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!

VIDEO FROM MRS. PERRY

Resources:

*. Maine Department of Education - Framework for Re-opening Schools

*. Video Link to School Committee Meeting of Feb. 24, 2021

*.  K-5 Data Presentation Slides

*  6-8 Data Presentation Slides

*. 9-12 Data Presentation Slides

*. 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! 

*. March 12 Live Stream Link 

*. March 13 Live Stream Link

*. March 14 Live Stream Link

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!