MSAD #51 District Newsletter - December 14, 2022

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From the Superintendent

jeff porter

This time of year always reminds us of two important school-related items: weather day closures and illness, both products of long Maine winters. As a reminder:

Full-Day Weather Closures
The 2022-23 calendar allows for the first three (3) weather cancelation days to be traditional in nature. There will be no in-person or remote learning on these days and the day will be made up in June. In addition, there will be no meals available on these three days. (This is where we are now.)

For future reference, beginning with the 4th weather day and beyond, they will revert to Remote Learning days. The following can be expected on these days:

  • All school buildings are closed for the day and all on-site school-related events and activities are canceled for the day/afternoon/evening of the closure. 
  • All students will have access to Concurrent Learning activities. Concurrent Learning is when there are live instruction/direction/class meetings for students provided by the teacher for at least part of the school day. Each school will provide more details as needed.
  • Students are considered to be ‘in attendance’ when they have attended the required concurrent learning activities (instruction, check-ins) offered by the teacher.

NOTE: In the event of a questionable day when a remote learning day cannot occur for whatever reason (power outages, etc), the district reserves the ability to revert to a traditional weather cancelation day if needed after the first three traditional weather days have been used already.

Two Hour Delay
If school start times are delayed by 2 hours (120 minutes), simply add two hours to the regular school start times and regular bus pick-up times. Students scheduled for remote learning would follow this same schedule.

  • Grades 6-12 starts at 10:00 AM and buses would pick students up at the bus stop two hours later than the usual pick-up time.
  • Grades K-5 starts at 10:45 AM and buses would pick students up at bus stops two hours later than the usual pick up time.
  • Pre-Kindergarten: Both AM and PM sessions will be canceled for the day. Days with 2-hour delays will not be made up for Pre-K students.
  • If the need for a 2-hour delay falls on a day that also is scheduled as an Early Release, the entire school day will be canceled instead. For the 1st, 2nd or 3rd occurrence of the season, the day will be made up at the end of the school year. For the 4th occurrence and beyond, we will hold a Remote Learning Day.
Student and Staff Illness
As we messaged earlier this week, we have experienced an influenza outbreak at MIW and GMS, which necessitated closing these two buildings for a day and holding a remote learning day. While we try very hard to avoid closing our facilities for in-person learning, occasionally this may be needed due to an outbreak (defined by the state as 15% or more on any given day) of illness at a school, either with students, staff, or a combination of both. Please know this is our last resort after trying other mitigations, and we understand the hardship this can cause for families and staff. When we make this call, it is because we feel it is necessary to halt the spread of illness that is increasing in a school or schools over a period of time. Though we strive to give families a heads-up that an outbreak is imminent, it is not always feasible. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we enter the winter months here in Maine.
 
My very best as we enter the last stretch before the winter break. Many wonderful concerts, athletic events, and academic learning activities have kept the month of December busy and productive. Below is one such example, the GHS concert band, jazz band, and jazz combo's recent performance at the GCA.

Regards,
Jeff Porter

msad 51 jazz band

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

MSAD #51 Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for MSAD #51 (Cumberland-North Yarmouth) will be held January 23rd - January 27th, 2023. If your child will be five years old on or before October 15, 2023, they are eligible to attend kindergarten this fall. You may drop off completed registration packets to the MIW mailbox or mail, scan/email or fax in the completed packets. You will need to provide a picture of your child’s original birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency to complete the packet. 

If you have a student currently enrolled in a private school and would like them to attend Mabel I. Wilson School in the fall, please register your child during that week as well. 

To obtain registration forms in advance please visit our website (www.miw.msad51.org). We want to ensure all incoming students are included in the placement process for the 2023-24 school year. If you have any questions, please call or email MIW at 829-4825.

MSAD #51 Pre-K Lottery

MSAD #51 (Cumberland-North Yarmouth) is pleased to announce that we will continue our small public Pre-K Program for 32 students (16 each session) starting in September 2023.

The program will run half days (morning and afternoon session) four days per week (M, T, Th, F) for approximately 145 days during the school year.  The program is located at Mabel I. Wilson school and is in partnership with Child Development Services.

In order to be considered, your child must be 4, but not 5, years old before October 15, 2023 and you must be a resident of Cumberland or North Yarmouth.  

Screenings will take place via Zoom for eligible children during the week of February 13-17, 2023.

If interested, please fill out the interest application (https://forms.gle/HMZNTwuWttPXB5meAno later than Friday, January 27, 2023.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here.
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Find us Instagram @msad_51
YouTube Channel MSAD #51
 

MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information

Effective August 22, unless otherwise noted, all meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School.  For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room is where the Board met pre-COVID and can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).


December 19 - Regular Meeting

Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo).

Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos

 

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.

Support the K-8 Enrichment Programs Through Your Holiday Shopping!

Supporting the Greely PTO just got easier! At no cost to you, Amazon donates a percentage of every eligible purchase to help fund MSAD51 enrichment activities like field trips, events, school supplies, speakers, classroom visitors and more. On Amazon, select Amazon smile and choose "Maine School Administrative District 51 Parent Teacher Org" to support the PTO. Helpful instructions can be found here
 

Community Notices

Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51.  Please contact the organization directly with any questions.  For a full listing of Community Notices, please click HERE.

Lacrosse Tree Pickup
 

Useful Links

Employment Opportunities

MSAD #51 Website

2018-2021 Strategic Plan

District Calendar

GHS Athletics Schedule

Greely Center for the Arts Events

 

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 Fran Prentice 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
Contact Us   |    207.829.4800