Russell Review
March 2022
Message From Principal Blake
Dear Russell School Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. While I cannot believe it is March already, it seems like we are chugging right along after returning to school from February Break. As you may know, there are many changes coming our way this spring, especially related to our COVID-19 procedures and practices.
As Superintendent King recently shared, beginning on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, the health guidelines we operate under will change in many ways. Please be sure to take a few moments to review the numerous ways our guidelines have changed, including the shifts to our standard operating procedures surrounding COVID-19.
One of the most prominent changes is in regards to masking. As I hope you have read, beginning March 9th, mask wearing becomes optional for students and staff. It is important that we consider that this significant change will be received with mixed emotions. Many members of our community will be excited and elated to see these changes. For others, these changes will be uncomfortable. That being said, at Russell School our expectation is that everyone feels safe and respected for their individual choices. We recognize that the choices that families will make around masking will be done based on what is best for each individual family as determined by each individual family unit.
In the days leading up to March 9th, your child’s teacher will spend time discussing the transition from universal masking to optional masking. The intent of this discussion is to allow students time and space to process the changes in procedure. Teachers will share expectations around respecting an individual's choice, answering questions and discussing concerns, and reiterating that all students have a right to feel comfortable at school without judgment or comment for the choices they make around masking. This is the lens through which we approach everything at Russell School.
It is my hope that you will also find some time to reinforce these concepts at home as you discuss the right approach for your family. It would be helpful if you could reiterate that there is no right or wrong choice that can be made here. Together, we can make everyone feel valued and respected as members of our school community by having these proactive conversations at school and at home.
As always, I am happy to discuss any and all concerns you have regarding these upcoming changes. We will continue to put a finer point on implementation of the new standard operating procedures and communicate as transparently as possible. I continue to be thankful for your consistent partnership as we navigate the challenges present this school year.
Be well,
Mr. Blake
Updated Daily Health Screener
Upcoming Dates To Remember
2021 - 2022 School Calendar
Has Your Child Received Their Second COVID Vaccine?
This will be documented in our system and could be helpful in allowing your child avoid close contact exposures as we progress through the remainder of the school year.
Please be reminded that beginning March 9th children who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be exempt from masking should they be exposed to COVID here at school.
Thank you in advance!
Permission Slips Will Be Sent Home Shortly!
Pooled Testing Reminder
Please be reminded that we are currently implementing pooled testing in MSAD 15. Please know that students can be signed up at any time to join this very helpful program. Pooled testing is one mitigation effort that helps your child avoid quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure.
To get started, please fill out the consent form with your permission to perform a COVID-19 pooled test for your student at school. This process should take no more than 5 minutes to complete using a computer or a smartphone.
- First, click here (https://testcenter.concentricbyginkgo.com/minor-consent).
- Then, enter the access code for the school your child attends
- Finally, enter your child’s information, and you’re done!
- For Russell School (Grades K-2 in Gray) - 3GGZ43
- For Memorial School (Grades K-2 in New Gloucester) – 5BWV90
- For Dunn School (Grades PK, 3, and 4) – FXYGGR
- For GNG Middle School (Grades 5-8) - DUPT8W
- For GNG High School (Grades 9-12) - ZK81PV
Quick Overview of Pooled Testing
Reporting COVID Cases
Families can also choose to email information to Mr. Blake (dblake@sad15.org). Mr. Blake will forward information to all parties needed.
Dress For Success
Temperatures in our building are known to fluctuate substantially throughout the day. We highly recommend that students dress in layers now and through the cooler months; especially since we are prioritizing a lot of outdoor learning and windows open for additional ventilation in the classrooms.
Dressing in layers allows students the greatest opportunity to be at the just right temperature of their choosing. Please be sure that each layer is labeled with your child’s name so lost items can be easily returned.
Dress For Success Outside Edition
Now that we are well into winter weather here in Maine, students and families must be mindful of packing the appropriate gear to play outdoors! With colder temperatures in the forecast for this coming week, it is important that kiddos have all that they need to play outdoors.
As long as the "feels-like" temperature says 10 degrees, we are headed out for recess. Minimally, students should bring along winter jackets, hats, gloves, and boots each day. With snow on the ground, students will need snow pants to play in any area that is not the blacktop.
Your help with this is greatly appreciated!
Kindergarten Pre-Registration Has Opened For The 2022 - 2023 School Year!
Do you know a child living in Gray or New Gloucester who will be five years old on or before October 15, 2022? It’s time to pre-register those children to attend Kindergarten!
Help us spread the word... Russell and Memorial schools are currently accepting pre-registration for all students who will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Children living in Gray should register with Russell School, and children living in New Gloucester should register with Memorial School.
Please use the links below or you may call the school office for more information. You can reach Russell School at (207) 657-4929 or Memorial School at (207) 926-4322.
We are looking forward to welcoming your child into our schools!
Russell School (Gray): https://msad15.org/russell-school/kindergarten-registration-russell/
Memorial School (New Gloucester): https://msad15.org/memorial-school/kindergarten-registration-memorial/
Updates From The Kitchen
As a reminder, breakfast and lunch is free to all students for the 2021 - 2022 school year! Students are able to choose from two different breakfast options each day. These options have been, and will continue to be, outlined on the Breakfast Menu published each month. Students are often able to choose between three different lunch choices each day. Lunch choices are outlined on the Lunch Menu.
Milk Only
Students who choose to only get milk with their breakfast or lunch will be charged $0.50 for each milk they take. Families should plan ahead for such purchases and pre-pay using My School Bucks.
Menus
Students and families can find copies of the most current menu on our MSAD 15 website or by clicking here.
James W. Russell Elementary School
Email: dblake@sad15.org
Website: https://msad15.org/russell-school/
Location: 8 Gray Park, Gray, ME, USA
Phone: (207) 657 - 4929