Friday, February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

Good afternoon everyone!  I hope you all had an enjoyable February break and and enjoyable return to school this past week for our 23rd week of face to face instruction!  I have a lot of information to get to this post to include a video message from me and lots of other useful information...but before I do that, I did just want to take a moment to share some random pictures of our students in their learning environments, doing what they do best - engaging in meaningful learning and having fun while doing it!


HOW IS OUR HYBRID MODEL OF LEARNING WORKING IN GORHAM?  WHAT DOES THE DATA SHOW?  WHAT ARE NEXT STEPS?

I wanted to address this important topic more face to face, so please watch this relatively brief video message from me and then click on to the resources included below, then don't forget to keep reading!


Resources:

*. Maine Department of Education - Framework for Re-opening Schools
*. Link to School Committee Website where future agendas and packet materials can be viewed.

UPDATED VACCINATION INFORMATION FROM MAINE CDC

Earlier this afternoon we just received an update from the Maine CDC regarding vaccination timelines that I thought everyone would be interested in.  As you can see when you read, the message was geared towards educators, but the timelines apply to everyone...so I thought I'd share!  Their message is below:

Today at 1:00p.m., Governor Mills announced a vaccination timeline that continues to prioritize eligibility based on age, given that this is the single greatest factor for serious illness or death, should one contract COVID-19.
 
The planned schedule, which is subject to change depending on fluctuations in vaccine supply, including an acceleration if supply increases, is as follows: 

  • March 3: Eligibility expands to residents age 60 and older 
  • April: Eligibility expands to age 50 and older 
  • May: Eligibility expands to age 40 and older  
  • June: Eligibility expands to age 30 and older 
  • July and beyond:  Ages 29 and under, including children pending authorization of a vaccine for them  

As part of the update to the vaccination strategy, Governor Mills also directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to provide in the coming weeks vaccination opportunities dedicated to public pre-K-12 school staff who are eligible for vaccination within the age categorizations.
 
Planning is underway to ensure a streamlined opportunity for vaccination for the education workforce, and school staff can expect to receive information from the DHHS and DOE on when and where these opportunities will be provided. The Department of Education has provided rosters of staff, including age and place of employment for all education staff in NEO to help inform the planning process.
 
DHHS and DOE will work in partnership to organize special vaccination options for age-eligible teachers and staff in public pre-K through 12 schools. This means that, in March, approximately 10,500 education personnel aged 60 and older will qualify for vaccination.  Initially, school staff designated opportunities will be available in each of the nine superintendent regions, and various delivery models are being considered to ensure efficient and accessible options. DOE and DHHS will be providing superintendents, teachers, and staff with information on the locations and dates of clinics so that eligible staff can register.

Age-eligible school staff can also seek vaccines on their own from publicly accessible vaccine sites, like other eligible Maine residents, if they prefer.

At this time there is no action needed on the part of school and SAU leaders. We will be working with our colleagues at DHHS and CDC to share additional details as soon as they become available.

UPDATED TRAVEL GUIDELINES FROM CDC

No changes from my last blog post before the break, but the CDC did send out this helpful chart where all the various requirements are listed on one page that I thought was helpful...so I'm sharing.  Remember, if you have any questions, please always reach out to your school's nurse.

GHS THEATER ANNOUNCES UPCOMING VIRTUAL SHOWS!

GHS theater students are putting on a classic Alfred Hitchcock radio play!  Check out the poster below and then the individual links to access the live stream are included below!  Mark your calendars!  I know our GHS Theater students are talented - it will definitely be worth the watch!  GO RAMS! 


READ ACROSS AMERICA THIS COMING WEEK

I know our schools are excited to celebrate Read Across America this coming week!   Such a great time to celebrate and emphasize the importance of literacy for our children and for our community! Additionally, with the closing of Black History Month, it is also a wonderful time to weave in conversations with children about diversity and its importance!  One of our talented teachers has created an awesome resource for staff and families alike - a link to a diverse book read aloud library!  The link is below.  Just click on the link and then find a book of interest listed and sit back and enjoy as a family!

CLICK HERE to enter the diverse book read aloud room! 

LOOKING TO HELP WITH FOOD INSECURITY?

I know our Gorham food pantry does an AWESOME JOB in this area for sure, but another opportunity was shared with me the other day by a Gorham parent for those that may be interested...the program is called "Lasagna Love".  I know...if you are a lasagna lover like I am...perks the interest right?  Here's a quick summary about the organization
from their website:


Please see the flyer below for some additional information or visit their website, to learn more and sign up if interested! 


IN CLOSING - A SHOUT OUT TO OUR DEDICATED STAFF!

We are so very blessed here in Gorham to have some of the best educational staff around!  I wanted to share a link to an event that Great Falls Elementary Staff pulled off for their families just before the break.  They called it a "Light Parade".  CLICK HERE to view the video.  Although this event was done at Great Falls, it represents the commitment and passion of all our school staff, EACH OF WHOM would readily volunteer to stand out in the frigid cold (whatever that may symbolize),  to support our students.   WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS, WE LOVE OUR FAMILIES, WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY!  I've shared this quote with folks before, but to me it bears repeating:  "What Comes Out of Us When We Are Squeezed. . . IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF US!"  (Neilia Connor).  As we continue to navigate this pandemic in Gorham...I don't know about you - but I LIKE WHAT IS INSIDE OF US HERE IN GORHAM! I encourage us all to stay the course and remain focused on what is most essential...supporting for and caring for each other!  

THANK YOU!




Friday, February 12, 2021

February 12, 2021 Update

Good afternoon everyone and HAPPY FRIDAY!  Let's take just a moment to make sure we celebrate the fact that we have made it through Twenty-two weeks of face to face learning in Gorham in the midst of the COVID 19 Pandemic!  I am so glad I am not a betting person, 'cause I would have lost BIG TIME if someone had asked me to place a bet saying we'd make it this far!  I realize that our hybrid learning model isn't 5 days per week, but I also remember what it was like to spend 3 months under complete distance learning and I am so very very happy we have not had to go back to that!  Our students are so incredibly resilient.  I know I am not alone when I say we are so very glad to be able to see them on a regular basis even if it isn't every single day.  Here's just a few images of our students and what learning looks like for them in this brave new world:



Lots to share today...so let's get to it!

NEW TRAVEL INFORMATION FROM CDC & OTHER IMPORTANT COVID RELATED MESSAGING

First, just wanted to share a message from the Maine Department of Education regarding traveling over the break.  It is pretty much the same reminder I shared in last week's blog but ALSO includes a little more information on international travel, which is NEW.  Please read:

In accordance with Maine travel guidelines, any staff or students who travel within the US to any state other than New Hampshire or Vermont (no restrictions as of 2/08/21 for these two states only), they will be required to EITHER

          1. Complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Maine and continue to monitor for signs and           
               symptoms for an additional 4 days OR 
          2. Obtain and receive a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test 
              result within 72 hours of return to forgo the 10-day quarantine. 
                 
*NEW*NEW*NEW* - The Maine CDC has also provided guidance as it relates to international travel. The current risk assessment level for COVID-19 is at 4, or VERY HIGH, for nearly every country. You can review the risk levels by country, here

At this time, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight back to in the United States. See Frequently Asked Questions about this requirement for more information. 

Upon return to the United States, staff and students must quarantine. International travelers can return to school after they EITHER

          1. Get tested 3-5 days after travel, and receive a negative test result AND stay home and self-
              quarantine for 7 days after travel, OR
          2. (If electing not to get tested) Do not get tested and stay home for 10 days after travel. 

Please be sure to avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not. 

All members of the household who travel must test or quarantine if over 12 months old. Testing site information for Maine can be found, here. Any person who is quarantining should stay home, and not have in-person contact with others unless there is an emergency. 

Bottom line, PLEASE BE SAFE OVER THE BREAK!  We want everyone to be able to return to school safely on Monday, Feb. 22!  We don't get enough time with all of you as it is, and we definitely DO NOT want to see our students less as a result of having to quarantine if it can at all be avoided!  So, over the break, please, please, please do what you can to continue to follow best practice safety protocols: (1) wear a mask, (2) wash/sanitize your hands frequently and (3) keep your six! I know we're all tired, but we must keep focused in order to help protect our schools and our neighbors.  THANK YOU for all that you have done, for all you are doing, and all you will continue to do to remain focused on this goal as a community! 

MAINE'S NEW VACCINATION LAW WILL BE IN FULL EFFECT THIS COMING FALL - LET'S BE PREPARED!

I wanted to spend some time today talking about the "new" vaccination law in Maine that is due to take full effect in the Fall of 2021.  This new law impacts many families in Gorham...and if you haven't already started to work towards updating your child's vaccinations to align with the new law, you really, really, really NEED TO START NOW.  I wanted to give you some resources and information to help...but first a little background information about what the law requires:

*. LD 798:  An Act To Protect Maine Children and Students from Preventable Diseases by Repealing Certain Exemptions from the Laws Governing Immunization Requirements.  Was passed into law (Chapter 154) by Maine's Legislature and approved by Maine's Governor in May, 2019.  You can review the full LD language by CLICKING HERE.  

*. This law takes FULL EFFECT on or before Sept. 1, 2021 at the beginning of the 2021-22 School year.

*. This law REMOVES religious and philosophical exemptions as a reason for immunization non-compliance and allows only for medical exemptions.  There are also a few exceptions specifically related to a student with an IEP.

*. As was the case previously, the law requires evidence of immunization or immunity against the following:  Poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.  Additionally, for students entering 7th grade immunization against meningococcal disease is required (one dose) and students entering 12th grade are also required to have immunization against meningococcal disease (2 doses).

*. Non-immunized students shall not be permitted to attend school unless one of the following conditions is met:

            1.  The student's parent/guardian provides to the school written assurances, signed by their                             PCP, that the child will be immunized within 90 days of enrolling in school or his/her first                         attendance in classes, whichever date is EARLIER.  (Note: This lee-way is primarily for new                     incoming K students or students who have transferred in from other school systems since this 
                 will be their first enrollments in our schools.  Those that have been previously enrolled in                             the Gorham schools will not have this option).

            2.  The student's parent/guardian provides to the school a written statement each year from a                             licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that, in his/her professional                             judgement, immunization against one or more of the diseases may be medically inadvisable (as                 defined by law).

Our nurses have reached out to families who are currently not compliant with immunization law earlier this fall.  If you are non-compliant and have started this important work to become compliant, excellent!  Please reach out to your school's nurse if you have any questions we can assist in answering.  If you haven't yet started this work, there is time to get caught up, but you should reach out directly to your PCP to develop an immunization catch up schedule immediately.  Currently, the CDC has an online recommended catch up schedule that you can review LINKED HERE.  There may be a very few situations where families who are working hard to get vaccinations caught up, are not able to due to medical requirements unique to their specific child.  In these VERY FEW POTENTIAL EXCEPTIONS, we would ask that you reach out to your school's nurse to provide for them a written statement signed by your child's PCP indicating the medical reason why the timelines can't be met and what the SPECIFIC PLAN (complete with dates and signature of PCP) is to complete the vaccinations as required.  

Ultimately, the Superintendent SHALL EXCLUDE from school any non-immunized student when there is a clear danger to the health of others as provided by law.  

Folks, I realize this is a bit of a hot topic for some.  I do apologize for the straightforwardness of this message.  However I hope you can also understand that at this point, the law is the law and public schools are required to follow and enforce the law.  I hope this strong reminder helps in encouraging folks to make sure children are vaccinated.  Please know that our school nurses are here to help support you as a family as you navigate these changes.  Please reach out, ask questions and they will do their best to assist.  However, please know that our nurses, our teachers, our principals, and even I cannot change the bottom line.  All students must meet the requirements of the new law beginning with the start of school in Fall, 2021.  Thank you in advance for your partnership in working with us to make sure these requirements are met for the safety of all students.

I have crafted the attached more formal letter LINKED HERE.  This letter will go out within the next two weeks to any family whose child(ren) are not fully compliant with vaccination laws.  Again, and as always, if you have questions please reach out to your child's school nurse.  THANK YOU.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH, EXAMPLES FROM GHS...

I have been impressed with the information being shared across all schools and the various ways that folks are working to celebrate Black History Month here in Gorham. As you know, the month of February is deemed "Black History Month" and is a time intended for us to reflect on our past, our present, and our futures through the lens of racial justice.  History tells us that although we have come so far...we still have a long journey ahead.  As we celebrate, we must also question.  As we acknowledge our shortcomings, we must also acknowledge and envision a brighter shared future ahead...a world where all people truly have equal opportunities and protection under our policies and laws.  I just wanted to share a few small examples (of many) of how this spirit is being honored at GHS this month...

1.  Our GHS Civil Rights Team has worked with our Career Coordinator, Eliza Kenigsberg to create a speaker series:  Check it out:

2.  Our GHS Safe Bae club spent a day making T-shirts and honoring the intersecting conversations regarding black history, racial justice and sexual violence and oppression.



These are just two examples of many.  Our goal...to keep these important conversations going!

NEW COVID 19 VACCINATION INFORMATION RESOURCE

Let's stick with the vaccination theme here for a moment while I let you know about a new "Vaccine Consult Hotline" that is now up and running from the Maine CDC.  Here's their announcement:

Maine CDC is excited to announce that the Vaccine Consult Line is now up and running!

Starting today you will now be able to direct callers with general vaccination questions to:  866-962-6062.   

The phone line hours are M-F, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

This is not a vaccination appointment line, but they can respond to most vaccination-related questions from the public.   Attached is a list of questions often fielded at our line. If preferred, the public may also use the following email:  COVIDVaccine@maine.gov

WESTBROOK REGIONAL VOCATIONAL CENTER - 2021 RECRUITMENT VIDEO - WORTH THE WATCH!

One of the very few benefits of the COVID 19 Pandemic is that organizations and programs that had typically flown under the radar in the past are now having to get creative in digitally chronicling their work and their programs.  In the past, WRVC staff would simply come to GHS to share their "pitch" with students about their incredible programs and why students should consider choosing to take classes to earn direct career related skills while still in high school.  Well with the pandemic this isn't possible, so WRVC had to create this promotional video about their programs.  It really does a nice job of providing an overview of their programs through using the voice of its students to talk about what they gained from participation.  

The Gorham Schools has spent the past several years, and will spend the next several years encouraging all students to participate in these incredible programs.  These programs allow students to learn valuable work related skills that give any student an advantage in whatever college or career path they choose.  Check it out to learn more about these incredible programs!  Here's the LINK!

INTERESTED IN WATCHING WINTER ATHLETIC EVENTS?  HERE'S HOW:

Just wanted to quickly make sure families knew how to access our winter athletic events.  Once again this winter (as in the fall) we are not able to allow spectators at the games...but YOU CAN WATCH RAM ATHLETICS ONLINE!  Check out the link below and YES - there will be games over the February break.  GO RAMS!



MAINE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION JOINS NEWS CENTER MAINE TO THANK SCHOOL STAFF AND EDUCATORS...YOU CAN HELP TOO!

The Maine Department of Education is excited to be working with NewsCenter Maine on a two-week campaign that aims to give Maine schools staff and teachers the giant shout out and thank you they deserve...and YOU CAN HELP!

With Valentine’s Day and the national #LoveTeaching week just around the corner, the Maine DOE and News Center Maine have formed a unique partnership to broadcast video messages from schools across Maine showcasing the amazing heroes that work in our local schools and districts.

From February 7th through February 21th, WCSH 6/WLBZ 2 has launched a Thank You campaign that will air as video clips during both their morning and evening news broadcasts. The video clips feature a broad range of school and district staff, working in schools in all regions of Maine, talking about where they work and why they love what they do.

During the campaign, NewsCenter Maine will also be soliciting videos from community members across Maine talking about their local teachers and school staff members, thanking them for all their hard work. Students and their families, as well as fellow educators, are encouraged to give a video shout out to say “Thank you!” and send along to NewsCenter Maine. One can share video by:

  • Using the Near ME tool of their mobile app
  • Texting them at 207-828-6622
  • Posting them on social media and using the hashtag #LoveSchoolStaff.

Be sure to tune into NewsCenter Maine, WCSH 6/WLBZ 2 now through February 21st to see the faces of the amazing people working to educate the youth in our state and hear from students and families who are sending in their messages of appreciation. Maybe you will even see someone from a school near you! A library of videos is available on the NewsCenter Maine website.

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO OVER THE VACATION?  HERE'S A FEW IDEAS!

The Gorham Outdoors Club has several different events planned over the February break.  You can check out a listing of these events by CLICKING HERE.  Events include:  Bucket drumming, frozen fitness challenge, Archery clinic, movie nights, and a snow-hole biathalon!  OUTDOOR Fun for all ages!  Check it out!

Baxter Memorial Library is also offering several great events.  CLICK HERE to view their events flyer and get more details by CLICKING HERE on their website to learn more!

CLOSING MESSAGE...STAY POSITIVE!  WE GOT THIS GORHAM!

Like the rest of you, some nights when I return home after a late night board meeting, or when I am just exhausted from a long, difficult day of work, I question why I do what I do.  Why?  Now the answer to that question is different for each of us.  Maybe you do what you do for your parents?  Maybe you do what you do because you feel like you make a positive difference?  Maybe you do what you do for the money?  Maybe you do what you do to keep whatever other "demons" are out there in your life at bay?  Each person's answer to that question is different.  

The other day, I was racing in between meetings and quickly trying to answer emails in between phone calls and I came across a video that was sent from our K-5 students to their "Grand-friends" at the Inn at Village Square and at Gorham House.  That video is LINKED HERE.  I began watching the video, and I'll be honest...started crying a bit.  Not because the video was sad.  Oh no...because that video was the thing I needed right at that time to remind me why I do what I do.  I think why I do what I do is likely very similar to why many of you do what you do as educators and/or as parents.   I do what I do so that (as a community) we can raise children like the ones seen in that video. Children who truly care for one another, for their families and for their entire community - including their "Grand-friends".  These students understood that, yes, maybe they were missing out on a traditional valentine's celebration with their friends, but that there were others who were probably missing out on more.  These students took the time to reach out, to send positive messages, and to tell people (some of whom they may have never met) that they loved them!  Oh yeah...that's why we do what we do!

Hopefully you too will watch that video, or maybe just parts of it, and feel that same sense of joy and accomplishment.  We really do have INCREDIBLE STUDENTS here in Gorham and that is not by accident!  It is because of them that we all need to do our best to remain positive, to support one another, and to have faith that together we really will get through this pandemic stronger on the other side as a community!



ENJOY YOUR FEBRUARY BREAK! ☺





















 

Friday, February 5, 2021

February 5, 2021 Update

Not sure if folks knew this or not, but this past week was School Counselor Week...and we have some of the best here in Gorham!  THANK YOU to our school counselors for their hard work and tireless dedication to our students:

*. Great Falls Elementary School - Ellen Berry

*. Village Elementary School - Becky Hayward, Stacey Sawyer

*. Narragansett Elementary School - Rachel Dunbar

*. Gorham Middle School - Heather Richards/Samantha McCloghry

*. Gorham High School - Betsy Anastasoff, Trisha Cherry, Kate Stevens and Samantha McCloghry

The image below was created and posted by Village Elementary School Staff to say thank you to their school counselor...but I think they wouldn't mind if I used it to honor all of our counselors.  THEY TRULY ARE ANGELS THAT WALK AMONG US...especially during this crazy pandemic!  THANK YOU for all you do to support our students and hold our schools together!


Now onto the updates!

COVID 19 TRAVEL REMINDERS 

As February break is right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to remind folks about travel restrictions that remain in place as we continue to battle COVID 19.  Rules really haven't changed much since the last holiday break...but just to be clear if students or staff travel outside of Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont during the break, they must:

EITHER Quarantine for 10 days upon return to the state OR provide a negative COVID 19 test result within 72 hours of return to the state before being able to return to school.

The one change that was made to this rule was for those who have tested positive for COVID 19 within the last 90 days.  If a student or staff member has tested positive for COVID 19 within the last 90 days and is outside of the required isolation time frame (in other words - you have recovered) you are not required to quarantine for 10 days or provide a negative test.  You would, however have to produce documentation of the positive COVID 19 test result within 90 days in order to return to school.  

As always, if you have questions, please reach out to your school nurse and they can help to guide you through requirements so you can plan appropriately.  If you think your travel plans may impact your child's ability to return to school promptly on Feb. 22, 2021 you should reach out to your child's school nurse or principal to ensure they are aware.  They can assist in guiding you to ensure students to not unnecessarily miss important instructional time. As always, your proactive communication with the schools is so very much appreciated!  THANK YOU!

SUMMER SUPPORT PROGRAMS OVERVIEW - MORE DETAILS TO COME

Believe it or not, I've already had some folks ask me about what the schools may be planning for summer support for students as families begin to look ahead and plan for their summers.  I can understand why folks would be thinking summer right about now, as the winter continues to roll on here in Maine.  So I thought I'd provide at least an initial overview of some of the additional support programming we have on the horizon in both the shorter and longer term.  I don't have specific details yet about staffing, or which students will be eligible for these programs as that is yet to be determined through RTI processes at the schools later this spring, but hopefully this information will provide parents with a sense of what to expect at least enough to plan around the summer.  

We will be planning five different programs this summer.  The first is a program we offer each year to those special education students who qualify.  This program is called our Extended School Year Program or ESY.  Qualifying students will participate in this program for either 4 or 6 weeks depending upon need.  This program will begin on July 6 and run through August 13 (for the 6 week program).  The second program is also another program we offer each year to high school students.  This program is our credit recovery program.  This is for students who were close to earning specific credits during the course of the year, but fell just short.  This program allows students to "recover" credits over the course of the summer.  There are specific requirements for students to be allowed to participate in this program.  If you have questions, please reach out to the GHS office or your child's guidance counselor and they can help you navigate.  

The next few summer programs will be new this year.  The first will be offered for all students in grades K-8.  This will be paid access to an online learning program called IXL in the areas of math and reading.  Students/families who would like to utilize this program over the summer on their own time and around their own unique summer schedules will be provided a sign up opportunity this spring along with some training sessions on how to utilize the program and then access to the program will be open for use all summer long.  We'll ask families who are interested in participating to sign up later this spring, so be thinking and feel free to ask your child's teachers about IXL as we currently use it across grades K-8 so they can help give you insights!  

The second new summer program will be a three week program for RTI Tier III students that will run from June 14 - July 2, 2021 REMOTELY.  The program will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during this three week period.  This program will basically extend the Personal Learning Plans (PLP's) for these Tier III students for this three week time frame.  Students will work remotely in small groups of 2-3 students with one learning facilitator to extend their PLP work in an effort to mitigate any "summer slide" concerns that may exist and to ensure these students are best prepared to return to school ready for success!

The third and final new summer program will be a six week, three day per week (T,W,TH), program for specifically identified students determined to be most in need of a summer learning boost through school based RTI processes across grades K-8.  This program will identify 10 students per grade level for this exciting summer learning opportunity.  Students who qualify will participate in a six week summer learning program focused on providing instruction in the areas of math, literacy, and social/emotional learning.  Students will attend these more "academic" learning programs each morning from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and then our plans are to offer students lunch and then a paid "membership" to participate in Gorham Recreation summer fun activities each afternoon.  

Again, more details to come, but wanted families to be aware of what we are thinking of for summer learning supports.  We will work to keep you informed as we get closer to summer.  

DID YOU KNOW?  COVID 19 VACCINATION FACTS

 Current Vaccines with FDA emergency use authorization include:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine has an efficacy rate of 95%. This means that about 95% of people who get the vaccine are protected from an infection with the COVID-19 virus. This vaccine is for people age 16 and older. It requires two injections given 21 days apart. The second dose can be given up to six weeks after the first dose, if needed.
  • Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1%. This vaccine is for people age 18 and older. It requires two injections given 28 days apart. The second dose can be given up to six weeks after the first dose, if needed.

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA). Coronaviruses have a spike-like structure on their surface called an S protein. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give cells instructions for how to make a harmless piece of an S protein. After vaccination, your cells begin making the protein pieces and displaying them on cell surfaces. Your immune system will recognize that the protein doesn't belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies.

For information about Maine's COVID 19 vaccination program, CLICK HERE. 

SAVE THE DATE K-12 PARENT FORUM WITH SUPERINTENDENT PERRY ON THE TOPIC OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN OUR SCHOOLS

As I work to put the finishing touches on my "Listening Tour" Findings, I thought it would be important to get a "save the date" out there to families interested in learning more about the initial results.  I have spent the past five months meeting with groups of students, individual students, surveying staff and parents and meeting with individual staff and parents to gather their recent stories and lived experiences in these areas and am now almost ready to share in an effort to begin a more public dialogue on this important subject. I must say, the stories I've been able to collect thus far are powerful. The details and format of the meeting are yet to be worked out, but the date is set.  Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.!  I'll share the meeting link and a reminder in a future blog post and will also be sure to link it into our district calendar.  Stay Tuned for more details!


THANK YOU GHOP FOR SUPPORTING GORHAM H.S. SENIORS!

On Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 10% of GHOP food sales will go to support Project Graduation for GHS Seniors!  If you are thinking about what to do for lunch or dinner on Thursday...think GHOP and help raise funds to support Project Grad.  THANK YOU GHOP for being a constant supporter of our schools and the children we serve!



FAMILY READ ALOUD RESOURCES

Earlier this week we celebrated "World Read Aloud Day" here in the Gorham Schools.  As awesome as that is... reading aloud to children is AWESOME EVERY DAY...not just one day per year!  As part of the world wide celebration an incredible video resource library was created for families to use that I thought would be valuable well beyond just this one day.  CHECK OUT THE LINK BELOW and find links to LOTS OF INCREDIBLE read aloud resources that could provide hours of literacy fun with your children!  Check it out by CLICKING HERE.


ASPIRE GORHAM FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER READY TO VIEW!

The February edition of the Aspire Gorham Newsletter is ready for viewing.  This month's newsletter highlights the stories of two of our incredible seniors - Jaela Boucher and Shey Ajayi.  Check out their stories and more by CLICKING HERE!


GO RAM SENIORS!

That's it for this week.  Looking forward to our 22nd week of face to face instruction in our hybrid model next week...and then a well deserved break for all!  Have a great weekend!