Bulldog Bulletin

Dear HDES Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. My thoughts are with you all during this time of uncertainty. As you are aware, all of Maine's schools are closed to classroom-based instruction through April 27, 2020.

Last week, the RSU 2 Board of Directors approved all RSU 2 schools to move forward with distance learning for students. During this pandemic, we understand that students and families may be enduring difficult challenges at home and we certainly do not want to add to those challenges. The staff at HDES will do our best to work with families to provide home learning opportunities for students that are appropriate, fun and engaging.

Teachers will continue to connect with students (or families) on a weekly basis to provide online learning resources, ideas, activities, and assignments. Of course, this looks different for each grade level. In addition, we will be providing packets of learning materials for students in every grade beginning this Friday, April 3. Many parents have asked for paper learning materials and we'd like to offer packets for interested families.

Beginning this Friday, April 3, parents are invited to come to the HDES school parking lot to pick up learning packets from 10am-noon. Staff will be outside handing out packets of learning materials to parents in a "drive through" format in front of the main lobby.

For families unable to get to school, staff will be dropping packets off at bus stops on Friday afternoons from 1:00-2:00pm. Parents will need to be at the regular bus stop to receive the packets.

HDES staff is committed to supporting our students during this difficult time. We realize it will not be as it was prior to school closing, however, children are resilient and with your support, we are confident our students will continue to grow and develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Thank you for sharing your children with us.

Be well,

Kristie

School breakfasts and lunches are available at the Farmingdale Town Office parking lot from 11:30am-12:30pm Monday through Friday. All children ages 18 and younger are eligible to receive the free meals. Parents or another adult may pick up the meals.

For families wondering how much school "work" at home is appropriate, check out these recommendations by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:

Elementary: 1-2 hours per day

Middle School: 2-3 hours per day

High School: 3-4 hours per day

Encourage at least 1 hour a day of outside, recreational time....following all social distancing requirements!

Remember, we are not trying to recreate a 7 hour "regular school" day!

Remember to wash your hands often throughout the day. Make handwashing with your kids fun by singing this tune!

*While washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, sing this three times to the tune of Row Row Row Your Boat!

This thing we are all a part of, it's living history! Our children are all a part of this, and it will be talked about for generations to come. Schools are closed; sports are cancelled; people are quarantined....on a GLOBAL level. The best thing your children can do is to keep a journal over the next 5+ weeks. Handwritten, typed, in photographs or drawings...record events, day to day activities, fears and feelings. Let them make a video journal if that's the media they prefer. As parents, let them interview you, be a part of it. When it's all over, save it/store it in a safe place for them. They will share this with their children and grandchildren. Help them create a tangible, primary source of their own history!

-author unknown

Email: kputnam@kidsrsu.org
Website: www.kidsrsu.org/o/hdes
Location: 26 Garden Lane, Hallowell, ME, USA
Phone: (207) 623-8677