Health Update 9 – March 20, 2020 AM
Good Morning,
Remote school days extended until April 17th
Please be informed the Bangor School Department is extending remote school days until April 17th. April vacation is scheduled from April 18th through April 26th. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and if we are able, we will reopen schools on April 27th. This is our hope, but we must continue to prioritize the health and safety of all. Please know we will continue to monitor and update you.
This decision was made in cooperation with all Penquis superintendents and school systems. The Penquis superintendents reviewed the Governor and Commissioner’s recommendations to cease classroom-based instruction in school buildings for at least the next 30 days. We also considered alignment with the Maine Principal Association’s delay of spring sports until April 27th, other area schools’ date of potential reopening on April 27th, and April vacation. We believe it is best for all to have a consistency of dates as we continue to monitor this situation.
Take home packets
We are currently planning on how best to collect the take home packets from the first two weeks and to distribute the next round of packets. We want to make sure to be most efficient and to avoid putting a greater burden on families and employees. More information will be forthcoming next week about next steps.
Lunch and breakfast bags
The Bangor School Department will continue to provide lunch/breakfast bags to any Bangor student. Sites for pick up, Monday through Friday, from 12 – 1 p.m., include:
- Abraham Lincoln School
- Downeast School
- Vine Street School
- Fairmount School
- James F. Doughty School
Buses deliver meals to the following additional sites:
- Corner of Bolling and Mitchell
- 979 Essex Street – Holiday Mobile Home Park
- Cameron Stadium – Mt. Hope Parking Lot
- Market Street – Bangor Tire Parking Lot
- Ranger Inn
We plan to provide meals during April vacation week as well.
Support
In these difficult times, it is so important to connect with others either by phone or electronically. Make it a priority to connect with others each day. We have enjoyed seeing so many pictures and hearing so many wonderful comments from families about the remote school days. However, we also know many are struggling, or will struggle in the future, with this new normal. Please reach out and let your child’s teacher know if you need support. We will make sure guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, and others will make contact with you.
Social distancing
It is critically important to follow the advice of the health experts. Social distancing is necessary and all need to do their part.
Thank you for your support and commitment to making this work. Stay healthy and know we miss you and are hopeful we will see you, in person, soon.
Be well,
Betsy M. Webb, Ed.D.
