News Spotlight

First Day of School: MSAD 15 letter to families

To: MSAD 15 Families
From: Craig King, Superintendent Date: August 14, 2020
Re: First Day of School

After a long summer of planning and preparation, we are ready to have our students back in school. All our employees in every department have been working very hard to be prepared for the first day of school on September 8, 2020. I’d like to offer my thanks to students, families, employees, and the broader community for the resiliency and adaptability they have shown since this pandemic began last spring.

Despite our best planning and preparation, we know we will encounter unforeseen barriers and obstacles as we implement the back to school plan. Your continued patience and willingness to adapt and change are greatly appreciated as we work together to solve problems that arise.

Please allow me to elaborate on a few key points:

Our Current Context There are conflicting and competing facts and opinions regarding COVID- 19 in the media and on social networks. Be that as it may, MSAD 15 takes very seriously the fact we are operating schools during a pandemic and state of emergency. The guidelines and expectations we have implemented are not arbitrary. They are designed to minimize a serious health threat to our students, employees, and community.

Bus Routes These will be posted on the MSAD 15 Transportation web page by end-of-day Friday, September 4, 2020.

Face Masks These are required on all our buses and in all our buildings. This, unfortunately, is non-negotiable. “Mask Breaks” will be scheduled during the day. The school will provide two cloth masks to each student.

Face Shields These are an acceptable alternative to masks if approved by an official 504 Plan or an IEP.

Neck Gators and Exhalation Valve Masks These are highly discouraged per Maine Department of Education Guidelines.

School Meals The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced we will be able to offer all students free meals through December 30, 2020.

Daily Health Checks Please remember parents must conduct daily health assessments of each child before boarding the school bus or entering a school building. By sending your child to school, you are indicating that you are conducting the health assessment that determines it is safe to send your child to school. A copy of the health assessment can be found at: https://msad15.org/covid-19-pre-screening-tool-for-school-attendance/

Please allow me to respond to some frequently asked questions parents have raised this summer:

What practices and approaches will continue this year?

  • Teachers will continue to have frequent communication with students and families.
  • Advisory program will continue for middle school and high school.
  • We will continue with a comprehensive nutrition program.
  • Teachers and other instructional personnel will continue to have a professional development focus on remote and hybrid learning.

What new strategies and approaches will be implemented this year?

  • We have reduced the number of technology platforms to be used. We have settled on three platforms: Zoom, Google Classroom, and See Saw.
  • We will have much more well defined-periods of instruction for specific subjects and courses.
  • Families and students will be able to see a weekly schedule of academic expectations in Google Classroom.
  • More effective use of screen time for teaching and learning.
  • There will be more synchronous instruction.
  • There will be more formalized attendance procedures and expectations.

What “top tips” do we recommend for students?

  • Create and keep a regular schedule and set of routines for both hybrid and remote learning.
  • Submit your assignments on time and avoid procrastination.
  • Speak to your parents daily about what you are doing in school.
  • If you need help with something or have a tough problem, speak to a teacher or other adult at school. Advocate for what you need.
  • Be able to adapt and adjust to changes that will occur. We know changes will happen so you will need some patience and flexibility.
  • Make use of the MSAD 15 At Home Learning Resource Page. https://msad15.org/support-for-students-families-for-remote-learning/

What “top tips” do we recommend for parents?

  • Help your child develop a regular schedule and set of routines for both hybrid and remote learning.
  • Provide your child a designated space for working that is free from distraction.
  • Speak to your child daily about what is happening at school.
  • If you or your child need help with something or are having a tough problem, speak to a teacher or building administrator.
  • Realize that there will be bumps along the way as we encounter changes. Please be patient and willing to adjust; however, do ask for assistance if you need it.
  • Make use of the MSAD 15 At Home Learning Resource Page. https://msad15.org/support-for-students-families-for-remote-learning/ Again, we are all looking forward to the start of the new school year. I wish everyone success and satisfaction as we move forward.

Again, we are all looking forward to the start of the new school year. I wish everyone success and satisfaction as we move forward.