Funny how it seems we didn't have much of a summer during the actual summer months, but it now wants to make appearances this fall! Oh well! I know our students have certainly enjoyed the warmer (but not too warm) weather. Our teachers have also taken advantage of the additional time for outdoor learning opportunities along with their usual fun lessons! Check out the images below to get a glimpse into the past two weeks across our schools!
Now - On to the information!
SUPERINTENDENT'S UPCOMING COMMUNITY LISTENING TOUR ANNOUNCED!
Gorham is an incredible community! We have an incredible public school system. We have an awesome university right in our back yard. We have active churches. We have strong businesses. We have an energized downtown area. We have beautiful farms and rural lands. We have strong services for our community like police, fire, and recreation. There is no question that Gorham is a vibrant and continually growing community. People want to live and thrive here. But with continued growth, comes the need to continually learn, and adapt to changing conditions while holding on to the core tenants of who we are as a community.
As a Superintendent of Schools, I know that our public schools play a key role in the continued vibrance of our great community. People want to move to communities with good public schools, buy houses, work, and buy their gas and groceries there. People want to stay in communities with good public schools where children are supported by the whole community, where there are low crime rates, and active volunteerism by our youth who positively contribute to the whole. Good public schools have a positive impact on workforce development and the ability to attract and retain business to an area, which in turn supports more jobs and continued economic development.
As a school system we cannot control the growth of our community. We cannot control what is being asked of our public schools at the state and federal levels of our government. We can't control inflation. We can't control childhood hunger, or mental health needs or special education needs or any other of the large societal challenges facing our schools. However, what we can do is work to be as efficient as possible in the provision of our services and seek to understand more fully the conditions within which our community is working to support our schools. We can also work to help our community better understand what is being asked of today's public schools. We can then use this information collectively as a community to better plan for our future in ways that ensure we are able to remain a vibrant and growing community where people continue to want to move to, live in, and thrive in over the short and longer term.
This is the purpose behind my setting up FOUR evening community listening events. Each event will begin with a short informational presentation about our schools and then I will simply make myself available to do exactly what the title of these events suggests - I will sit and listen while community members present talk and share your thoughts and ideas.
I will use THREE leading questions to spur conversation among those in attendance...but we can wander in whatever directly those present wish to in terms of sharing information with me. I will take copious notes and I will then collect the information gathered and share the key themes that I hear with our school committee, and with our larger community (including Town Manager and Town Council) for use in future planning. The three leading questions will be:
* What are the top TWO things you value most about living in our community?
* What are the top TWO things you find challenging about living in our community?
* If you had a magic wand and unlimited funds - what ONE thing would you do in our community in order to maintain our vibrancy over the next 3-5 years?
I hope folks are interested in participating. Here are the logistics for these FOUR listening meetings. I'll get flyers and other materials out via social media as we get closer...
Dates
- November 13, 2023
- January 22, 2024
- March 26, 2024
- May 20, 2024
Times
- All meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last no longer than 1 hour.
Location
- Summit Community Church, Gorham ME. (26 Cressey Road, Gorham ME)
Food
- Light munchies, coffee, tea and water will be provided
Please mark your calendars and feel free to spread the word! It would be hard for me to listen just to myself! Even I get tired of that! ☺
GORHAM SCHOOLS REAP CLEAR REWARDS FROM SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS!
The Gorham Schools made agreements with CEP (Competitive Energy Solutions) back in 2021 to support three large scale solar projects. One of these projects is now fully up and online, a second project should be completed later this spring and a third project is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2024. The three solar projects (all in Maine) are:
1. Littlefield Solar
2. USS Togus Solar
3. Rensola Solar
With just one of these projects up and fully operational for 10 months now, we have already saved just over $17,000.00 in energy costs for our schools. In addition to saving these costs we have also used these projects to creatively increase revenues for our schools. We have accomplished this task by selling REC's (Renewable Energy Credits) that we own as a result of being partners in these three projects. Thus far with just the one project online for 10 months we have added $15,000.00 in revenue by selling 500 REC's.
Therefore, with just one project online for 10 months we have already "saved" $17,000.00 AND added $15,000.00 move to our revenue streams - having a total impact of reduced costs to taxpayers of $32,000.00.
When all three projects are fully online, we anticipate a total of $60,000.00 in reduced costs and a total of $90,000.00 in annual REC sales revenue. Combined, investments in these projects will save the taxpayers of Gorham approximately $150,000.00 annually.
Individuals can view our first year's report for the Littlefield Solar project by CLICKING HERE. Once we get the other projects online, we'll share that information as well!
CONTINUED LONG TERM CAPITAL PLANNING FOR THE GORHAM SCHOOLS
In February of 2022 the Gorham Schools, in collaboration with the Town of Gorham completed a long range facilities planning study with a company called CHA. You can view the results of that study by
CLICKING HERE. The Gorham Schools then once again worked collaboratively with the Town of Gorham to create a ten year capital needs plan for the schools. You can
CLICK HERE to view that.
The cliff notes version of our overall plan was/is this:
1. Complete expansion of Narragansett modulars as a TEMPORARY space solution to address elementary classroom space needs for next 5 -6 years (note since 2017 we have added 22 classroom spaces via modular expansion at Narragansett in alignment with this long term plan).
2. Seek to fund via bonds as many "immediate" needs possible as listed in the CHA facilities study over the next 5-10 years. (For example, addressing GMS and GHS HVAC needs and lighting upgrades).
3. Seek to create temporary classroom spaces at GHS in a three phase, mostly modular, expansion project that would address needs for cafeteria space, add space to re-locate adult education offices to the GHS site, and add up to 10 classroom spaces.
4. Apply for TWO capital building projects when the MDOE application cycle re-opens in spring of 2024. The two projects would be for a new high school project and a new elementary school project that would combine Narr. and Village schools and build in continued growth capabilities for both.
The overall idea being to add temporary space at Narragansett and GHS to address immediate growth needs while seeking capital funding from the state to fund the construction of at least one school, possibly two to address long term needs. We are working now to make sure we are prepared to put these applications in as soon as the process opens this spring. Of course, even in the best case scenario of the state approving TWO school construction projects in Gorham - the absolute earliest we would see a new school being opened would be fall of 2029.
While we are continuing to focus on our long term capital plans, we also continue to explore possible reconfigurations and other efficiencies to try and do the most with what we have. This work will be shared with the School Committee in November, 2023.
We are due to complete Phase III of the Narragansett Modular expansion this spring/summer. We just completed GMS HVAC upgrades this past summer. We completed Phase I of II of planned HVAC upgrades at GHS this past summer and will complete Phase II by Fall of 2024. As I hope you can tell - we are making continued progress on our long term capital planning, but that progress is slow and while it is ongoing other needs continue to compound.
All of this is good progress - however - when a plan seeks $14M in funding and we only get $10M, we need to re-work the plan. When student populations continue to drastically change, placing greater stress on our specialized programs for students and when our overall classroom space needs increase, we need to re-work the plan. When development in our community is set to continue with possible large scale implications for our schools, we need to re-work the plan.
Therefore, I wanted you to all be aware that we are indeed working to revise our 10 Year Capital plan this fall. That updated ten year plan will be be shared with the Gorham School Committee and the Gorham Town Council in November, 2023. Once it is completed I will be sure to share it with all of you!
Please stay tuned!
OCTOBER IS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
The month of October is bullying prevention month across our country. I thought this would be a great opportunity to remind folks about our bullying policies and prevention practices as well as to share some great resources families can use to have conversations about bullying at home.
Our Policies:
*
Procedure. JICK-R outlines the processes that our schools use to address reports of bullying.
*
Procedure JICK-E1 is the actual reporting form we use for students/staff/families to report bullying. Please know we accept all forms of reporting, so it doesn't have to be on this form for us to take action!
*.
Policy JICDA is our Code of Conduct. This policy outlines what are our expectations for student conduct across all of our schools so our students have a clear goal of what those behaviors should be rather than just a list of "what not to do".
Our Prevention Practices:
We do a lot in our schools for prevention practices. I'll list some but know that all of this work begins both at home and in the regular classrooms of our schools. The specific things listed are all part of creating a larger culture that simply does not tolerate bullying.
* PreK - Gr. 2 - Classroom Guidance allied arts rotation using Second Step Curriculum.
*. Gr 3-5 - B.A.R.R. (Building Assets and Reducing Risks) program with built in U-times.
* Gr. 6-8 Advisory program using Second Step Curriculum.
*. Gr. 9-12 Advisory program
*. Pre K - Gr. 12 Guidance Support programs.
*. Pre K - Gr. 12 Social Worker Support programs.
*. Elementary School Student Leadership Teams
*. GMS Student Leadership teams (ie. student council, civil rights teams, etc.)
*. GHS Student leadership organizations (i.e. Key Club, Interact Club, Civil Rights team, etc.)
*. School Resource Officers
*. Adopt a Classroom Program
*. Book buddy programs
In addition to all of this, our classroom teachers work closely with students across all grades to create classroom rules and expectations that honor our Code of Conduct and make clear that bullying is not acceptable behavior in our schools.
Some Resources for Families:
Below are some links to various resources that families might find helpful in talking with their children about bullying. Feel free to use those you may find valuable and trash the rest!
Our schools work hard to try and make our learning environments free of bullying. Have we removed bullying entirely from our schools? No, of course not. But do we continually strive to achieve that goal in collaboration with our families, students and staff? Yes, we do and we will continue to do so.
Please reach out to your child's classroom teachers, or building leaders if you have any concerns regarding bullying or if you are interested in learning more about how you can perhaps do more to help. Thank you for all you are already doing as families! This issue is not just a school issue and can only be tackled together and in partnership with our incredible families.
REMINDER - MENTAL HEALTH EVENTS COMING UP!
A reminder of some incredible programs coming up aimed to help support families in supporting children with mental health concerns! Check them out below:
*. FREE VIDEO LESSON SERIES (OPEN NOW) found on parentguidance.org. These are FREE videos specifically geared towards parents and teenagers that help provide common language and real experiences for families to talk about. Topics ranging from suicide prevention to de-cycling cycles of conflict with your child, to how to help instill confidence in children and lots in between.
*. FREE Virtual Family Mental Health Night – Talk to a Therapist - Gorham School District is partnering with The Cook Center for Human Connection to host a free virtual Family Mental Health night on October 11, 2023 from 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Participants will hear from a leading clinical psychologist, be able to ask questions, and learn about free resources available.
access on-demand virtual courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to
learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions. There are
courses on anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicidal ideation and other mental
health concerns. All courses are created by therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other
certified mental health practitioners. There is even a portal where you can “Ask a Therapist”
your tough questions, as well as see questions and answers from other parents.
* Student, Staff, and Community SPECIAL EVENT - Guest Speaker & Performer - Alex Boye - The Gorham Schools have partnered with the Biddeford School Department to bring world renowned performer Alex Boye to MAINE on October 24 & 25 to visit our two communities to deliver his inspirational message of hope and confidence. Alex will be working with GHS students in the afternoon of Oct. 24 and then he will provide our GMS and GHS staff with a training before coming out to hang out with our community for a FREE workshop and performance at GHS in the MPAC at 6:30 p.m. on the night of Oct. 24. More details will be coming on this - but in the meantime - Mark your calendars for an important evening event on Oct. 24 at 6:30!
WE NEED SUBSTITUTES !!!
- Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of children?
- Do you want to make a positive difference in our community?
- Are you looking for ways to support our schools?
- Would you be interested in making a little money while doing all the things listed above?
Well then, perhaps being a substitute in our schools is for you! We are in desperate need of substitutes in our schools, all grade levels, and all programs! Even if you can do just one day per week you can help!
What does it take to be a substitute in Gorham?
- HS diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of online application
- Approved CHRC fingerprinting through MDOE (we'll reimburse costs).
What is the pay?
- If teaching certified - $120.00/day
- If not teaching certified, but have completed our training course - $115.00/day
- If HS diploma or greater but have not completed training and are not certified - $105.00/day.
When are upcoming substitute training classes being offered?
- First course will be four nights on 10/16, 10/17, 10/23 and 10/30.
- We're also offering a second course over the nights of 11/27, 11/28, 12/4 and 12/5.
Interested? Reach out to lori.frederick@gorhamschools.org to learn more!
What are the steps to becoming a Sub in Gorham:
3. Complete onboarding and hiring processes with our business office (Sue Huff will reach out to you once #1 is completed).
4. Login to AESOP (training will be provided during onboarding).
Off you go!
PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A SUBSTITUTE IN OUR SCHOOLS! FEEL FREE TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AS WELL! THANK YOU!
IMPORTANT DATES COMING RIGHT UP...
Remember you can catch district wide events by going to our website and looking on the right hand side of the home page...but here's a few things coming right up that should be on your "radar"...
- No School on Monday, Oct. 9 in order to celebrate Indigenous People's Day.
- Week of Oct. 16 is Bus Driver Appreciation Week! Be sure to say "thank you" to our incredible drivers!
- Week of Oct. 16 will also be our Parent/Teacher Conference times. Please reach out to your school for details on sign ups and remember there is NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, Oct. 20!
- Oct. 18 will be our second Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed early on this day.
ASPIRE GORHAM FIRST MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF 2023-2024 AVAILABLE TO READ!
Aspire Gorham is going strong in the Gorham Schools! Each month a newsletter is published to help folks keep up to date with the great things happening in our schools as a result of this incredible program that serves our youth ages birth to adult! Check out the link below to learn more about Aspire Gorham and to read the September newsletter (once on the page just scroll down to view the newsletter)!
OCTOBER IS COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH!
Tom, Carol and Damon from the Gorham Town Planning Office wanted to remind folks that the month of October is Community Planning Month! They wanted to share the following information with folks that may be interested:
Gorham Planning Staff are excited to celebrate Community Planning Month this October. We hope you will participate, and help us spread the word! The attached flyer includes details on how you can participate. This includes:
● Ask The Planners Day – Please join us for sweet treats on October 12, 2023 between 9:00 and 3:00, to ask the planners about the plans Gorham has in place.
● Submit games and puzzles with name, email and phone number to the Planning Office to enter to win one of two gift bags worth $150. For puzzles and to find out more check out the town’s website.
o Scavenger Hunt
o BINGO
o Crossword Puzzle
o Word Search
● Stop by the Baxter Memorial Library for planning must reads and great suggestions for your book club!
That's enough information for this blog! Next one will be on October 20!
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