IMPORTANT UPDATE
April 3, 2020 (3:00 PM)
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you well know, our community’s struggle with COVID-19 is ongoing fluid. Following the Governor’s Stay at Home Order put in place this week, schools are to remain closed for classroom or other in-person instruction until at least May 1, 2020. Area Superintendents continue to meet weekly to evaluate decisions surrounding the best interest of students for May and June.
Here are the most recent updates for Biddeford and Dayton Schools:
FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Food distribution remains an essential service and is allowed under the Governor’s Stay At Home Order. We will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to residents 18 and under regardless of income. Please visit click here for more details.
TECHNOLOGY ACCESS: We have distributed over 450 devices this week for those students without access to the internet and/or computers. Technology is instrumental in our students’ ability to effectively engage in long-term distance learning. If your family is in need and was not previously identified, please contact us via the email or phone number below and a staff member will follow-up.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM: Thank you for helping your child navigate what for many (including teachers!) is a new online world of learning. Teachers are all utilizing Google Classroom as the educational platform. Each student has an issued email address and can access their classroom(s) via this app. The written instructions are included on biddefordschools.me/DL as well as an easy-to-follow instructional video.
HOW TO HELP: Many community members have asked how they can help and it is heartwarming to see us all supporting our neighbors. As we have paid staff healthy and available, we are utilizing their time first and asking others to consider giving in more impactful ways-- whether providing a meal to custodial or food service staff, making a contribution to the United Way of York County, or sponsoring a monthly hotspot for a child in need. We have been fortunate to receive immediate grant funding to assist with food distribution as well as professional cleaning of our playgrounds. If you prefer to direct a contribution to our students in need, they will be accepted to the Biddeford Education Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund.
FIELDS CLOSED: Help us protect and preserve our facilities. We know that exercise is extremely important to our mental health during this pandemic. As we encourage you to remain active, it is also our duty to reiterate the importance of following social distancing guidelines. Please remind your child(ren) that our athletic facilities and playgrounds (i.e. Waterhouse Field, etc.) remain closed.
As always, please stay connected with us at biddefordschools.me/health, and direct questions to closurequestions@biddefordschools.me or use our special closure hotline at 207-391-6868.
Stay Well,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
Dayton Principal Kimberly Sampietro Named Maine’s Principal of the Year
The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) announced yesterday that our very own Dayton Consolidated School Principal Kim Sampietro has been named Maine’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal for 2020. In their announcement, the MPA wrote, "Ms. Sampietro was chosen because she actively and intentionally focuses on connecting her school with the community. She recognizes that inclusivity is important to the health and well-being of the school culture through constant communication with all stakeholders. She continually models respect and acceptance for students, staff, and families."
An undergraduate of the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree, Principal Sampietro went on to earn a Masters of Science from Lesley University. She achieved her Assistant Principals’ Certification from the University of Southern Maine and her Certificate of Advanced Studies from St. Joseph’s College. Principal Sampietro is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Association of Supervision and Evaluation, the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) and was a member of the Education Leaders’ Experience – Epsilon Class.
"It was no surprise to me that Kim emulates the characteristics the MPA values as she comes from a lifelong family of educators," said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. "This is an unbelievable honor for the Dayton Community and for Kim. She has worked tirelessly for the youth in Dayton and truly cares for the students and their families-- from moving toward personalized learning to being a trauma-informed school. We see it first-hand but it is wonderful that her efforts are being recognized state-wide. Great job, Kim!"
The Maine Principals’ Association is a professional association representing Maine’s K-12 principals, assistant principals, and career and technology center directors. The Association dates to 1921 and focuses its work on promoting the principalship, supporting principals as educational leaders, and promoting and administering interscholastic activities in grades 9-12.
BRCOT 3D Printing Masks for MaineHealth
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