April 26, 2020
Dear BCS Families,
First and foremost we hope that you are all doing well during these challenging times. With school buildings being closed and most adult work scenarios being altered it has created new routines that are challenging to adapt to. While almost every aspect of our “normal” lives have changed temporarily, there have been some positives as a result that will last long after covid-19 has passed. We have explored technology and communication in ways outside of our comfort zone that allow us to better communicate with students and families when we are back in a normal educational routine. These times have also slowed the hectic pace of everyday life and allowed more time spent with immediate family. It has also been nice for staff and students to be able to see each other in their homes, with their pets and families. We recognize the positives and challenges and want everyone to know that the BCS staff is here to help in any way possible.
As we return from break on Monday, April 27th, we strongly recommend that BCS students participate in the learning opportunities being offered by their teachers. Participation in activities and assignment completion will be considered in providing a modified 3rd trimester report for our students. There are links at the end of this letter to grade level reporting criteria. In looking towards reopening in the fall, academic engagement in the present will help bridge the learning gap. We highly recommend that students develop a daily routine consisting of academic engagement, physical activity, family time, free time, and social time. The main focus for students remains to be their social and emotional well being.
We would also like to make parents and students aware of the opportunities being provided by their related arts teachers (library, music, phys ed, band, JMG, art, stem, health, and modern language). Below is a list of links that will take you to their offerings by grade clusters. If you have a question for one of our Related Arts Staff, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them; they are happy to help!
Elementary Related Arts Middle School Related Arts
K-4 STEM Grades 5-8 Library Read Alouds
Grades K-4 Library Read Alouds Grades 6-8 PE, Art, Band, Health, JMG, & Mod. Lang.
We will also 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 BCS graduates, the first to be educated under the BCS roof from grades K-8.
Parents of 8th graders should also be aware that the BHS guidance department has emailed a google sign up to your son/daughter to enroll in their freshman courses. Please check with them to be sure that it has been completed.
We will continue to offer our breakfast/lunch program for the remainder of the school. Our last regularly scheduled day for our 2019-2020 calendar is Tuesday, June 16. Plans are underway for many other end of year items such as Pre-K/K registration, pick up of personal items, 5-8 device return, and class placement information for next year. Please keep an eye on our website for more information in the coming days and weeks. We will be sharing information regarding final days of instruction and end of year activities.
You can continue to reach out to us at either the Brewer Community School (207-404-5700), or the Brewer School Department central office (207- 989-3160). We are staffing our phone lines from 9:00 am till 12:30 pm every weekday. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can assist you with. Please take care and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Jason Richards
Allison Kahkonen
Samantha Pangburn