Health Update 5
March 14, 2020
Good Evening,
Bangor has been continually monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within any of the Bangor schools. However, in an effort to be proactive in protecting the health and safety of our community, Bangor schools will be closed Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th. This decision was made in consultation with many and out of an abundance of caution to follow the rapidly changing guidance regarding enhancing social distancing efforts to flatten the curve. This decision has not been made lightly and we certainly empathize and understand the significant burden this will cause families in the coming days.
Take home packets:
As educational professionals we recognize there is no replacement for the instruction provided in the classrooms from a quality educators. However, given the nature of an extended closure, we are providing learning activities in take home packets to maintain students’ skills. We ask parents or high school students to pick up the packets at your child’s school on Tuesday, March 17th, during the following hours:
- Bangor High from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- James F. Doughty School and William S. Cohen School from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- All elementary schools from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Staff will be stationed at the front door to hand packets to parents/students. If anyone wants someone else to pick up packets for your child, we ask parents to send a signed note verifying this request.
Staff will be providing support to students and families through daily email and/or phone calls. We recognize that during a closure, families will be caring for children in a variety of ways. We are providing learning activities, but recognize there will be limitations. Please stop any learning activity that causes your child stress or frustration. Wait until further contact from a teacher.
Although learning will not be online, we want families to know Charter is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and college student households. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. This may assist some who wish to communicate with email communication.
School breakfast and lunches:
Our Food Service Director Noelle Scott is developing plans to continue providing school breakfast and lunches to our students through our summer feeding protocols. There will be school sites where families can pick up meals. Our first pick up will be available on Tuesday, March 17th.
Advice for families:
I have attached some guidance I saw from King County Public Health for families during school closings, which I believe you may find helpful: gatherings-children-youth
We will reassess the return to school as more information becomes available. Thank you for understanding and support in this time of tremendous uncertainty. The safety of students, staff, and the Bangor community is our top priority.
If you have questions or concerns, please call your child’s school.
Be well.
Sincerely,
Betsy Webb, Ed.D.
