March 18 PM

Good Evening,

I want to start by thanking everyone for your support and commitment to making things work during the closure.  100% of the packets have been distributed and yesterday, 2,400 meals were distributed.  This is amazing!

I have had some questions regarding schedule expectations for students.  We need all students to engage with the packets and the packets will be collected at a later date for credit.  Those not completing some level of the packets will be required to do make up when we return to session.

We fully realize that all households cannot follow the same schedule as many parents are continuing to work or care for others.  Some schools sent out model schedules with the take home packets as options, but they are not mandatory.

Maine State Law requires a minimum of a half-day to count for a school day.  Therefore, during the closure a day would be a minimum of three hours.  For the two-week closure, students need to be engaged in at least 30 hours to count for 10 school days.  However, parents have flexibility and may choose how to best do this for your family.  Some may choose 3 hours a day while others may choose longer hours on some days and less hours on others. Teachers are available by email from approximately 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Please remember that if a child becomes frustrated with an activity, move on to another activity until you have communication with the teacher.  Reading, drawing, cooking, hiking, acting, singing, problem solving, puzzles, etc., all count as learning time!

I have had many send me photos of home learning such as the one here!  I think this picture captures what we are hoping for…. children engaged and able to do the work independently.

We also want to remind parents lunch/breakfast bags are available for pick up Monday through Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln, Downeast, Vine Street, Fairmount, and James F. Doughty School (five additional sites have been added effective 3/19: corner of Bolling and Mitchell; 979 Essex St Holiday MHP; Cameron Stadium Mt Hope parking lot; Bangor Tire parking lot on Market St; Ranger Inn).  Any Bangor student/parent may stop at any of the designated feeding sites.  In the event, you cannot get transportation to a site, please call your child’s school and we will see what we can do to transport to you.

I leave you with an insightful, inspiring message from a 13-year-old James F. Doughty School student:

“This time at home is going to make us stronger! We will be going through a storm, but at the end of every storm there is a bright sky and beauty. This time is making us all stop and be together, and work together, and to learn that we are all able to weather the storm.”

Be well,

Betsy Webb, Ed.D.