August 20, 2020
Dear Noble Families;
This is sent to provide the most current update from MSAD #60. It summarizes current information on our school opening followed by the latest health related guidelines including symptom screening and illness in school.
The Board of Directors, at their August 17th meeting, approved school to begin on September 8, 2020 with our hybrid model. It is very important to state that should health and safety conditions change, either from State guidelines or local indicators, we will be prepared to implement “full remote learning” for all kindergarten through grade twelve students. This change would be necessary in order to mitigate the impact if community health metrics indicate a high level of risk. We strongly suggest that all families prepare a “back up” plan should it become necessary for us to have to move quickly to a remote learning option.
School will begin the week of September 8th with specific days dedicated to various Student Orientations for kindergarten through grade nine students. Tenth through twelfth grade students will participate in remote orientation. As a District, we felt it was important to transition students back to “in person” instruction slowly. Those students moving to new locations or at transitional grades will be able to become familiar with their new setting and surroundings. Specific detailed information from your child’s school regarding orientations will be forthcoming but for planning here is the schedule for the “in-person” orientation:
September 8th- District Kindergarten by appointment, Grade 5 Lebanon students, All Grade 6.
September 9th- District Kindergarten, All Grade 7.
September 10th- All Grade 1, All Grade 3, Grade 5 Berwick students, All Grade 8.
September 11th- All Grade 2, All Grade 4, Grade 5 No. Berwick students, All Grade 9.
September 14th- Hybrid Schedule Implementation.
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If you registered your child for the Noble Remote Academy option of learning you will be receiving specific grade level information separately from this correspondence. The Noble Remote Academy model takes into account the best practices for each grade level band regarding screen time, direct instruction, practice, and independent work. The remote schedule for a first grade student will look different than that of a sixth grader, etc. as we follow those best practices.
During the Public Input phase of the School Board meeting there were a few questions about how can parents/families help prepare students for school. You can help tremendously in the following areas:
Face masks/coverings are required. Review the importance of this requirement in the school setting and on the bus. Have your child practice wearing a face mask/covering each and every day. Slowly increase the time your child is wearing the face mask/covering throughout the day. For older children please stress the importance of wearing the face mask and practicing social distancing. These two areas are so significant in allowing us to go forward in keeping our schools open and with additional in-person learning.
Work on effective hand washing strategies and how to use hand sanitizer. Both of these will be reviewed in school, but practicing this at home will help establish good routines and efficiency.
Please be aware that if you plan to travel, prior to your student’s first day, to locations other than the five states cleared by Governor Mills’ administration (NH, VT, CT, NY, NJ) there is a 14 day quarantine upon return. Please visit: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/ for further information.
The next several pages have been compiled by our Head Nurse, Amy Creighton. The information reflects the most up-to-date guidelines established by the Maine CDC, DHHS, and Governor Mills’ administration. We will continue to update you should we receive changes from the above agencies.
Again, we thank you for your assistance as we keep the health and safety of our children and staff the forefront of our work.
Regards,
Audra E. Beauvais