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.
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.
. 
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! ☺
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