Friday, December 10, 2021
Dear RSU 71 Students, Families, Staff, School Board, and Community Partners,
This week and next, I'm making the rounds to all schools and departments; so far, all staff, students, and spectators follow safety protocols while learning lots, working and playing hard, and having fun. Despite the pandemic, RSU 71 students, families, administrators, teachers, nurses, counselors, and support staff heroically keep students engaged in learning and co-curricular activities. For example, every spectator wore a mask even while cheering on the Lions at a high school basketball game that I stopped by to watch. Teachers and administrators are doing a great job reminding students who forget by simply pointing to their own masks and raising their eyebrows; students adjust their masks and are given a thumbs up and a smile. While we look forward to eliminating the need to mask, we are not there yet, and I thank each of you for following protocols to keep everyone safe, prevent infection and keep schools in session. The simulation linked in blue vividly demonstrates how the coronavirus works: simulations; coronavirus. In the last three days, the numbers of new coronavirus cases in Maine have been higher than at any point during this pernicious pandemic; all of us are royally sick of it, yet still plugging away and making good experiences for the students we serve.
Today we are hosting the second vaccination clinic of the school year at THMS. Our team of school nurses deserves applause and a standing ovation for outstanding work in exceptionally challenging conditions. Special thanks to the nurse team leaders and pooled testing coordinators Robyn Mailloux and Shannon Robbins for their leadership during this blasted pandemic. In addition to taking care of their own schools and families, they have been mentors to our new school nurses, coordinators of our vaccine clinics, coordinators of the pooled testing program, and liaisons to the CDC, DOE, our district physician and the health care providers in our communities.
This week's update is focused chiefly on pandemic data, with some good news from Troy Howard Middle School, too. I'll send next week's update on Friday, December 15.
Pandemic Data
This Week's Data
Good News from THMS - Belfast Free Library Grateful Poetry Contest Winners & Art on Public Display! THMS Alum makes a generous donation in the spirit of the season! THMS Girls Best Medomak!
Poetry Contest and Art on View at Belfast Free Library - The following students submitted poetry to this year's fall poetry contest:
Luciana Birocco, Lucy Engstrom, Miles Fleming, Claralily Goguen, Emilia Moitoso, Silas Ociepka, Madden Macleod, and Bella Foley. And the following students have been recognized for their work by the library staff: Ezri Budet, Rowan Megquire, and Eric Nason. Everyone may view the students' work in the library Teen Room alongside an exhibit of artwork created by THMS 8th graders.
And Mrs. Sam Maheu shares that Quarter 2 art students have outdone themselves this holiday season!
On display in the big windows at Belfast City Hall, you can see a whimsical celebration of Dr. Seuss's characters ready to deck the halls this holiday season. We have included various images and symbols from various winter celebrations to give the gift of inclusion during this special time. So be sure to check it out! It will be on display until the first week of January.
Sock Galore! THMS Alumnus Colby Horne brought us 300, yes 300, pairs of socks! Many Thanks to Colburn Shoe Store for doing the sock drive! And to all the members of the community for participating! THMS is honored to be chosen as a recipient and happy to have socks for all our kids!
THMS Girls Best Medomak
That's it for this week. As always, please feel free to call, email, stop by or set up meetings with the staff and me regarding questions, ideas, concerns, and feedback.
May the spirit of the holidays be felt in our hearts and seen in our lives this holiday season,
Mary Alice
