4.8.2020, 8th Parent Letter, closure extended through end of year

4.8.2020

Dear Brewer Schools Families,

The following message has been sent out by the Maine Commissioner of Education, Pender Makin: 

As you ... know, US CDC guidance recommends an 8 to 20 week timeframe for avoiding large group/in-person instruction once there is evidence of community transmission of COVID-19. I am recommending, with the support of the Governor, that [Maine schools] ... replace classroom/group instruction with remote/distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year

This announcement means that, together with other districts across Maine, the Brewer School Department will continue with our current status for the rest of this school year. This includes extending our homebound learning plan, with teachers providing assignments and times to connect so their students can receive encouragement, ask questions, and receive help and support. At Brewer High School students can earn points to improve already passing grades for their transcripts and, where needed, raise failing grades in order to earn credit for the semester or year. Further, we will work on additional opportunities for our students to participate in virtual school clubs as well as having our spring student athletes have a chance to work virtually with their coaches. 

Students in good standing will move to the next grade level for the 2020-2021 school year as they normally would. We will also develop a plan to honor our fabulous 2020 BHS graduates. 

Furthermore, we will continue to offer our breakfast/lunch program. However, we are giving our food service employees the April break off and will not deliver meals on those days, from 4.20-24.2020, but are offering care packages to help families during the break. 

Our last regularly scheduled day for our 2019-2020 calendar is Tuesday, June 16. We will be sharing information regarding final days of instruction and end of year activities. 

Please, if you are concerned with how your child is doing emotionally you can contact the NAMI MAINE HELPLINE. Their number is 800-464-5767, press 1. Here is a link to the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) which has additional hotline numbers. Their direct line is (207)287-3703. You can also use the number 2-1-1 to get general information regarding the Coronavirus outbreak in Maine. 

You can continue to reach out to us at the Brewer School Department central office (207- 989-3160), or either the Brewer Community School (207-404-5700) or Brewer High School (207-989-4140) offices. We are staffing our phone lines from 9:00 am till 12:30 pm every weekday. 

I have said it before, our families and school community are strong together. We will get through this by being there for one another, by staying focused and using the tools of unity and compassion and education to remain principled and resolute in this moment. The Brewer School Department is not going anywhere; we're right here with you. 

Sincerely, 

Gregg Palmer