IMPORTANT UPDATE
August 7, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On behalf of the Biddeford and Dayton School Departments, I’d like to start by thanking parents, guardians, staff, and community members for taking the time to attend this week’s community forums, school committee meetings, and emailing any questions directly to us. Although there is no ideal, one-size-fits-all solution, it is important to make an informed decision and we appreciate your input via the multiple surveys and interactions. If you haven’t had an opportunity to complete the most recent Remote/Hybrid Commitment Survey yet, please do so as soon as possible to assist us in planning:
Although the State can change the designation from green to yellow to red before the return to school on September 8th, we continue to plan for a Hybrid model of return to school in which families may also opt for remote instruction if they are uncomfortable sending their child(ren) back to in-person instruction. Please be patient as we research options and implement an improved remote instruction plan for those students. If a parent commits to remote instruction, that commitment must be made monthly for elementary students (PreK-5) and quarterly for grades 6-12.
BIDDEFORD UPDATES:
The Biddeford School Committee will make a final decision to move forward with either Hybrid Option 1 or 2 on Tuesday, August 11th at 7 PM. The agenda and Zoom link will be published on the website. Following the decision, a communication will be sent to families and the administrative team will begin the multitude of tasks specific to that model chosen (i.e. classroom assignments, transportation, school times, etc.). Planning may require additional surveys and emails to parents. In the meantime, I implore you to seek out our official communications tools (District website and Facebook Page) and ask questions if you need clarification. Many of the questions may have already been answered on the Frequently Asked Questions document on our website.
DAYTON UPDATES (PreK-5):
The Dayton School Board reviewed Hybrid Option 1 or 2 at their meeting on Thursday, August 4th, and voted to move forward with Hybrid Option 2 in which all PreK-5 students will return to school five days a week in person. Some highlights of this option:
Students will be placed in smaller grade-level groups (10-14 kids each) utilizing all instructional space (i.e. library) and additional staff collaborating with the classroom teacher while maintaining a 6-foot distance.
Classrooms would be planned for the year allowing for students and teachers to have consistency and access to guidance and social work each day.
Grade 1 would shift to the modular.
Three additional staff members will be needed.
No child care needed (during the day) PreK-5
STUDENT RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
I would encourage families and students to become familiar with the guidelines in place for a safe return to school. These guidelines also include the requirements in the Framework for Returning to Classroom Instruction by the Maine DOE and have been endorsed by the School Committees. Parents will be required to adhere to these guidelines in an effort to protect the health of all students, staff, and the larger community. Please review them with your child(ren) before school begins, ask any questions via the avenues below, and have younger children practice wearing a mask for short periods of time through August so they are more prepared when school begins. In addition, we are investigating apps to assist with the required self-assessment screening and will send out more information regarding the process in the coming weeks.
As always, we welcome your feedback and encourage parents and guardians to direct any questions to closurequestions@biddefordschools.me or use our special closure hotline at 207-391-6868.
Stay Well,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
Official Links/Contact Information
Email: closurequestions@biddefordschools.me
Website: www.biddefordschools.me/health
Location: 18 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-391-6868
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biddefordschooldepartment/
Twitter: @BiddefordSchDpt