April 9, 2021

Dear Bangor Families,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. As I have said many times, I would like to thank you for all that you have done this year to allow us to provide our students with as much in-person learning as possible. This has not been possible in many places. I know this is hard and a burden at times, but I believe that in person learning is best. By working together we can continue this pathway in Bangor.

April 16 is the last school day before spring break; classes will resume April 26, 2021. If you plan to travel outside of Maine, please remember that New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island (New England) are currently the only states exempt from restrictions. Information concerning travel guidelines may be found at: Maine Travel Guidance for Schools. 

If you plan to  travel outside of New England, please follow the actions below to help minimize the risk of infection among our students:

•     Contact the school nurse to let them know you are traveling to a state that is non-exempt from the quarantine and testing requirements prior to your travel date. 
•     Test all family members who traveled outside of New England within 72 hours upon their return to Maine. With a negative test result, students and staff will be able to return to school and will not have to complete the 10-day quarantine. The test results will need to be submitted to the school nurse before the students or staff may return to school.
•     Please let the school nurse know of any positive test results.
•     Stay home if you are sick.

Whether traveling or not (and upon return to school) please continue to:

•     Wear your mask when in public
•     Maintain physical distancing (6 feet or more)
•     Wash your hands often
•     Use online or contactless reservations, check-ins, delivery, and pick-up options
•     Enhance healthy hygiene practices

On behalf of the Bangor School Department, I hope you and your family are able to use this school break to relax and rejuvenate. If you need support in any way, please reach out to your child’s school; we are here to help. If you are concerned with how your child is doing emotionally you can contact the NAMI MAINE HELPLINE . The number is 800-464-5767, press 1 (helpline@namimaine.org). Here is a link with additional hotline numbers: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/hotlines. The direct number is (207)287-3703. We have also created a wellness resource page for parents/guardians  (https://www.bangorschools.net/for-parents/health-and-wellness-resources/) with resources, calming videos, and activities for children of all ages. 

Thank you for your continued support of our schools, our students, and our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Kathy Harris-Smedberg, Ph.D

Interim Superintendent