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MSAD #51 District Newsletter - April 15, 2021
Getting to GREEN UpdateThe Getting to GREEN page can be found on the District's website at: https://sites.google.com/msad51.org/covid-19-information-center/getting-to-green April 15 Getting to GREEN Update Notices from the Office of the SuperintendentSuperintendent Porter's BlogTo view Superintendent Porter's most recent Blog Post, click here. Spring BreakSpring Break (No School for Students) is Monday, April 19 - Friday, April 23, 2021 Updated Travel InfoWe encourage our staff and families to know the risks and the requirements for travel, and to communicate with our school leaders if you are travelling so that our schools can continue to operate safely. In accordance with current Maine travel guidelines, any staff or students who travel within the US to any non-exempt state other than New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island they will be required to either: 1. Complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Maine and continue to monitor for signs and symptoms for an additional 4 days OR 2. Obtain and receive a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test result within 72 hours prior to arrival back into Maine to forgo the 10-day quarantine. a. Travelers may be tested upon arrival in Maine as well but must quarantine while they wait for test results. A negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test result will allow the traveler to leave quarantine early. CDC has also provided guidance as it relates to international travel. The current risk assessment level for COVID-19 is at 4, or VERY HIGH, for nearly every country. People who have either had COVID-19 in the previous 90 days, or are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of state of origin, are now exempted from Maine’s test or quarantine requirement. Federal requirements related to international travel, however, remain in effect. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel requirements: Keep Maine Healthy FAQs For the most up-to-date information regarding testing: Get Tested for Covid-19 or Maine Testing Site Locations Please note that the travel guidelines will be updated on May 1, more information via the Moving Maine Forward website. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here. MSAD #51 Board of Directors InformationMeetings start at 6:30 pm in the Greely Center for the Arts at GHS unless otherwise noted.
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo). Links
Budget Information 2021-22Detailed budget information can be found on the District's website at: http://www.msad51.org/home/school-board/finance-committee/budget-2021-2022
Primary School Building Project InformationFor comprehensive information regarding the Primary School Building Project, please visit the project page at: http://www.msad51.org/home/primary-school-building-project Upcoming Feedback/Informational SessionsSave the Date! Oak Point Associates will provide a review of the proposed Primary School Building Project on May 3. A link to join the meeting will be provided via an upcoming newsletter.
Useful Links
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Tammy Tarling for approval. The deadline each week is Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website. Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event. Maine School Administrative District #51 357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021 info@msad51.org | 207.829.4800 |
MSAD #51 District Newsletter - April 8, 2021
Notices from the Office of the SuperintendentSuperintendent Porter's BlogTo view Superintendent Porter's most recent Blog Post, click here. School Schedule - April 12 through April 16Monday, April 12 - in person for Cohort A Spring BreakSpring Break (No School for Students) is Monday, April 19 - Friday, April 23, 2021 Updated Travel InfoWe encourage our staff and families to know the risks and the requirements for travel, and to communicate with our school leaders if you are travelling so that our schools can continue to operate safely. In accordance with current Maine travel guidelines, any staff or students who travel within the US to any non-exempt state other than New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island they will be required to either: 1. Complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Maine and continue to monitor for signs and symptoms for an additional 4 days OR 2. Obtain and receive a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test result within 72 hours prior to arrival back into Maine to forgo the 10-day quarantine. a. Travelers may be tested upon arrival in Maine as well but must quarantine while they wait for test results. A negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test result will allow the traveler to leave quarantine early. CDC has also provided guidance as it relates to international travel. The current risk assessment level for COVID-19 is at 4, or VERY HIGH, for nearly every country. People who have either had COVID-19 in the previous 90 days, or are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, regardless of state of origin, are now exempted from Maine’s test or quarantine requirement. Federal requirements related to international travel, however, remain in effect. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel requirements: Keep Maine Healthy FAQs For the most up-to-date information regarding testing: Get Tested for Covid-19 or Maine Testing Site Locations Please note that the travel guidelines will be updated on May 1, more information via the Moving Maine Forward website. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here. Getting to GREEN UpdateThe Getting to GREEN page can be found on the District's website at: https://sites.google.com/msad51.org/covid-19-information-center/getting-to-green April 8 Getting to GREEN Update
MSAD #51 Board of Directors InformationMeetings start at 6:30 pm in the Greely Center for the Arts at GHS unless otherwise noted.
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo). Links
Budget Information 2021-22Detailed budget information can be found on the District's website at: http://www.msad51.org/home/school-board/finance-committee/budget-2021-2022
Primary School Building Project InformationFor comprehensive information regarding the Primary School Building Project, please visit the project page at: http://www.msad51.org/home/primary-school-building-project Upcoming Feedback/Informational SessionsSave the Date! Oak Point Associates will provide a review of the proposed Primary School Building Project on May 3. A link to join the meeting will be provided via an upcoming newsletter.
Useful Links
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Tammy Tarling for approval. The deadline each week is Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website. Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event. Maine School Administrative District #51 357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021 info@msad51.org | 207.829.4800 |
MSAD #51 District Newsletter - April 1, 2021
Notices from the Office of the SuperintendentSuperintendent Porter's BlogTo view Superintendent Porter's most recent Blog Post, click here. Getting to GREEN Ad Hoc Advisory Group InformationThe charge of the Getting to GREEN Ad Hoc Advisory Group was to bring forward a progress report to the Board on Monday night, with or without recommendations included. The majority of the group voted to continue in the hybrid model for the remainder of the school year but expand Cohort C for students struggling with academic and social/emotional reasons, as determined by each school. The videos of all three meetings, along with the group's notes and presentation by the building principals can be found on the Getting to GREEN page on the district's website: https://sites.google.com/msad51.org/covid-19-information-center/getting-to-green Updated Getting to GREEN Survey ResultsAt the request of the Getting to GREEN Ad Hoc Advisory Group, students in grades 6-8 took the survey regarding Getting to GREEN that parents, staff and GHS students previously took. The results of the survey that includes 6-8 students can be seen by clicking HERE. Community Mental Health ResourcesA new mental health resource page has been added to the district's website under "Community" and can be found at this link: https://sites.google.com/a/msad51.org/msad51_district/home/wellness. This is a joint effort between MSAD #51 and the two towns. We will be holding two events in May as part of the mental health collaborative with community partners-the Yellow Tulip project and Community Conversation facilitated by NAMI. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here. MSAD #51 Board of Directors InformationMeetings start at 6:30 pm in the Greely Center for the Arts at GHS unless otherwise noted.
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo). PLEASE NOTE: Although the Governor's indoor capacity limits have been increased, attendees should be aware that there is still limited seating in the GCA for the meeting and that if the capacity limit is reached, then we will have to move people in and out in shifts. Links
Budget Information 2021-22Detailed budget information can be found on the District's website at: http://www.msad51.org/home/school-board/finance-committee/budget-2021-2022 Important Dates
Primary School Building Project InformationFor comprehensive information regarding the Primary School Building Project, please visit the project page at: http://www.msad51.org/home/primary-school-building-project Upcoming Feedback/Informational SessionsSave the Date! Oak Point Associates will provide a review of the proposed Primary School Building Project on the dates below. A link to join the meetings will be provided via an upcoming newsletter. May 3 at 6:00 PM via Zoom
Community PartnersOur Community Partners are strong supporters of various areas of the school. Without them, our students would not have many of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive. Virtual Poetry Jam is here!Through Friday, April 2nd, Greely PTO is accepting videos of K-8 grade students reciting their favorite poems or sharing original compositions. A compilation video will be created and shared with the MSAD #51 community. Submit videos here: https://forms.gle/Akm4eUJUu96M4wPx5. FMI go to greelypto.org or contact greelypto51@gmail.com. Registration Open for Grades 4-6 Virtual Trivia Night on April 6thGreely PTO proudly presents Virtual Trivia Night for grades 4-6 Tuesday, April 6th at 5:30 on Google Meet. Register as a free agent, team of two or team of four: https://forms.gle/jjammVnYBCR4B3Sn8. Prizes await the winners!
Useful Links
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Tammy Tarling for approval. The deadline each week is Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website. Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event. Maine School Administrative District #51 357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021 info@msad51.org | 207.829.4800 |
Registration Open for Grades 4-6 Virtual Trivia Night on April 6th
Greely PTO proudly presents Virtual Trivia Night for grades 4-6 Tuesday, April 6th at 5:30 on Google Meet. Register as a free agent, team of two or team of four: https://forms.gle/jjammVnYBCR4B3Sn8. Prizes await the winners! |
Virtual Poetry Jam is here!
Through Friday, April 2nd, Greely PTO is accepting videos of K-8 grade students reciting their favorite poems or sharing original compositions. A compilation video will be created and shared with the MSAD #51 community. Submit videos here: https://forms.gle/Akm4eUJUu96M4wPx5. FMI go to greelypto.org or contact greelypto51@gmail.com. |
MSAD #51 District Newsletter - March 25, 2021
Notices from the Office of the SuperintendentSuperintendent Porter's BlogTo view Superintendent Porter's most recent Blog Post, click here. Stay ConnectedSubscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here. MSAD #51 Board of Directors InformationMeetings start at 6:30 pm in the Greely Center for the Arts at GHS unless otherwise noted.
Ways to participate in a Virtual School Board meeting Important: Be sure to include your name and town of residence if you are a MSAD #51 resident, or position if you are an employee.
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo). Links
Budget Information 2021-22Detailed budget information can be found on the District's website at: http://www.msad51.org/home/school-board/finance-committee/budget-2021-2022 Important Dates
Community PartnersOur Community Partners are strong supporters of various areas of the school. Without them, our students would not have many of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive. CLYNK for Schools Challenge Ends March 31stThe CLYNK for Schools 10th Annual Challenge is on and we need your help! Now through March 31, Greely PTO will earn an additional $.50 for every $1 raised through bottle and can redemption at CLYNK. If you have an existing CLYNK account, you can easily transfer funds to support Greely PTO and Pre-K through 8th grade enrichment. Learn more at greelypto.org. Useful Links
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Tammy Tarling for approval. The deadline each week is Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website. Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event. Maine School Administrative District #51 357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021 info@msad51.org | 207.829.4800 |
MSAD #51 District Newsletter - March 18, 2021
Notices from the Office of the SuperintendentSuperintendent Porter's Blog |
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| Monday, March 15, 2021 | Superintendent presents Recommended Budget to Board |
| Monday, April 26, 2021 | School Board Adopts FY 22 Budget |
| Monday, May 10, 2021 | Public Hearing on Proposed Budget |
| Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | Public Validation Referendum |
Community Partners
Our Community Partners are strong supporters of various areas of the school. Without them, our students would not have many of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive.
Greely PTO is Recruiting!
The Greely PTO Board is looking toward the 2021-22 school year and seeking new board members to join our team. Terms start in August and generally last 2 years. Positions include Events, Fundraising, Parent University, Volunteers, Communications, and Treasury. If you’d like to learn more, please email us at greelypto51@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
GMS 4-6 Trivia Night sponsored by Greely PTO
Save the Date for an evening of community fun right from your home! Greely PTO invites students in grades 4-6 to join us for Virtual Trivia Night on April 6th at 5:30pm. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. Link to Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/239818801149353/. More details to follow!
Greely PTO Announces 16th Annual (Virtual) Poetry Jam
Join us for the 16th Annual Poetry Jam, which will be held virtually the week of March 29th. We will accept video submissions from students from March 29th through April 2nd. A compilation video will be shared with the MSAD #51 community the following week. For Poetry Jam updates and all the latest news from Greely PTO, sign up for our email list at greelypto.org.
Useful Links
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Tammy Tarling for approval. The deadline each week is Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.
Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.
Maine School Administrative District #51
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
info@msad51.org | 207.829.4800
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
info@msad51.org | 207.829.4800
Greely PTO Announces 16th Annual (Virtual) Poetry Jam
Join us for the 16th Annual Poetry Jam, which will be held virtually the week of March 29th. We will accept video submissions from students from March 29th through April 2nd. A compilation video will be shared with the MSAD #51 community the following week. For Poetry Jam updates and all the latest news from Greely PTO, sign up for our email list at greelypto.org. |
GMS 4-6 Trivia Night sponsored by Greely PTO
Save the Date for an evening of community fun right from your home! Greely PTO invites students in grades 4-6 to join us for Virtual Trivia Night on April 6th at 5:30pm. Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. Link to Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/239818801149353/. More details to follow! |
Getting to GREEN Ad Hoc Group Letter
March 16, 2021
One year after COVID-19 shut our schools down to in-person learning for three months, everyone is collectively exhausted by the pandemic, but there is hope at the end of the tunnel given the acceleration of the vaccine. Our teachers, staff, and administrators have risen to the challenge and done the best job anyone could have asked given the health emergency we have faced. I am so grateful for the way our schools and staff have met kids' needs despite so many obstacles during this unprecedented time. I am also grateful to our parents and families for hanging in there with us for a year, riding this roller coaster with us and trusting us with the safety of their children while maintaining patience with all sorts of schedule changes. We have all weathered this storm the best we know how and kept our schools open for the vast majority of the school year, despite 77 positive COVID cases and well over 1,000 quarantines since September 8. All of us want our kids back in school full-time. We know that is the best place for them and that learning has been diminished this year due to the pandemic and health and safety procedures that had to be in place in order to accomplish any in-person learning at all. It is my sincere hope that we can get our kids back in school full-time as soon as it is safe and permissible to do so. Until then, it is important that we assume that everyone is trying to do their best given these challenging circumstances. On Monday night, the Board accepted my recommendation to form an ad hoc stakeholder advisory group to continue the thoughtful and careful process of "Getting to GREEN" as we prepare for the transition to fully re-opening our schools again. This advisory group will be charged with reviewing our current context and making a recommendation to the Board as to next steps, whatever (and whenever) these steps can safely occur. We are still bound by the state's physical distancing rule of 3-6' and that will be the largest hurdle, but this group can look at other possibilities for slowly increasing in-learning while helping to prepare for the upcoming school year. Also last night, I presented the proposed 2021-22 SAD budget that focuses heavily on instruction and academics while providing provisions for a 100% return to in-person learning in September. Here is some more information regarding the advisory group’s outcome, membership, and timeline: OUTCOME: To bring a recommendation to the Board of Directors with a revised Pandemic Response Plan that transitions the district to GREEN as soon as it is practicable to do so within the parameters of current state health and safety mandates. MEMBERSHIP:
If you are a parent/guardian and are interested in joining this advisory group, please fill out this brief FORM no later than Friday, March 19 by 8:00 AM. Please note that the tentative first meeting for the advisory group is Monday, March 22, 6:00-7:30 PM (virtual). Subsequent meeting dates will be determined by the group. Thank you for your continued support of our school community. Sincerely, |
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