Dayton School Department
August 7, 2020
Update by Superintendent Jeremy Ray
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On behalf of the Dayton School Department, 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 Board meeting, 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.
Last night, the Dayton School Board reviewed Hybrid Option 1 or 2 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