Health Update 16 – June 1, 2020
Dear Bangor Families and Staff:
I want to update you on a few items as part of our ongoing communication regarding remote learning and COVID-19.
Change in Graduation Time:
Today the School Committee approved moving the graduation from 4 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 14th. The new time was advised as a better time for our drive up graduation given traffic flow.
We are excited to have an in-person ceremony, which meets the guidelines for distancing, to honor our amazing Class of 2020! More information will be forthcoming from Principal Butler.
Summer School:
Principals will be notifying families of students requiring summer school. Summer school instruction will be held remotely and families will be provided technology, if needed. Look for more information from your child’s school and if you have questions, please contact your child’s principal.
Reopening Plan:
The Bangor School Department has been making plans for the reopening of school in the fall. A Planning Committee has been meeting weekly to review the CDC and Maine Department of Education guidelines and we are working on the details of the plan to present to the School Committee in July. Updates from the Planning Committee are provided at each School Committee meeting. Attached you will find the CDC decision tree for schools to use in their planning.
I know there are many details to be determined, but I want to assure everyone plans are being worked on as we continue to wait for the final State guidance.
Support Resources:
These continue to be challenging times. Please know there are numerous resources for times when someone is struggling. If you are concerned with how your child is doing emotionally, you may contact the NAMI MAINE HELPLINE. Their number is 800-464-5767, press 1(helpline@namimaine.org). Other helplines are listed, below:
- Maine’s Statewide Crisis Line: (888) 568-1112 (call or text)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (or online chat here)
- National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Trevor Project LGBTQ Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386 (online chat here or text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200)
There is also a NAMI MAINE teen text line, at (207) 515-8398. This is open from 12:00 pm until 10:00pm and is a peer support text line for youth 14-20 years old and staffed by individuals under 23 years of age. Please note the Teen Text Support Line is not a crisis line but a way for teens to have someone to talk to if they are anxious and just need a friendly ear. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or dial 2-1-1 for information on the COVID-19 crisis in Maine. We advise keeping these numbers on hand for easy access.
In closing, I must share I am heartbroken and deeply saddened by the violent acts of racism and hate that have happened across our country. As a community, let’s join together to support one another and to ensure all may live free from fear of being victims of such disturbing violence. Bangor students give me a great sense of hope for a bright future and they deserve nothing but the very best.
Be well,
Betsy M. Webb, Ed.D.
