Health Update 12 – April 8, 2020

Good Afternoon,

Important Lunch Message

Given the predicted storm for Thursday night and Friday, the meal program will deliver the meals for Thursday, Friday and the weekend on Thursday. There will be no meal delivery on Friday, so please make sure to pick up your meals on Thursday at one of the ten sites.

School Year Update

The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Governor, has recommended remote learning through the end of the school year.  This follows the CDC guidelines for schools to close classroom-based instructions for 8 – 20 weeks to flatten the curve and to also keep people safe during the tail.  I have conferred with other superintendents and with administration. For the safety of all, the Bangor School Department must take the recommendations from CDC, the Commissioner, and the Governor seriously.  Therefore, until further notice we will continue with remote learning.  It is highly unlikely students and staff will be brought back to the school buildings this year.  However, we hope there is a miracle and we can be assured it is safe to bring everyone back.  If that happens, I will notify everyone, but this point we need to plan for remote learning for the remainder of the school year.

The Commissioner’s recommendation may be found here:
https://mainedoenews.net/2020/04/07/priority-notice-updated-recommendations-and-guidance-from-commissioner-makin-for-remainder-of-19-20-school-year/

Packets

Packets are being graded and parents should either scan and email packets to teachers or drop them off at the schools this week.

Assurance

I want to continue to assure parents and students, all students in good standing will graduate and advance to the next grade.  If you have concerns about your or your child’s standing, please contact your teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.  It is important that students continue to engage with the remote learning activities.

Remote Learning Update

Thank you to everyone for your generous donations to help us connect the 350 students without access/devices.  We are nearing the 50% range of our goal of $60,000.  We are starting plans to begin distribution of devices beginning next week.  Once we have everyone connected, we will begin expanding online communication and use of Google Classroom.

If you are able to donate, please visit:   https://justgiving.com/campaign/remotelearning4bangor

Next steps

Faculty and staff are working with administrators to develop contingency plans for virtual celebrations, virtual summer school options, and transition plans for when students and staff return to school buildings.  More information will be forthcoming on these plans as they become finalized.

Again, our hope would be that we are able to offer in person celebrations.  However, this is looking to be highly unlikely.

Assistance

If anyone is concerned about the emotional wellbeing of someone, please contact the NAMI MAINE HELPLINE. Their number is 800-464-5767, press 1. Here is a link to the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), which has additional hotline numbers. Their direct line is (207) 287-3703. You can also use the number 2-1-1 to get general information regarding the Coronavirus outbreak in Maine.

Bangor cares

I know we will get through this and we will be stronger in the long run.  The way we will do this is together as a community.  I continue to be truly amazed at all of the community efforts to support one another.  Please, please continue to socially distance yourselves and follow the universal precautions.

If there are things our faculty and staff can do to assist families, please reach out.  We stand ready to support all.

Be well,

Betsy M. Webb, Ed.D.