool; however, limitations quickly became apparent. We adopted the LMS utilized by the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System, Brightspace.

     Learning Management Systems (LMS)

UTC teachers will utilize Google Classroom or Brightspace as their Learning Management Systems.

• Students with Limited Internet Access

Hard copies of lessons will be available for those who may experience limited internet or equipment access.