It has been two weeks since my last blog and believe it or not, those two weeks were our first two FULL
weeks of school. We’re definitely well into the swing of the new school year at this point. We are moving
from the normal time spent early in the school year getting to know students, building relationships and
setting up classroom learning environments, to a larger and more intentional focus into daily learning
activities that are rigorous and engaging. While we constantly remain focused on meeting the social
emotional needs of our students and in making sure that their learning environments are caring and
supportive – we also must ensure students are well prepared academically to be successful now and in
their futures. Large responsibilities for sure, but ones we as educators here in Gorham take seriously and
are proud to bear. You can probably see that in some of the pictures below showing what’s happening
in our schools over the past few weeks!
With that said, lots to share, so let’s get to it!
NOVEMBER REFERENDUM INFORMATION
This November 2nd you will see a school bond question on the ballot. This bond question is NOT your usual bond question because - believe it or not – this question is NOT going to be asking for any additional funds. I know, weird right! Here’s how the question will read:
“Shall the Town of Gorham be authorized to expend not more than $575,000 from the school capital reserve fund and not more than $244,900 from undesignated fund balance in addition to the $2,265,000 in funding from bonds approved by referendum in 2020 for the Gorham Middle School HVAC Heat Pump Upgrade and Repair Project?”
What is important to understand is that the GMS HVAC Heat Pump Upgrade was already approved via referendum in November of 2020. When approved, the total budget amount for the project was projected to be $2,265,000.00. Unfortunately, due to significant changes to construction pricing when we put the project out to bid, the project’s lowest bid was over this budget amount by almost $500,000.00. Because of this, we were unable to move forward with the project.
Since then, we have re-estimated the costs for the project budget using current market conditions and an additional contingency of a little over 10% and concluded that in order to move forward with the project we would need a total of $3,084,900.00. That would be $819,500.00 more than what we have been approved to expend by voters in November of 2020.
We have identified the funds necessary to move forward with the project WITHOUT adding to the overall bond request through a combination of the utilization of $575,000.00 from a newly established capital reserve account and the utilization of not more than $244,900.00 from undesignated budgetary fund balance.
However, we do not have permission from voters to expend any more than the original $2,265,000.00. This is the purpose of the referendum question on the Nov. 2nd ballot. This question basically asks Gorham voters if we can expend the higher dollar figure, knowing that we do not have to borrow any additional dollars to do so because we have identified already existing funds to make up the difference in costs.
The School Committee voted to approve moving forward with this request so that we can complete this important project. The Town Council also voted to approve moving forward with this request. If this question is approved, we will be able to move forward to complete this project. If this question is not approved, we will continue to annually lose heat pumps and we may not be able to ensure the appropriate operations of our HVAC system at GMS for too many more years.
Please remember to get out and vote on Nov. 2! Thank you!
MOST RECENT OPEN PARENT FORUM RECORDING
First, I wanted to thank those parents that participated in the Sept. 21 Open Parent Forum. There were lots of great questions asked and hopefully, many answered. A recording of the meeting is linked HERE if individuals would like to view it.
UPCOMING NWEA TESTING
Just a heads up to parents that NWEA testing will begin the week of Oct. 4 and go through Oct. 29. This testing is used by teachers and administrators across the district to help determine where our students are in their learning in the areas of math and literacy. As you can imagine, while still trying to teach students in the midst of a Pandemic, this information is very valuable to us as educators. It helps us to know where our students are so that we can target instruction in a more focused manner that ensures we get all students to where they need to be. Please do what you can to assist the schools in providing for a successful testing experience by making sure students come to school if they can and by encouraging them to do their best while not placing too much pressure on them.
It is important to note for parents that these assessments are purposefully geared to challenge your students, but not to overly frustrate them. So if students come home feeling that they didn't do well...let them know that that is ok. The intent isn't for them to "do well"...it is for them to show us what they know, which sometimes may challenge them - all in a good way! Also know our teachers are right there supporting students as they participate!
UPDATE ON POOLED TESTING CONSIDERATION
Well it looks like my reminder to K-6 parents about the recent survey worked...we went from an original participation of just 190 parents to 580. A much better response rate - no question!
I am now digging into the data to determine what folks are thinking by school and by grade level and will go from there. It is going to take me some time to do this and to talk with nurses and others about what the best next steps are. Please know that as we discuss Pooled testing, we are discussing it both as a consideration for the near term and as a consideration for the longer term. We will need to weigh the potential +/- carefully, especially now that it seems vaccinations for our 11 and under populations may be on the horizon sometime near the end of October and/or early November time frame.
I will likely share survey summary information with families next week in between blogs and then let families know all the data that was used to make a final decision and what that decision is by the time I share my next blog. Please continue to stay tuned, and in the meantime - let's all continue to work hard to follow our key safety protocols:
1. Wear those face coverings when inside
2. Wash/Sanitize those hands frequently
3. Try to keep that 3 ft of physical distance whenever possible
Thank you.
GMS STUDENTS EXPOSED TO THE TRADES IN MEANINGFUL WAYS!
We currently have 42 GMS 8th grade students participating in the Tech Start program in coordination with the Westbrook Regional Vocational Center. The program began on Tuesday, September 7. Students will participate in each of the programs offered by WRVC. Here is the list of programs.
Automotive Technology
Building Trades
Business Education
Commercial Truck Driving A & B
Computer Repair and Networking
Computer Science & Multimedia
Cosmetology
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Occupations Education
Electricity
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B)
Fire Fighting
Heavy Equipment Operations
Medical Occupations
Social Services
WE NEED SUBSTITUTES AND LUNCH DUTY MONITORS
At the beginning of a "typical" non-COVID school year we usually have about 95 substitutes enrolled in our system. When we began the school year in August, we had just 25! We currently have 41, which is better - but still not enough. We currently pay $100.00 per day for certified substitute teachers, and $95.00 per day for non-certified. You do not need anything more than a high school diploma, your CHRC (fingerprinting) approval from the state, and a willingness to learn to be a substitute teacher in the Gorham Schools. If you are interested, or know of others who are - please go to our website (www.gorhamschools.org) and click on "Human Resources" tab at the top and then on "Employment Opportunities" to find our substitute application. Please complete and submit! If you have any questions, you can call Rhonda Warren at 222-1012 and she can help you to walk through the online application process. We look forward to seeing your application(s) soon!
While I am mentioning subs, we are also looking to hire 2 lunch duty monitors per K-8 school. These positions are 2 hours per day Monday - Friday and will be paid at a rate of $18.00/hour. Please go to the same website outlined above to find and complete an application if interested!
SCHOOL CUSTODIAN DAY - FRIDAY OCT. 1
We do not employ our own custodians in the Gorham Schools, however we work with an incredible company - GDI - to provide our custodial services. The folks that perform these roles and responsibilities, especially in our Pandemic world, deserve a medal, and certainly nothing lesss than a HUGE THANK YOU from all of us to them. Please take the time to thank and celebrate our custodians for all they do behind the scenes to make sure our schools are clean and safe! THANK YOU!
GHS HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
The Following message was sent out yesterday by Mr. Jandreau to all GHS students, but I wanted to make sure to share as well so folks got the information!
Hello,
Due to the weather forecast for this weekend, we are postponing both the pep rally Friday and the Homecoming event Saturday evening. Friday’s weather forecast is calling for rain and thundershowers. Saturday may clear up in time, but the tennis courts will be soaked (they do not drain well), and the rest of the grounds where we plan to have other actives will be soaked as well.
Moreover, nearly all the athletic events scheduled for the end of the week have been moved due to the weather, and the fireworks planned for this week's football game have been postponed.
We want Homecoming to be successful, so we are moving it to the week of October 10th. The pep rally is postponed to Friday the 15th, the fireworks are postponed to the football game with Deering on Friday the 15th, and the Homecoming event is postponed to Saturday the 16th.
Any student who purchased tickets for the event can hold on to their tickets until October 16th. Ticket sales will resume the week of October 10th. Any student who unfortunately cannot attend on the 16th may see Mr. Rockett in the library for a refund.
Thanks so much,
Mr. Jandreau
GORHAM ADULT EDUCATION
This program is one of our best kept "secrets"! Check out the flyer below to learn more about what Adult Education can do for you!
GORHAM SPECIAL OLYMPICS FUNDRAISER ANNOUNCED!
Their first fundraising event is coming up in early November! Check out the flyer to learn more about how you can help our special olympics program here in Gorham!
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