Update November 16, 2020
NEW COVID Information Center
The district has launched a new COVID Information Center that is linked to the district's website www.msad51.org and houses information related to COVID that is pertinent to families and staff. One of the features is a COVID Dashboard that tracks cases in the district with current status updates. Check out this link:
https://sites.google.com/msad51.org/covid-19-information-center/home
https://sites.google.com/msad51.org/covid-19-information-center/home
Day of Caring
Students at GMS were involved in the annual Day of Caring activities where they practiced an inclusive and welcoming school environment, as usual, with added emphasis on how to ensure all members of the school community feel welcomed and valued.New Picnic Tables
One of the projects using coronavirus relief funds was the purchase of 35 picnic tables for outdoor learning. These tables are good for sitting on-or even under-to enjoy a good book.
GHS Students Featured on NewsCenter 6
I love this story: two freshmen at GHS, Sean Allen and Charlie Moore, were featured recently on News Center 6 for starting their own nonprofit business where they sell calendars in order to help out students in the community who need cold weather clothing, along with school supplies. It is amazing what two young people can do when they decide that they can be part of the solution to a need in the community. Nice work! Check out NewsCenter's story HERE.Energy Savings Update
Siemens Industry provides us with periodic reports as to energy efficiency and savings based on a major energy project that was conducted in our schools about 6 years ago. Below is a table of the savings that have accumulated over this period, with the 6-year guaranteed savings being exceeded by about 22% from this project. Total savings since the initial project stands at $839,227. Click HERE to read the report.
Essential Standards
In a year of a pandemic, having focused learning outcomes becomes even more important than in typical years. Teachers have been working on developing Essential Standards for each grade level and content area, and they can be found on the district's website on the Curriculum page.UMaine On-the-Spot Day
Congrats to 37 GHS students who participated in the University of Maine "On The Spot" Admissions Day hosted by GHS senior counselor Melissa Fowler. All 37 students were accepted for the 2021-22 year.
Yellow Zone Update
Given that the pandemic is beginning to rebound across Maine at this time, and given that the State has not changed its requirement for 3-6' minimum social distancing in classrooms, there is little doubt that the district will be continuing in YELLOW after the December break. Though this is not a final decision as to the status of school in January, I am making people aware now in preparation for this likelihood.