Blog Update Thursday, March 19, 2020

Good evening everyone!  I thought I'd try something a little different tonight for my update...A RECORDED MESSAGE! 

Here is a link to the recorded message below... it is a little over 15 minutes in length (SORRY, I'll make it shorter next time)...but you can stop/pause at any time...so hopefully this will work for tonight!  Just trying to mix things up a bit! 


https://networkmaine.zoom.us/rec/share/xtxyArXq11xLfIGKtB_FUax5IafpX6a8hnIcrvcJU1j0XPogKU4HQufu3OYaRg

In my blog video, I mention that someone has created a GoFundMe Page for the Gorham School Nutrition Services "Operation Feed Gorham"...the link to that is below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/satellite-lunch-program-operation-quotfeed-gorhamquot?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet


THANK YOU!  Have a great evening!  See you right back here tomorrow night!☺

Wednesday 3/18/20 Update

Good evening everyone!  HAPPY WEDNESDAY!  I wanted to reach out briefly on a few items, and also to take a moment to celebrate!  First a few items of "Business"...

Satellite Lunch Program - Operation "Feed Gorham"

Looks like we served just under 150 lunches today (our first day).  We planned for 240 lunches so still room to grow.  We anticipate that participation in this program will grow over time, so we are encouraging families who would like to participate to email michael.sanborn@gorhamschools.org to let us know - or you can stop by one of our four satellite locations from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. for a lunch.  We'll take care of you and then based on participation is how we'll plan future numbers.   THANK YOU to all our volunteers and support staff who are helping to put this program together.  Here's a photo below to show you their enthusiasm!



Reporting of Illness

I just wanted to make clear to families that at this time, with schools closed, although our nurses may still be doing some health checks with families, we do not have an expectation that families call us with updates on potential illness of students.  We have had some families call us with information about students who may or may not have been exposed to COVID-19.  At this point in time, with the CDC acknowledging that community spread is occurring in Cumberland County, ME.  it is important to know that it is the CDC's responsibility (through your PCP) to communicate with folks who may or may not have been exposed to certain individuals.  The school is not able to perform this task.  Therefore, it you are concerned that you or your family has been exposed to COVID-19 it is much more important that you reach out to your PCP and listen to their guidance and instruction than it is to let  us  know  - although please know we are here or you to reach out to and listen if you need us so please do not hesitate to do so!

Also, as was the case before the world of COVID-19, the schools cannot control  what is posted on social media.  We will continue to use our social media sites to share the "good work" going on in our community and thankfully there is PLENTY OF THAT GOING ON...but we can't promise others will do the same.  That's really all I can say about that. ☺

Tomorrow Begins Distance Instructional Programming

Tomorrow is the day!  We will begin distance learning tomorrow across all schools and all grades.  Again, K-3 will be packet based and grades 4-12 will be google classroom and other online learning based.  Principals will be following up with families that may not have picked up chrome books in grades 4 &5.  They will also be following up with K-3 families who may not have gotten packets. If you are struggling with internet access at your home, we want you to please reach out to our school principals so they are aware and can work with your families to differentiate plans.

Overall, let's be sure to take this slow the first week or so!  Focus on making sure YOU feel comfortable communicating with teachers.  Remember, for grades K-5 teachers should be communicating through you as parents.  For grades 6-12 teachers are communicating directly with students so as parents, you need to make sure students are checking their emails, etc.  Let's ALL stay in touch though...I'm sure teachers are open to feedback about what is working and what isn't and I am also very sure we want to know these things so that we can tweak and adjust programming to make things work moving forward.  If we wind up having to go longer than 2 weeks, it will be important we have a solid communication base to build on to improve our systems and ensure they are working for Gorham.

Sharing the "Good Stuff"

If families want to take pictures of their students learning online, I'd love to have them share!  I think using the hashtag #Gorhamlearningtogether would be awesome if folks want to post pictures on twitter and use that hashtag and go ahead and loop me in (@hperrysup).  Would love to see them and re-tweet and maybe even share on Facebook site too!  Let's do what we do best - CELEBRATE THE GOOD!

Timing

Right now, we have closed schools for 2 weeks, but I will be honest the more and more information that comes in about what is going on in Cumberland County it would be prudent for families to expect that this is likely going to be a longer stint than just two weeks.  More information will be coming out either later this week or early next on these details as final decisions are made so please stay tuned.

IN CLOSING

I heard a story today about one of our teachers who reached out to a 6-12 student to check in and make sure they were all set for tomorrow.  The teacher's intent was to check in with the student...but the student actually took the time to turn the conversation around and to check in with the teacher.  The student talked with the teacher for a good  while...making sure the teacher was doing ok.  I share this story to illustrate just how important our relationships are between our students and our staff and to show you that even via a distance...THEY ARE STRONG.

I wanted to share one more story...I got an email last night from a parent.  This parent was a working mom with 3 elementary aged students.  She was so very kind and polite to me, but basically her message was this:  She is still having to work, she is still having to be a mom, and now, somehow the schools are asking her to also be a "teacher" - how could she maintain her sanity and do all those things?  The answer is simple...she couldn't.  The answer is also simple to us all.   This is NOT about school work...this is not about making sure a student can add 2 + 2.  This is about relationships and community and supporting one another to do the best we can with what we have.  If at the end of all this, when we finally set things back up straight again - her daughter didn't do this and this, we will figure that all out together.  NO ONE IS GOING TO PUNISH OUR STUDENTS for doing the best they can.  No one is going to punish our families for doing the best they can.  No one is going to punish our schools or our community for doing the best we can.  If it comes down to reading a book to your child instead of forcing them to do those two worksheets sent home by teachers... then read the book!  Then reach out to our teachers to tell em what you did and why...and we'll figure out the rest.  Let's take care of EACH OTHER first...the rest will come.

THANK YOU GORHAM...WE GOT THIS!

Specific Information - Backpack Program

I included basic information for the backpack program in yesterday's overall update, but just in case folks are craving a little more detailed information regarding the Backpack Program and how it will  operate while schools are closed, I thought I'd share that.  Here goes:

BackPack Program Services Update: 

The distribution of BackPack Program food will start tomorrow! If you are a regular participant OR you signed up in the School Lunch Survey, please pick a site below and pick-up your bag between 11am-1pm. 

*** These are the same locations for the pick-up of the Gorham School Nutrition School Closure Lunch Program. You may collect lunch DAILY! 

*** We will provide families with 1 BackPack bag per child, each week. 

For safety purposes, please follow these procedures: 

1) When you arrive, please stay in your car and speak to the volunteers through your passenger side window and indicate you are picking up BackPack Program food. 

2) Volunteers will then place your bag at the end of the table. 

3) Once the volunteers return to their designated location (6 feet away), you may get out of your car to collect your food items. 

If you did not sign-up for BackPack Program services, it is not too late. Please email Heather Whitaker at heather.whitaker@gorhamschools.org. You may receive services temporarily or for the remainder of the school year. 

Pick-up Dates:
Wednesday, March 18th
Friday, March 20th
Tuesday, March 24th
Thursday, March 26th

Locations:
Little Falls Recreation Center (Acorn St.)
Moody's Collision Center (Narragansett St)
Phinney Lumber (Fort Hill Rd)
Friendly Village Community Center

Satellite School Lunch Program, Backpack Program, Instruction, and More

Good evening everyone...its been a little while since my last "big" post giving you all an update on what great things we have in store for folks in Gorham to help make the canceling of school just a little more tolerable to the students and families we serve. It has taken us a few days to get our "feet" under us - but as is typical of the people in Gorham, we have come together, we have solved problems and we are ready to move forward as a community!  I have LOTS to share...so I'll try to be brief on each section and use clear headings to help folks navigate.  Here goes...

Satellite School Lunch Program Begins TOMORROW!

So far we have 88 families signed up for a total of 130 lunches for "Operation Feed Gorham".  We aren't sure if more folks might decide they need a lunch so we are preparing 240 meals to make sure each site has extras so if you didn't already sign up but wish to participate, please do!

We are going to arrange delivery for 14 families who are unable to get to a site.  If you are a family that needs this kind of service, please email Michael Sanborn (Our School Nutrition coordinator) at michael.sanborn@gorhamschools.org and he can work to add you to the list.  Our FOUR sites are:

1.  Little Falls Recreation Center, 40 Acorn Street (this is a change from yesterday when we said Gray Road).

2.  Moody's Collision Center, 200 Narragansett Street

3.  Phinney Lumber, 519 Fort Hill Road (Route 114) and

4.  Friendly Village Community Center

Meals will be available daily from 11:00 - 1:00 at these locations.

Meals are being prepared at Gorham Middle School and Gorham High School by our extremely talented school nutrition workers and are being delivered to each location by our bus drivers using school vans.  Bus drivers and other school personnel will be on site to help distribute.  Each site is designed for DRIVE-UP DISTRIBUTION.  Drivers should pull up, staff will ask how many lunches.  Lunches are set on a table next to the car and the driver will reach out the window to take lunches (if they can) or if not, bags will be handed to folks directly through their car windows.  Friendly Village will also have a walk-up option.  Site staff will wear gloves and maintain a 6 feet distance at all times to practice and modeling appropriate social distancing techniques.  All sites will have hand sanitizer.

In addition to school lunches, Volunteers with the Backpack Program will distribute bags Wednesday and Friday of this week (one per family this week).  Right now the backpack program is looking for folks who may be interested in donating food items to do so using the Gorham Food Pantry.  They are seeking Canned pasta like spaghetti-o's, boxed pasta, kid juices, kid snacks, crackers, pasta side dishes, toiletries, canned fruit, paper towels, and toilet paper if folks are interested in donating.  There are donation locations set up at the Gorham Police Department for this program.

I fully expect that as we get this program up and fully operational more folks will want to participate and we may need additional volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact either Chris Record (chris.record@gorhamschools.org) or Cindy Hazelton (Gorham Recreation Director, email on the Town's website).

If folks have questions, please call Gorham Middle School and we will route you up to the School Nutrition Office from there.

4th and 5th Grade Chrome Book Distribution 

Distribution of Chrome books to all students in grade 4 across all three elementary schools began today.  Chrome book distribution for all students in grade 5 will be occurring across all three elementary schools tomorrow (Wednesday).  By the end of the evening tomorrow we hope to have all Chromebooks for students in grades 4&5 delivered to families.  If you have either elected not to pick up a chromebook for your 4th or 5th grade student or you somehow missed the distribution information, please reach out to your school's principal's office.  Each principal will be following up as well to make sure everyone that needs one - has one.

Instructional Plans for "Distance Learning"

I believe you have probably already begun to get messages from teachers regarding their plans for carrying out this new instructional model.  Principals have either already sent home an overview of what to expect or one will be going out to each of you tomorrow (Wednesday).  If you haven't heard anything by Wednesday night, please reach out to your schools principal's office on Thursday morning.  Just so parents are aware - if your student is in grades K-5, the person teachers will be primarily reaching out to will be YOU as the parent.  For students in grades 6-12 teachers plan on directly connecting with students...so you should make sure students are checking their emails (I know - archaic right).

Additionally, it is important to understand that for students in grades K-3 the primary methodology of learning will be conducted through "packets" that are sent home by teachers where the primary methodology of learning for students in grades 4-12 will be using "online learning methods through google classroom and other online tools.

Finally, it is important to know that while a few teachers might try to bring students together via zoom or google meets to have "class meetings" at least initially this is not the focus of our new system.  Most learning will take place initially in a manner that doesn't require everyone to be at a given place at a given time.  Instead weekly directions and expectations will be made clear by each teacher and it is up  to students/families to work with each teacher to accomplish the assigned tasks.  We are trying to keep things pretty simple and low key this first week or so while we "polish" our communications systems and prepare for the possibility that school may very likely be closed down longer than these initial two weeks.  If that becomes the case, we will need to attempt to move from just "maintaining" learning (the first few weeks) to trying to provide actual rigorous instruction ...but one step at a time!

If you don't have internet access at home in a way that allows for use of these devices for this type of purpose, please reach out to your school's principal.  We are working on options and need to identify who needs this kind of assistance.

Volunteers?

If you are interested in volunteering in our community to help our in ways that are either already identified (like school lunch) or in ways YET to be identified.  I ask that you reach out to either Chris Record (chris.record@gorhamschools.org) or to Cindy Hazelton (Gorham Recreation Director - email on Town website).  These two folks are kindly taking the reigns in organizing our community's volunteer response to the new world that has been created by COVID-19.

Resources From School Nurses

I asked our school nurses to think about things that families may wish to consider while having either their college age or school age children at home for a bit.  Our nurses came up with this great resource sheet with all kinds of great links.  I thought I'd share.  Here's the LINK.

School Facilities Reminder

Finally, I just wanted to remind folks that our facilities are shut down to the general public.  While we will maintain a daily presence in our administrative offices, we will be closing all offices to the public.  If you need to reach out to anyone in our schools you can either email them (staff email contacts are on our websites under each school) or you can call our schools and we can direct you from there.  If you have a need to get into one of our buildings, say to arrange to pick up medications or something a student left behind in their lockers, please call the school to arrange.

Also, please know that although our playgrounds are available for use, we are unable to sanitize them and we would discourage their use by families, especially if folks begin to gather in groups of 10 or more.  It just becomes very difficult to use our social distancing protocols in these situations.  A better option might be to use some of Gorham's great walking or biking trails, or to even use the outdoor track or fields to walk, etc.  Again, the key (have I said this enough times) is to maintain social distance!

I think that is about it for this blog post.  I'll touch base again at the end of the week with any other odds and ends that may need to be communicated.  Again, this blog is my primary information source, so please keep checking!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!  STAY SAFE!  THE GORHAM SCHOOL STAFF ARE THINKING OF ALL OF YOU AND SENDING OUR BEST AND MOST SUPPORTIVE THOUGHTS YOUR WAY!  I can't repeat enough HOW PROUD I AM TO BE A GORHAM RAM!  To watch this community come together...time and time again...SO PROUD!  GO RAMS!

A Little Information and Encouragement Regarding The Importance of Social Distancing

Good morning –

As we prepare to embark on our first full day of distance learning on Thursday, I know many of you are being inundated with emails and text messages, but I have been asked to send this message of critical importance to our health and well-being.  I urge you to read it in its entirety. 

Many parents and staff are concerned that some in the community may not understand the call for “social distancing.”  There is a sense that students are gathering in groups, holding playdates and sleepovers, roaming the neighborhood, going out to eat with friends, or continuing to engage in other social activities that are typically quite appropriate for each age group.  I am writing today to reiterate to the entire community the need to work together to reduce the likelihood of community spread of this disease by practicing social distancing and suspending these activities.

I encourage all parents, staff, and students to take social distancing very seriously.  We should not be gathering for social activities of any kind.  Students are not to gather on school grounds for any reason, including athletics/recreation.  Other than a minimal number of administrative staff, educational staff and cleaning staff using strict social distancing protocols, adults will also not gather at the schools. 

The coronavirus is present in Cumberland County and will spread more rapidly through social activities.  Health officials throughout the country are telling us to cease gathering with others, as are leaders at all levels of government, from Town Hall to Augusta to Washington, D.C.  We must heed their advice.  Please join me in practicing social distancing and expecting that our children will, as well.

To read more about “flattening the curve” and the need to practice social distancing, please see Dr. Asaf Bitton’s article from March 14, “Social Distancing:  This is Not a Snow Day.”

Thank you and be well,

Heather J. Perry

Superintendent of Schools  

P.S. I'll be sending more information out later today regarding what to expect over the next few days from the Gorham Schools.  Stay Safe everyone!

School Lunch Survey

Just a quick blog post to make sure folks have access to the school lunch survey link.  For those Gorham Schools parents/guardians who would like to participate in our new Satellite School Lunch program - please click on the survey link below and complete it by Tuesday (3/17/20) at noon.  We are hoping to have enough data and things ready to go so we can begin our satellite services by WEDNESDAY, 3/18/20.  Any questions, please email me at heather.perry@gorhamschools.org.

THANK YOU!

HERE IS THE LINK:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgc-wRxOcJp99r2IVyg83jywpMQCYIJpMOLBw53ltlCSU5jA/viewform?usp=sf_link

A Few More Updates and Some Words from Dr. Tin (School Physician)

Good evening.  I wanted to get a few small bits of information out to you this evening.  First, a reminder to everyone that the Gorham Schools are closed for a two week period beginning tomorrow, Monday March 16 and going through Friday March 27, 2020.  As mentioned earlier we will be sending home additional and more detailed information to families about distance learning programs for our K-12 students on Tuesday and beginning said services by Thursday of this week. 

We will also be sending out a survey to families regarding School nutrition needs at some point tomorrow.  I ask that you please respond to that survey as quickly as possible (when it is sent out) as the results of that survey will help us to determine how our satellite school nutrition program for families in Gorham will operate. 

Finally, I wanted to be clear that although staff will be at our schools tomorrow, the schools will be closed to the general public.  If you need to conduct business with anyone at the school, I ask that you please reach out to the building principal before coming to the school.  Individuals who have not previously made arrangements with the Principal's office will likely not be admitted into the school as a means to help reduce the risk of exposure to our staff who will be working on site all day tomorrow.

Again, for families, please know we care tremendously for all of you and we are working hard to put the finishing touches on the systems we will put in place to ensure our schools can continue to support our community even while "closed".  Much more communication will be forthcoming over the next few days providing details on what this will look like and how to access these supports.  We are right here with all of you, standing side by side and shoulder to shoulder.  

As a means of providing specific information that I thought might be helpful to families, I asked our school district doctor (Dr. Tin) to write a letter that outlines some key pieces of information you should know and understand.  Dr. Tin's letter is below.  Please review and know I will continue to reach out as information becomes available.  THANK YOU!

Dear Gorham Public Schools families,

As COVID-19 spreads throughout our country and in our community, I would like to share with you some thoughts as the school physician for Gorham schools. COVID-19, while causing mild respiratory symptoms for most, can be a serious and even fatal disease for many, particularly the elderly and the immune compromised. It will continue to spread for the coming weeks and months, potentially overwhelming our hospitals and health system. As a community, it is imperative that we do everything we can to help limit and slow down this spread.

One important measure we can all take is to practice social distancing, or consciously reducing close contact between one another. There is a large window of time in which someone can feel and look well but still carry and transmit the disease, as the incubation period is 2-14 days. As schools close and many public events are canceled to help contain the pandemic, we will be craving social interactions. I encourage you to avoid large gatherings such as sleepovers, parties, large group sporting activities, etc., outside of school and to keep a distance of at least 6 ft. from others when out in public. There is varying guidance on what defines a large gathering. Some health experts recommend limiting the group size to 25; others suggest no more than 10 people. The “right” number isn’t known, but the more we can reduce the size of gatherings and maintain our distance, the better chance we have of cutting off the virus’ pathways to spreading.

Another important and proven way to decrease the spread of contagious diseases is to practice good hygiene. I encourage you use this opportunity to review the following guidelines with your children:

●      Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds

●      Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

●      Avoid close contact with people who are sick

●      Stay home when you are sick

●      Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard it in the trash

●      Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects/surfaces

Many of us are grappling with how to manage social isolation and increased anxiety. Some ways to reduce social isolation include going outside for exercise (while maintaining social distance) and connecting virtually (FaceTime, etc.). Many are also wondering how to speak with our children about COVID-19 and the associated lifestyle changes. I think the two articles below have nice answers to many common parenting questions. As parents, we must be calm, provide reassurance, and share information in an age-appropriate manner.

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/13/814615866/coronavirus-and-parenting-what-you-need-to-know-now

http://theconversation.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-covid-19-133576

Finally, if you do develop any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc.), isolate yourself and contact your primary care provider for guidance and before going into the clinic.

These are difficult and anxiety-provoking times, and many of these changes in our lifestyles are burdensome for individuals, families and communities. Know that your teachers, school administrators and other local officials are working hard to lessen the impact, particularly for the most vulnerable. By implementing social distancing and proper hygiene as much as possible, we can all make a real difference in the spread of this disease in our community.

Sincerely,

Tin Ha-Ngoc, MD

School Physician

Gorham Public Schools