Friday, November 6, 2020

November 6, 2020 Blog Update

Happy Friday once again everyone!  I hope your week has gone well!   Hard to believe we just closed out week #9 of face to face instruction in our schools!  I know this hasn't been easy for folks.  Parents, students and staff alike are working overtime (and then some likely) to keep our schools open and ensure that our students have access to high quality distance and face to face learning opportunities.  I know I keep saying this, but its only because I keep thinking it each day when  I see the incredible work being done across our community - SO PROUD TO BE A RAM!

This reminds me to REMIND YOU that we have an awesome team of parent volunteers who have created specific Facebook Groups for parents to join.  The purpose of these groups is to create a forum whereby parents can help parents get through these difficult times.  Share resources, ask questions, and get answers!  Not from some stuffy school person (I'm not really stuffy mind you, but wanted to drive home the point) but from other parents just like you!  If you haven't already joined, please consider doing so...its quick, its easy...and it is a great way to find support and share ideas as we continue our COVID-19 journey together!  Here are the links for those interested:


OK, now on to other important information. . . 

COVID 19 RELATED REMINDERS

I'm sure those of you (like me) that follow case numbers and the data behind COVID-19 have probably already seen some of the charts and graphs below...but I thought it important to share a few just in order to provide context for the information "reminders" below.  Please know - I share these NOT to frighten anyone or to cause panic or to make people feel bad...I share this information, and the following reminders as a means of encouraging thoughtful positive action moving forward.  Actions that we can all take to help one another and to help keep our schools and businesses open as we work through what is clearly a new surge in the virus across our great state.

I grabbed this screen shot below of a CDC graph entitled:  "Maine Daily Incremental Reported COVID-19 Cases"

The gray lines are the numbers of new cases, the yellow line is the 7 day average and the blue line is the 14 day average.   Clearly, as Dr. Shah states, (he is) "out of synonyms for concerning."

This second graph, I took from Dr. Shah's twitter feed (which by the way if you don't follow him is very informative...you can find him @nirav_mainecdc).  This graph shows cases distributed by county.


The striking part of this graph is not only its "height"... in other  words - the total number of cases...but also the myriad of colors indicating the various counties that are being impacted in Maine.  As Dr. Shah points out:  "This degree of community transmission means that face coverings and physical distancing are more important than ever." This brings me to a series of healthy reminders...

REMINDER #1:

It is VERY IMPORTANT, now more than ever...to follow the three basic safety precautions for COVID-19 which are:

1. Wear your face coverings
2. Maintain 6 ft. of physical distance
3. Wash/Sanitize your hands frequently

REMINDER #2:

If you or your child is experiencing 1 "common symptom" or 2 of the "less common symptoms", please remain home and reach out to your school nurse and your PCP.


Students who are home due to symptoms of COVID 19 as listed above should NOT return to school until one of the following is completed:

1. Present the school with a negative COVID test AND a doctor's note (form provided by the school)
2. Present the school with a doctor's note stating an alternative diagnosis (form provided by the school)
3. Remain out of school and isolate at home for 10 days from symptom onset and symptoms have improved.

REMINDER #3:

If you are a close contact to someone that has tested positive for COVID 19, stay home and quarantine for a period of no less than 14 days. Individuals in this situation are also encouraged to get tested for COVID 19 but it is recommended that that testing not occur until between 5-7 days from the exposure. If you test too early, it could come back negative even though you may actually have it because it hasn't yet built up in your system enough to demonstrate a positive result on the test.

REMINDER #4:

Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! For students attending school, make sure their symptoms screener survey has been completed for that day. If your child is experiencing symptoms keep them home and reach out to your school nurse and PCP. If you think you or your child may be a close contact keep them home and reach out to your school nurse. If you have had a call from CDC and are not sure what to do, reach out to your school nurse and they can help to clarify. We are here to support you and help guide you through this foreign territory safely.

REMINDER #5:

Don't believe the rumor mills! There is A LOT of misinformation out there folks - especially on social media...don't fall into the trap of allowing that stuff to unnecessarily increase your anxiety. Know that if there is a positive case in our schools - WE WILL COMMUNICATE WITH YOU DIRECTLY. Also know that CDC is conducting contact tracing as well for those cases that are not school related. One way or the other (either via the school if the positive case is related to a school student or staff member or via CDC) you will know if you or your children are direct contacts of someone that has tested positive for COVID 19 in as timely a manner as possible. You can also always check our website for the most up to date number of cases in our schools. CLICK HERE to view this information which is updated daily.

To be clear, if there is a positive case of COVID 19 in any of our schools all staff and parents will be made aware of it. If a staff member or student is deemed to be a "close contact" for the individual that tested positive, you will receive a personal call from the school letting you know this is the case and what to do. Understand, however that a contact of a close contact is NOT a close contact. In other words, if "Sally" tested positive and we determined "Johnny" to be a close contact who later hung out with "Danny"...Johnny is the close contact and should quarantine for 14 days but Danny is not. Danny would not become a close contact unless Johnny tested positive for COVID 19 and on and on it goes!☺

Overall, I think that our state's public schools have demonstrated just how SAFE they are during our fall openings in the midst of this continued pandemic. Although we can't keep COVID 19 out entirely, evidence suggests that when and if a case does come to our schools, it doesn't spread. This can only be attributed to our staff, our parents and our students following our safety protocols. As cases increase across our state, I am optimistic that as long as we continue to focus on these 5 reminders, we will be able to keep our schools open and IF we do have to go "Red"...it would not be for the extended period of time we experienced last spring!

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS THIS WINTER!

Although from the past couple of days you may not have noticed, but winter in Maine is most definitely coming! Now, if you are someone like myself during a typical Maine winter, I would simply shut myself up indoors, and do my best to hibernate indoors to get through the winter. Well, this is no typical winter in Maine. This winter will be a COVID winter...and because of this, I am going to do all I can to stay active, and get out there to enjoy Maine's outdoors - even if it is COLD! I am planning ahead for this purpose! I have a nice winter jacket, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, thermals and the like. I have also dusted off my snow shoes and am going to see if I can get myself back into snow shoeing this winter. I'm sharing all of this with you NOT because I wish to bore you (although that may be what is happening - my apologies) but to point out the importance of NOT allowing ourselves to get "locked up with COVID" this winter if we can at all prevent it!

As a whole, the schools are going to be doing their best to take this same attitude. Whenever weather permits, we will still have outdoor recesses, outdoor learning, and time for mask breaks - OUTSIDE. What this means for students - especially students in grades 6-12 who may not typically think this way - is that you are going to need to dress accordingly! Those high school students who in the past would run from their car to the school in shorts and a T-shirt in January and then back again at the end of the day - well - you may want to dress more warmly this winter! All students - not just K-5 students - should come to school prepared to get outside this winter! Just like you would put on a jacket and tie for a job interview...let's make sure we "dress for success" this coming winter and come to school prepared to spend some time outside whenever we can!


STORIES NEEDED!
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES REGARDING ISSUES OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TO HELP INFORM OUR CONTINUED WORK!
WE NEED YOUR VOICE!

I am asking parents who are willing, to participate in an important google survey. The aim of the survey is to offer up an ability for parents to share their experiences within the Gorham Schools with the issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a safe and anonymous way.  The survey won't be your typical survey.  It won't ask your opinion.  Instead, it will ask you to share your experiences through the telling of stories.   At the end of the survey you will have the opportunity to share your name and email contact information if you'd like to set up a one on one meeting with me to more deeply share your stories and experience.  For those that wish to participate in this piece, I will then reach out to schedule a time to meet with you.  Once completed, I will compile the stories and corresponding themes that are collected and share them back to parents and discuss their implications at a forum to be scheduled later this winter  - likely via zoom.

To be clear, these surveys and potential follow up meetings will NOT be a time for me to lecture to you on this topic, and conversely, it is not intended to be a time whereby you lecture me on this topic.  Instead, the focus is on SHARING  REAL STORIES...SHARING OUR REAL EXPERIENCES...and on LISTENING to these shared experiences as they relate to our schools.  No judgement, no blame, no finger pointing.  Just respect, honesty, courage, compassion and responsibility - sound familiar? ☺

I would ask parents who are interested in participating to please complete the survey/story by November 20, 2020.  I look forward to hearing from you and as always, if you have questions, please feel free to email me at heather.perry@gorhamschools.org

Here is the link to the survey.  

https://forms.gle/JSEauWFZpD4SqiJHA

SHARE WHAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR!

The  picture below is something one Gorham parent shared that she was grateful for!  



Awesome - it sure does take a whole community!  As winter draws more close, as COVID cases pick up, and as people's anxieties increase  - WE ALL need to take stock in what we are grateful for!  Please share using the link below.  You  can upload a picture, a video message, or just write a statement!  I will collect these until Nov. 20 and then  share them  out with everyone!  Click the link below to start sharing now!

https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/rUPEzQiY

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS!

Our three new School Committee members were sworn in earlier today!  Congratulations to James Brockman, Nikki Hudson and Sarah Perkins!

 


GHS STUDENTS PRESENT:  IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE!

GHS Theater is putting together a feel good Fall show -- It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, livestreaming Nov 13-15!  
I know there might be some skepticism about the idea of spending time on Zoom for fun, but It's a Wonderful Life draws on the tradition of radio theater, which means it would be satisfying to listen to, even if there was nothing to look at...  and there is PLENTY to look at.  The cast is doing beautiful work bringing this story to life, and it's a pretty good one for the moment we find ourselves in.

We hope you can make it!  Order through Broadway on Demand:
Pricing information:
  • $5 for "Single Viewer Stream"
  • $10 for "Household Stream"
  • $20 for "Platinum Contributor Stream"
Note: Each purchase comes with a service charge of $2-3 to BOD.  

Patrons will have 24 hours to use the link from the time the livestream begins.  (If they miss the livestream what they'll see is a pre-recorded performance.)

Live Streaming! 
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Friday November 13 and Saturday November 14 at 7:30
Sunday November 15 at 2pm  
Email ghstheater@gorhamschools.org to reserve!



ASPIRE GORHAM NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER



I wanted to share November's Aspire Gorham Newsletter with you!  CLICK HERE to view!

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE THIS WEEKEND - CHECK OUT OUR TRAILS!

Have you explored the awesome trails located right here in Gorham?  If you haven't - YOU SHOULD!  Nice weekends like the one we have coming up are running short before Maine's winter takes over...CLICK HERE to see what trails you can explore along with the Cherry Hill Farms Trails without having to go far at all! 

That's it for this week folks...STAY SAFE and WEAR THOSE FACE COVERINGS!☺






























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Friday, October 30, 2020

October 30, 2020 Blog Update

Before I get to  the informational part of this update, I just  wanted to share how proud I am  of our schools, our school staff, students and parents.  Its been an interesting time these past several  months, but  our school community continues to be resilient, creative, and focused on  the right things  - supporting one another! An example (of many possible ones):  who says you can't do a school wide pumpkin painting event under COVID 19 physical distancing restrictions?  Narragansett students and families  certainly  don't!  CLICK HERE to view the full slide show...LOVE TO SEE THOSE SMILES!


We just finished  week #8 of face to face instruction under our hybrid model.   As we  continue to see COVID 19 cases rise all around us and across the state, let's first count our blessings and then let's continue to show our community how much we care about one another by:

*  wearing those masks, 
*  washing/sanitizing those hands frequently and 
*  keeping our 6 ft of physical distance 

I challenge all of us to do what we can to keep this positive train going!  GO  RAMS!

Now on to the  informational "stuff"...

K-5 REMOTE LEARNING FAMILY SURVEY NOW "LIVE" - PLEASE PARTICIPATE!

K-5 remote learning families should have gotten information yesterday regarding a survey that we'd  like you to complete.  It is earlier than we had anticipated originally, but that's Gorham...always trying to reflect, correct and improve!  The survey asks K-5 remote learning families  if there are any families interested  in having their students return to face to face  instruction via the hybrid model beginning on Nov. 30, 2020.  I am sharing this with all of you so that you are all aware and so you all understand the reasons for asking this question of K-5 remote families earlier than anticipated.

As you may recall, as when were getting  ready to open schools back up again this fall, we asked K-12 families to choose  between  sending students to school 2 days per week under our hybrid plan or participating in our fully remote learning  program.  We made it clear that if  folks chose to participate in the  fully remote option they would have to stay in  that program option through Jan. 25, 2021. We needed this level of commitment from families to provide consistency, and we needed to make staffing and transportation decisions, etc. based on numbers of students participating in person and remotely in our  programming.  This all made perfect sense at the time, and still does - however - we neglected to really think about the differences between K-5 and 6-12  schedules.  K-5  operates its programming based upon trimesters while grades 6-12 operate their schedules based upon quarters.  Although January 25,  2021 makes perfect sense for our 6-12 learners because it falls at the beginning of the 2nd semester (end of 2nd quarter), it doesn't make as much educational sense for our K-5  learners as that date would fall smack dab in the middle of the 2nd trimester.

The District  Leadership Team identified this issue and have worked to develop a plan through which we could allow families currently in the K-5 remote  learning program to elect to come back to the  hybrid model of  learning at  the conclusion of Trimester 1 (Nov. 30, 2020).  This timing makes much more  educational sense  for our  students at these grade levels.

That  being  said, I am asking all K-5 fully remote learning families to please participate in the survey linked below.   The survey is due Nov.  2 so that we have the data needed to make the necessary adjustments that would  allow K-5 remote students to return to the hybrid model beginning on  Nov. 30. 

Here is the survey link: https://forms.gle/XoGyDMDNkq6NyRms9 
Please be sure to read the  full introductory letter for specific details!

Now, just because we have moved this timeline up  for K-5 does not mean K-5 remote families MUST choose to return to hybrid.  K-5 remote learning families may absolutely choose to remain in  this program.  If you do, we will check in again at the end  of January to honor our original timeframe  (however we'd discourage transitions for K-5 students at this time), and one more time at the  end of the 2nd trimester (March 13, 2021). As was the case from the beginning, if a  family participates in the hybrid model, that family can always choose to go to the fully remote program at any time...they just can't go from the remote program back to hybrid until these designated times.

For 6-12 fully remote  families, we will be sticking with the original date to check in with you on this important decision.   We are keeping this timeline because of how the courses are structured online  for participating students.  We'll be sending  a survey out to 6-12 families as we get to December.

For any of our remote learning families, please  reach out to your learning coordinators with any questions you  may  have!

WHAT WILL  SNOW DAYS  LOOK LIKE THIS YEAR?

As I foreshadowed in my last blog post...snow days will look very different this year.  Yesterday K-5 families received  a copy of this SNOW DAY PARENT LETTER in their Thursday folders. Today, I'm making sure to share with all families K-12 via  this blog post  and then Grades 6-12 families will likely also see  it again in  your school based weekly updates.   Please read this  letter  and reach out to your  building principal and/or your child's teacher with any questions you may have.

Also as was mentioned in the snow day parent letter, those families who are interested in participating in  our snow day meal program need  to sign up to participate. On snow days we can anticipate coming  (which isn't all of them, but likely most of them), families are able to sign up for an  additional  meal to be either sent home or delivered to them  on the day before the storm.  You can  learn more about this program and how  to  sign up by CLICKING  HERE (scroll to just  below home delivery message).  If you have questions,  please call Michael Sanborn at 222-1375.

WINTER ATHLETICS 

After Wednesday's announcement by the MPA regarding the delay of the winter sports season from its typical starting date of Nov. 16, I am starting to get some questions regarding what our plans are for winter athletics  in Gorham.  First, I want to let folks know that this delay was not a surprise...as with everything else this year...typical schedules really aren't able to be "typical" with COVID 19 around. 

The MPA  is doing exactly what it needs  to do to develop plans to safely conduct winter programming.  They are working collaboratively with the Maine Department of Education, DHHS, Maine Superintendents Association and others to look at ways in which these programs may safely occur.   Their timeline is solid and we hope to have detailed plans in place well in advance of any newly established start date.  

For those who are interested, I can share that the basis for any  planning in  this area is through the use of the State's Community Sports  Guidelines.  Feel free to click on the link to learn more.

Whatever the results of this important work - rest assured that the Gorham Schools will offer whatever programs we safely can for our students.  We strongly value the ability of our students to be active in our schools beyond academics and this won't  change because of COVID 19.  We are working on "plan A",  "plan  B" and "plan  C" to make sure of it!  I know  that  our  trusted Athletic Director Tim  Spear will work  hard at keeping students and families informed.   I encourage  patience and please stay tuned!

ONE LAST PITCH -  PLEASE BE SURE TO VOTE ON NOV. 3!

If you haven't already done so (and many of you have), please remember to make a plan to get out and vote on November 3rd!  Need information on polling locations for this year?  CLICK HERE.  Need information on what's on the ballot?  CLICK  HERE.  Need information on the School's bond referendum question and the need for approval of our $5,689,000.00 bond request...check  out my blog posts for:


*  September 18, 2020
*  October 2, 2020 and
*  October 9, 2020

You may need to scroll a little on each blog post linked above, but each post gives specific details on all six projects requested as part of the school bond referendum question.  If you don't want to scroll for those details, you can CLICK HERE for a one page summary of each project as well.   

Also for those of you that weren't able to watch the Candidates forum for School Committee members...the link is below if you want to watch...

https://vimeo.com/471081943

There is no more important civic duty than voting and this year, more than ever, our leaders definitely need to hear our collective voices!  See you at the polls! 


UPDATES  TO  COVID19 WEBPAGE

Just wanted to make  you all aware that I've put a few updates onto the COVID19 Webpage...nothing too  significant,  just some updated info on what are considered common and less common symptoms and some updated flow charts from the MDOE.  I've updated  the student/family handbook  to reflect  these changes.  

As always, if you have questions, please reach  out to your school nurse!

UPDATE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION DISTRICT-WIDE WORK

The Gorham School Committee continues to work on  refinement of its DRAFT Anti-Racism Policy  which you can view by CLICKING HERE.  At the last meeting of the Gorham School Committee, the Committee also voted to create an  "Anti-Racism Ad Hoc Advisory Committee".  The purpose of this new committee is listed below:

"The Gorham School Committee and the Gorham School Department reject all forms of racism as (it is) destructive to the district’s mission, vision, values, and goals.  This Committee is established in an effort to eliminate all forms of racism, intolerance, inequity, and disparity in our school system. We aim to ensure that each school creates a welcoming equitable culture and inclusive environment that reflects and celebrates the diversity of the district’s student population, their families, the community, and an environment that reflects our Code of Conduct."

The Committee will be chaired by a designated member of the Gorham School Committee and will be jointly administered by the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Additionally the Committee will be facilitated by an outside trained consultant. Members of this Committee will include the following:

* Students (2 GHS),
* Staff (1 from each school),
* Parents/Guardians (1 each grade span),
* Community Members (2),
* 1 Administrator from each grade span, and the Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, and
* 3 School Committee Members

Additional invited guests will be brought in as needed throughout the course of the Committee's work.

Among such other duties as the School Committee may from time to time assign, members shall collaborate with the Superintendent and/or their designee to support the achievement of the objectives specified in the Anti-Racism policy to:

  • Develop a plan to provide training to all administrators, teachers, and staff in cultural competency and anti-racist practices;

  • Review existing policies, programs, professional development and bring ideas/recommendations  in an effort to promote racial justice; 

  • In partnership with the “Teaching and Learning Committee”, examine and advise in the implementation of potential changes to curriculum and instructional materials for all grades to ensure they reflect cultural and racial diversity and include a range of perspectives and experiences, particularly those of historically underrepresented groups of color;  

  • Review discipline data based upon demographics and recommend alternative discipline processes, such as restorative practices; and

  • Examine demographic participation rates in curriculum programming and opportunities; 

  • Assist in the development of a plan to recruit a more diverse applicant pool;

  • Strengthen Civil Rights Teams at each school and support students and staff in their work.


The School Committee will be working to form this new committee through the month of November with the intent of beginning its work in earnest in December after the anti-racism policy has been voted upon. If you are a parent or community member interested in participating in this important work, please reach out directly to let me know. Again, my email is heather.perry@gorhamschools.org. Thank you!


IN A TIME WHERE SO MANY THINGS ARE CHALLENGING - LET'S  SHARE WHAT WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR!

I don't  know about all  of  you - but I am tired!  Not the physical variety...but the mental and emotional variety.  Something tells me I am not alone!  Parents/ have been working around the clock doing their best to help make this hybrid learning model work and that is no small feat!  Administrators, teachers and school staff have been doing the same!   Students have been working hard to focus and do their best to learn  in this new environment.  All of us  have been making the best of this poor situation and have remained focused on supporting one another, building and strengthening relationships.  All of this while being bombarded by 15 political fliers  in the  mail  each day, TV and radio political ads, political signs, and whatever we call the news now-a-days!  I KNOW - IT IS EXHAUSTING!

The other day I was walking by Baxter Memorial Library and I remembered an incredible program that we did together in Gorham about three years ago now.  It was called  "Happy, Healthy Gorham" - remember that?  There were  so many great  activities that came out of that work that were so uplifting and  showed the positive power of community!  My personal favorite was when we had our students and  staff join in with area businesses,  USM and community members to create gratitude ribbons.  These cloth ribbons were everywhere - where you could write what you were grateful for.  They were then collected and strung up all along the sidewalk by Baxter Memorial Library.  It was a site to see...and wonderful to walk by and read all the things we were grateful for as a community.

Now,  I  realize my own limitations and know that I can't  possibly recreate that awesome work in just a month or so, but given the fact that the Thanksgiving break is coming up - I thought - what a great time to once again recognize what we  are all grateful for!  To step back from  the fray and daily grind and to just take a moment to breath  and see the larger picture of what is important in our community.  So instead of ribbons...I've created a digital  medium for the same purpose called a "Kudos Board".  I would  ask EACH OF  YOU (students, staff, parents, and  community members - so please share) to click on the link below and share with everyone what  YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR.  You can upload a photo or a video and a message sharing what you are grateful for.  Once folks have had a chance to post, I will share it broadly...so have a little creative fun...follow our Code of Conduct and let's see what we can create together! I think we will  find that even though we are tired, and even though COVID doesn't seem  to be going anywhere anytime soon - we still all have so much to be grateful for as a community!   

HERE IS THE LINK:  https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/rUPEzQiY

VIRTUAL REALITY  - A BIG HIT AT GHS

Just one more quick thing to "brag about"... did you know that through our Aspire Gorham grant, we've been able to purchase THREE Virtual Reality kits for use in our schools with the focus on allowing students to experience career focused learning activities in our classrooms via distance?  These VR programs allow students to "dig  in" to hands on work experiences virtually without ever leaving the classroom - at least not physically!  Pictured below is Adam.  Adam is a GHS student who is one of the first students to utilize this exciting new program!  Adam is interested in mechanics.  Through use of this program, Adam is able to practice assembling and disassembling bikes and furniture virtually.  The program is engaging, it teaches real skills that can be used in the workplace, it is safe and best of all - it  is fun!  Thank you Aspire Gorham for making this possible for our students!



A GREAT FREE RESOURCE FOR EVERYONE ON SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

The Maine Department of Education just launched a new FREE resource for teachers and parents focused on Social Emotional Learning.  It really is an incredible resource...and did I mention it is FREE?

You can learn more by reading the News Release LINKED HERE.  Then feel free visit the home page, take a quick minute to sign up for a free account and then surf around all the great resources!














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Friday, October 23, 2020

October 23 Blog Update

Before I dive into the updates for the week...I wanted to take a moment to provide a special thank you to OUR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS!  If you weren't aware, this past week was School Bus Driver Appreciation Week across all of Maine's schools. We have incredible bus drivers here in Gorham who care passionately about the students and the community they serve...and our students and staff most certainly gave them a strong sense of appreciation  this week.   Just a few pictures  below, but please know our drivers got cards, notes of encouragement and plenty of smiles underneath those masks this past week and they deserved every piece of recognition they got!  OUR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS IN GORHAM ROCK!


  

Now, on to the updates...

GHS STUDENTS PRESENT:  IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE!

Our GHS students aren't going to let a little Global Pandemic get in the way of their fall play!  What a creative bunch!  Yes - they have found a  way to still have a play while following all the safety rules as a RADIO PLAY!  SO PROUD TO BE A RAM!  AWESOME WORK!

Check out the flyer for more information:

Live Streaming! 
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Friday November 13 and Saturday November 14 at 7:30
Sunday November 15 at 2pm  
Email ghstheater@gorhamschools.org to reserve!



GORHAM FOOD PANTRY COULD USE YOUR HELP!

I know this is pretty short notice, but ...the Gorham Food Pantry is doing a food drive TOMORROW, October 24th from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  You can drop  food items off anytime between that time.  They are located next to St. Anne's Church at 299-B on Main Street in Gorham.  Please see the flyer LINKED HERE for more details. This organization has helped our community so much over the years, and now more than ever they need our help to  keep doing the incredible work they do to support Gorham!


GORHAM ACTION TEAM FOR YOUTH - ASKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!
The Gorham Action Team for Youth is a coalition of people focused on promoting positive youth development and preventing at risk behavior for youth! We are looking for your input in what our Gorham community needs are, so we can continue to do this work. Please fill out this brief survey to let us know your thoughts and ideas so we can better serve our Gorham Youth. Please take just a few minutes to fill out this survey.

https://forms.gle/HXfaVtp6npV27dJq6

BAXTER LIBRARY - GETTING IN ON SOME 
HALLOWEEN FUN!

Baxter Memorial Library folks wanted to get in on the Halloween fun this year!  Of course this  year has created some special challenges  in what may have been traditional methods of celebrating, but that hasn't stopped them from becoming creative!  They've worked to create a fun alternative for children and families alike! 

Introducing the Harry Potter Horcrux Hunt! We will be placing flags with familiar horcrux insignias around downtown Gorham. We will have poetic clues posted on our website with a google form that participants can fill out with their answers.   Check out the flyer LINKED HERE and learn more on Baxter Memorial's website by CLICKING HERE.  Looks like loads of fun! 


A REMINDER...NOVEMBER 3 IS A REMOTE LEARNING DAY FOR ALL STUDENTS K-12

I had put this out a while ago, but I've recently gotten some questions so wanted to make sure to be clear that because three of our schools will be utilized as polling locations this year, we have moved the November 3 date to  a remote only learning day for all students across grades k-12.  

This move will allow the town to utilize our schools as polling locations that are large enough to spread folks out and ensure appropriate distancing and other safety measure are in place for voting safely.  Please know that at the end of the evening, buildings will be sanitized thoroughly and will be ready for use by  students again  the next day.

Students in group B  who would have had their face to face learning day on Nov. 3 will now have their face to face learning day on Friday, November 6, 2020 so that all students still get their 2 face to face days of instruction that week. 

As a related reminder, if you want to keep track of A and B learning days scheduled throughout the school year, you can CLICK HERE to view our school district calendar.

SPEAKING OF NOV. 3 - BE SURE TO GET OUT AND VOTE!

If you haven't already done so (and many of you have), please remember to make a plan to get out and vote on November 3rd!  Need information on polling locations for this year?  CLICK HERE.  Need information on what's on the ballot?  CLICK  HERE.  Need information on the School's bond referendum question and the need for approval of our $5,689,000.00 bond request...check  out my blog posts for:

*  September 18, 2020
*  October 2, 2020 and
*  October 9, 2020

You may need to scroll a little on each blog post linked above, but each post gives specific details on all six projects requested as part of the school bond referendum question.  If you don't want to scroll for those details, you can CLICK HERE for a one page summary of each project as well.   

Also for those of you that weren't able to watch the Candidates forum for School Committee members...the link is below if you want to watch...

https://vimeo.com/471081943

There is no more important civic duty than voting and this year, more than ever, our leaders definitely need to hear our collective voices!  See you at the polls! 



RESULTS OF THOUGHT EXCHANGE SURVEYS 
COMING SOON!

We are currently working on coding themes for Thought Exchange Survey Results...we had incredible  participation, which  is awesome...but that means it takes a little longer to code responses for accurate theming.  Our plan at this  point is to present the findings of all three surveys (Parents, 6-12 Students, and  Staff) at the November regular School Committee meeting.  That meeting is scheduled for THURSDAY, November 12 at 7:00 p.m.   We typically don't meet on Thursdays but due to the Holiday that week, it was moved.  The meeting will be live streamed on GOCAT for those that wish to watch.  We will then post the survey result summaries to everyone immediately after that.  I want to take a moment to THANK those that participated...the information gathered has already begun to be used to help strengthen programming for our students!  

"LISTENING TOUR" ON TOPICS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION DATES ANNOUNCED FOR  PARENT PARTICIPATION

As promised, I am moving forward with plans for a large scale "listening tour" with students,  parents and staff on the important topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our schools.  I am currently working with Civil Rights Team leaders and others to determine the most appropriate means through which I can listen to the stories of our student experiences across grades K-12 and hope to have those plans solidified within the new few weeks.  For parents, I have developed a two step listening tour process.  The first involves voluntary participation in a google survey.  The aim of the survey is to offer up an ability for parents to share their experiences within the Gorham Schools with the issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in a safe and anonymous way.  The survey won't be your typical survey.  It won't ask your opinion.  Instead, it will ask you to share your experiences through the telling of stories.   At the end of the survey you will have the opportunity to share your name and email contact information if you'd like to set up a one on one meeting with me to more deeply share your stories and experience.  For those that wish to participate in this piece, I will then reach out to schedule a time to meet with you.  

To be clear, these surveys and potential follow up meetings will NOT be a time for me to lecture to you on this topic, and conversely, it is not intended to be a time whereby you lecture me on this topic.  Instead, the focus is on SHARING  REAL STORIES...SHARING OUR REAL EXPERIENCES...and on LISTENING to these shared experiences as they relate to our schools.  No judgement, no blame, no finger pointing.  Just respect, honesty, courage, compassion and responsibility - sound familiar? ☺

I would ask parents who are interested in participating to please complete the survey/story by November 20, 2020.  I look forward to hearing from you and as always, if you have questions, please feel free to email me at heather.perry@gorhamschools.org

Here is the link to the survey.  

https://forms.gle/JSEauWFZpD4SqiJHA



A REMINDER - SCHOOL LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM IS MOVING FROM SATELLITE SERVICE TO HOME DELIVERIES BEGINNING  NOV. 2, 2020 - PLEASE  PARTICIPATE IN SURVEY!

As  was shared in my last blog post, I just wanted to remind  families that beginning on November 2, 2020 we will be closing down our two breakfast/lunch pick up sites.  Instead we are moving this program to full home delivery status.  This means that any family can get a free breakfast/lunch delivered to their home on their "at home learning days" or if you are a remote only family, on any day of the week.  Students will still be eligible for a free breakfast and lunch on the days they are present at school.  If you are interested in participating in this home delivery service, please go to the SNP website LINKED HERE and complete the survey.  Thank you!

SNOW DAY DETAILS COMING SOON

Well if  you visited the SNP website from  the previous section, you probably saw a little something on there about snow days too.  I know, I know...most people DO NOT  want to be thinking about snow right now, myself most definitely included!  Unfortunately, it is getting close to that time of the year once again when we need to be thinking about snow days!  Along with everything else in 2020, COVID 19 is placing its "fingerprint" on snow days as well.   I wanted families to be aware that we are putting the finishing touches on plans for how we will deal with snow days this year, in a year like none other!  The good news is...it looks like we'll  be able to continue our learning programs on snow days in a similar fashion to how  at home learning days are occurring now.  This means that we will NOT have to make these days up at the end of the year as usual which ultimately results in an earlier start to our summers.  The bad news is...well, that traditional snow days are likely not going to occur this year.  I know! I can hear the collective groans of students from here...and likely even louder screams from our GHS seniors!  My apologies!  This is why I wanted to get this news out there earlier rather than later!  A detailed parent letter will be going home on Thursday of this coming week with  more information on  exactly what to expect and  how these days will be communicated.  I will also link that detailed letter into my blog post so folks can be sure to see it.  For now, just wanted to make sure you all knew it was coming so you can look for it and be sure to read it when it is sent.  Please stay tuned.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT COORDINATORS - PARENTS HELPING PARENTS!

Participation is picking up on these important sites...which is GOOD.  There is nothing like knowing there are other parents out there struggling with the same things you are, and focused on helping one another through these difficult times.  Sharing ideas, "tricks of the trade" and other resources with one another!  These pages are all about parents helping parents get through these unprecedented times!  You can join to seek support or you can join to offer it, or - more likely - BOTH...but I strongly encourage you to join!  Here are the links and numbers of members for each page...Hope to see you online!


That's plenty for this week...ENJOY YOUR WEEKENDS!







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