Russell Review
September 22, 2021
Message From The Principal
I hope that this finds each of your families happy and healthy. It has been a busy start to the school year and students have been working so hard to adjust to our new sense of normal. I continue to be amazed by their hard work and adherence to all of the changes we have had to implement this fall. Of course, all of that would not be possible without the strong community
support from families such as yours!
Students are being very diligent following school expectations and adhering to our health and safety guidance. Specifically, students are doing a great job with hand sanitization and doing wonderful their wearing masks. These strategies continue to be key to our success at Russell School.
As we move into the coming weeks there is a need for vigilance in the health department. Please remember that when we all do our part we greatly increase the chances that our school will remain open for person learning. In addition to sanitizing and mask wearing, please remember to complete the daily health screening and keep sick kiddos at home.
I greatly appreciate all that you are doing, and will continue to do, to keep our school community as healthy as possible.
Stay healthy!
Upcoming Dates To Remember
- September 27th - Fluoride Varnish Clinic
- September 29th - Early Dismissal
October
- October 8th - No School: Staff In-Service Day
- October 11th - No School: Indigenous People's Day
- October 12th - 15th - Russell School Book Fair
- October 15th - Second Chance Picture Day
- October 20th - Early Dismissal
November
- November 11th - No School: Veteran's Day
- November 12th - No School
- November 17th - Early Dismissal
- November 24th - No School: Teacher Comp Day For Conferences
- November 25th & 26th - No School: Thanksgiving Break
2021 - 2022 School Calendar
IMPORTANT: Unexpected Early Dismissal
On occasion, children must be dismissed from school earlier than expected per order of the Superintendent. In the past, early dismissals have happened as a result of inclement weather, heating failure, or other emergencies which may arise with very little notice.
It is not unusual for us to lose power and the use of our phone system during some of these events. We have one auxiliary phone, though we reserve that line for communication with our Central Office, transportation department or community first responders.
Keeping this in mind, we ask families to think ahead and develop alternative dismissal arrangements should early dismissal become a reality. It is not possible for Russell School to contact each family by phone when the need arises. Instead, Russell School will utilize the School Messenger system to send communication via phone and email. For that reason we ask that you keep your information (phone/email) up-to-date with our main office. This will ensure timely and effective communication between the school and home.
As previously mentioned, it is extremely important that we have written plans and arrangements in place prior to these unplanned events. Please take a few moments to discuss your family’s plan with your student and complete this form as soon as possible.
We thank you in advance for all your help and support!
Fall NWEA: Measures of Academic Progress Assessment
In the coming weeks Russell School students will take the Fall NWEA assessment known as the Measures of Academic Progress Assessment (MAP). The MAP assessment is given in the areas of reading and mathematics and done on the iPad. MAP questions are typically asked in a multiple choice manner with students selecting the correct answer or dragging and dropping items in the correct place.
The MAP assessment typically takes K-2 students between 30 - 45 minutes for each assessment. These assessments are not timed and will be scheduled with student's development in mind. Results will be shared with families after the close of the assessment window, which aligns closely with parent-teacher conferences.
More information to follow regarding assessment dates. Until then, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or Mr. Blake at any time.
Updates From The Kitchen
Breakfast & Lunch
We are pleased to remind you that breakfast and lunch will be free to all students for the 2021 - 2022 school year!
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.
Lunch Menu
Students and families can find copies of the most current menu on our MSAD 15 website or by clicking here.
Meal Benefit Application
We are asking that each family who have not taken a few moments to complete the meal benefit application today. It is important that you complete this application even if you do not qualify for benefits.
The information provided by the application informs key funding for school resources. This includes school meal reimbursements, funding for Title I programs, funding and resources for after school programs, funding provided to schools from the Maine State Legislature for essential programs and services at school, funding for special education, teacher loan forgiveness, and much more.
Please be aware that the application is completely confidential and takes just a few moments to complete. Please assist us in securing all possible resources for our schools by completing the application today at https://www.nlappscloud.com/Welcome.aspx?api=f0f158e0edf423ee3c578705362403cb#loaded
We thank you for your time and participation!
Students With Severe Allergies
MSAD # 15 schools are faced with an increasing number of individuals with life threatening allergies to foods and other substances. It is acknowledged that the School District cannot be considered peanut or latex “free”. However, the District strives to minimize the risk of exposure to life threatening allergens.
In an effort to keep students safe we are asking families to commit to not sending in peanut products. We greatly appreciate your support with this knowing it will keep our students safe and healthy!
Pooled Testing Reminder
Please be reminded that we are working to implement pooled testing in MSAD 15. Below you will find the information Superintendent King shared on the matter in his September 15th Memo.
Pooled Testing
We are participating in the Pooled Testing program for two reasons: (1) it gives us early detection of cases, and (2) students who are in the pooled testing program are not required to quarantine if exposed.
All parents who want their children to participate in the Pooled Testing program may register their children.
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
Russell School Fluoride Clinic - September 27th
Click Here For A Printable Sign-Up Form
Russell School Flu Clinic - October 18th
MSAD 15 will be having a flu clinic on October 18th at Russell School.
Please stay tuned for an online registration link that will be sent out in the weeks before the clinic.
If you will need a paper form or a translated form, please let us know and we will arrange to have one sent home.
Remember: Regular School Attendance Is The Key To Success!
Advance Child Tax Credit Information Session
The IRS invites you to attend an Advance Child Tax Credit information session to learn about the
Advance Child Tax Credit. Information provided will include:
- Eligibility requirements for the Advance Child Tax Credit
- Information on the IRS Update Portal
- Information on the IRS Non-Filer Portal, where those not required to file a tax return can provide their information to determine eligibility and request advance payments.
There will also be a question and answer section.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 has brought about many tax changes and benefits.
This information session will focus on the Advance Child Tax Credit, which may be available to many families.
There are three different sessions to accommodate your schedule, with two presentations in English and one in Spanish. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, please download the file below. This file contains the links to each informational session.
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