Weekly Update - Friday, April 9, 2021
Dear RSU 71 Students, Families, Staff, School Board, and Community Members,
I hope this update finds you well and -- at long last -- enjoying spring.
Pandemic Update - Waldo County continues to be designated as GREEN. Categorization as "green" suggests that the county has a relatively low risk of COVID-19 spread and that schools are safe for in-person instruction, so long as all safety requirements are followed. Reminders:
Outside - As the weather warms, we can go outside again for mask breaks and instruction.
Travel - Please let the school nurse know if you are planning to travel over the April vacation. You can find guidelines here.
Food Service - Today is the last day to sign up for a week's worth of free breakfasts and lunches over April break. Please contact Director of Nutrition Perley Martin (338-3320 or pmartine@rsu71.org) to sign up for a box (1 per family) of free breakfasts and lunches over the April vacation.
Vaccines - All Mainers 16 and older are now able to be inoculated against the coronavirus.
Statement of Solidarity - The Maine Department of Education has made a statement to speak out against violent attacks on Asian American and Pacific Island Community Members. I wholeheartedly believe that we must all do our part to confront hatred and promote a love for and respect of all Mainers. Race-based violence has no place in our society. We actively stand in solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Island American brothers and sisters. DOE has created a resource page and a website Personal, Student, and Staff Reflection and Engagement to help promote understanding and dialogue.
Good News - Here are some good news stories from the last week:
- Ruby Day - We are so proud of BAHS senior Ruby Day! https://rsu71news.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-belfast-teen-didnt-think-shed-go-to.html
- Ames Speaking Contest - Yesterday was the Ames Elementary School Speaking Contest, a great tradition dating back at least 68 years. Students did a great job speaking in the gym while being live-streamed to a large audience. It is one of the best examples of Celebrations of Learning in RSU 71 and grows confidence in speaking publicly at an early age. Principal Smail told of a student from Ames who credits this Speaking Contest as allowing her to go into the field of public speaking as a young adult.
- Service Learning - Students at BAHS, THMS, CASS, and Nickerson, Ames, and Weymouth Elementary Schools partnered with the Belfast Lions Club's Chip Lagerbom, a BAHS social studies teacher, to do good in the world: https://rsu71news.blogspot.com/2021/04/spirited-competition-reinvigorates.html
- Shooting Stars - Kudos to BAHS basketball standouts -- Jaiden Philbrook, Halle Tripp, Chris Kelley, and Jason Bartlett - invited to the MCAS Tournament!
https://rsu71news.blogspot.com/2021/03/shooting-stars-high-school-basketball.html
That's it for this week. I'll send the next weekly update on Friday, April 16, and then again on the Friday after vacation on April 23. In the meantime, please feel free to be in touch!
With Kind Regards,
Mary Alice
