Reopening Update 4 – July 7, 2020

Good Morning:

Thank you to those who filled out the important parent survey.  We do need to hear from everyone.  So we ask all families who haven’t responded yet, fill out this brief survey by tonight regarding your families’ needs for schools reopening in September.  We need to know families’ individual situations for both their child(ren)’s schooling and transportation.

Here is the link:  https://forms.gle/ZTTDg29ay3ALPgjj6

Thank you for your prompt attention to answer these questions, so we may finalize plans for September.

Here are some of the recent questions received:

If a child gets a fever, which is typical in young children, do they have to quarantine for 14 day?

Not necessarily.  In checking with the school physician, not all fevers require checking with the doctor or staying home from school for a 14 day quarantine period.  If someone has a fever, they must remain out of school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. 

Are masks required all the time?  Will there be opportunities for breaks?

The current guidance requires employees to wear masks and recommends students wear masks when distancing is not possible.  Further masks are required when on school buses.  Therefore, there are times when individuals may take a break from masks.  The CDC does recommend the use of masks whenever possible and when distancing is not possible.

Will grading continue to be P/F?

Grading will return to the regular process of letter and numerical grades this fall.

Will schedule options be available?

The Bangor School Department is collecting information from parents. Based on the information received, Bangor is looking at in person, hybrid, and remote learning options based on students’ needs.

How will you maintain academic rigor?

Bangor will be following the regular curriculum and programming options.  Even if an emergency calls for a return to remote learning, with the needed technology and access, the regular curriculum and programming will be followed.

Will band still be offered?

Currently, the Bangor School Department is creating plans to follow the Maine Principals’ Association guidance, the Maine Department of Education framework, the CDC guidance, and the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.  We have not seen specific guidance on band. As we learn more, we will keep families informed of all extra and co-curricular offerings.

Sincerely,

Betsy M. Webb, Ed.D.