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John F. Kennedy School

August 18, 2021 Update

John F. KennedySchoolAugust 18, 2021 Update

John F. Kennedy School

Good Afternoon,


We are getting excited to start the school year and see your children in our buildings. Teachers are working really hard to create a very exciting and welcoming learning environment and preparing for another great school year. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!


Here are some important dates for you to be aware of:


Kindergarten: Screening Dates

  • September 1st, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • September 2nd, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

1st Day of School for Kindergarten- September 7th


* If your child attended the JFK Pre-K Program or Head Start Program last year, they have already been screened.


Pre-K: Screening Dates

  • September 7th, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • September 8th, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
1st Day of School for Pre-K -September 9th


Open House - September 1st, 4:30 - 6:30 PM (More information to come)


** Below is some very important school district information. Please Review. **


Thank you,

Rico Mariello

Principal

John F. Kennedy School

RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDELINES

As part of our District’s Reopening Plan, we committed to follow all Maine CDC guidance and apply all updated US and Maine CDC guidance to our plan as the scientific community’s understanding of the virus’s spread and mutation evolves. Our administration and School Board had to consider the CDC and DOE guidance through the lens of the overall public health for the entire school population, the risk of increased 10-day quarantines or an outbreak (3 or more linked cases) which close schools for 28 days, and halting all participation in school activities or sports.


The School Board approved moving forward with the following requirements:

  • Universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.

    • Masking is not required outdoors. Playgrounds will be fully opened as outdoor play is extremely safe and the risk of transmission is extremely low.

    • Masking for all on the bus. Per the US CDC order related to transportation, anyone on public or private school-provided transport must wear a mask.

  • Physical distancing is recommended while indoors only and eating (if unvaccinated); however, distancing efforts should not impede full-time, in-person instruction.

  • Implement Pooled Testing as an efficient way to curb outbreaks and reduce spread with early COVID-19 detection (see article below for more information).

  • Morning COVID screenings will occur at home (not online). Parents should review the signs and symptoms (linked here), keep their child home when sick, and report any symptoms or positive COVID results to the School Nurse.

  • Any activity within our school buildings (i.e. after care) will follow the same guidelines.


The above requirements will be revisited as transmission data is reviewed throughout the school year and any substantive changes will be based on recommendations from the Maine DOE and CDC.

POOLED TESTING ALLOWS FOR QUARANTINE EXCEPTION

Our district is participating in Pooled Testing; however, no student will be tested without parental consent. We have included an informational video below (aired by NEWS CENTER Maine) and a parental consent form will be forthcoming once our application is approved and protocols developed. Individuals who participate in pooled testing are exempt from quarantine in the classroom, bus, sports or other school-related activities should they be identified as a close contact.
COVID-19 testing program coming to schools across the state to help stop the spread

Free Meals for ALL Students

TRANSPORTATION

Please be aware that anyone on public school-provided transportation, including buses and vans, are required to wear a mask per US CDC Order. As we attempt to return our operations to regular routine, we will need families’ help with transportation; our fleet is stretched beyond capacity. The following requirements will be in place for a secondary drop-off/pick up location if space permits:

  1. Families will designate the primary drop-off and pick-up location.

  2. Families will request a secondary drop-off location. Pending the availability and needs of the student, a second drop-off location will be considered. At this time we are still working under CDC guidance.

  3. Families will provide a set schedule prior to the start of the school year. At this time we will not be able to alter the schedule after it has been requested by the family.

  4. The Transportation Department will determine if space is available on each bus. It will be the goal not to place more than two students per seat.


If your child did not ride the bus at the end of the year in June, you MUST call the Transportation Office immediately at 282-0909 as seating is limited. Parents can find bus information within their child’s portal on Infinite Campus under the 2021/2022 School Year tab (please see walking boundaries here for BMS/BHS students).

Nursing Health Information for New School Year
Please take the time to read this important health information update from the school nurses to ensure your children have a smooth, healthy transition and you have all the information you need to prevent any disruptions to starting the school year.

EVICTION MORATORIUM

On August 3, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a 60-day eviction moratorium, officially titled Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions In Communities With Substantial or High Levels of Community Transmission of COVID-19 to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19. The moratorium went into effect immediately and will remain in effect through October 3, 2021. We hope this will stabilize a return to school for our families who rent and are currently struggling to keep up with rent. What's more, the school department has won a grant that may allow us to provide direct rental and food assistance to families with demonstrable need. FMI please contact a building principal, or Chris Indorf at Central Office.

DOWNLOAD THE SCHOOL’S MOBILE APP!

Stay informed by downloading the school’s mobile app! It will allow parents to choose the school(s) they would like to get notifications from, see the dining menu quickly, access the live feed, sports schedules and scores, important documents, emergency notifications, and more! Simply download the relevant app at the link below:
Biddeford Schools Unveils New Mobile App

WELCOME NEW & FAMILIAR FACES

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Maureen Larochelle - Pre-K Teacher

“I chose to work in education so I could be an advocate for children. I love helping students meet their academic and emotional needs. I have loved being a soft place for kids to land each day as well as providing an environment where kids feel comfortable to learn and grow.”


Maureen has taught Kindergarten for almost 20 years and also taught third grade for two years. She lives in Kennebunk with her husband, son Michael, and their two dogs. They love to camp, travel, try new restaurants, go to the movies and the beach, as well as hang out with friends.

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Tristin Lee Thomsen - Kindergarten Teacher

“I believe that each and every student has potential. By bringing patience, empathy, and positivity to the classroom every day, we can nurture the safe environment that is essential in order for children to feel welcomed, loved, understood and respected. I want to help Biddeford’s youngest learners discover the joy of coming to school by creating a warm, culturally responsive space, by designing differentiated supports, and by implementing positive behavioral strategies. I am excited to be able to OFFICIALLY call JFK my home now.”


Tristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community-Clinical Psychology from the University of New Haven and a Masters Degree in Education through the Extended Teacher Education Program at the University of Southern Maine. She may look familiar because she worked at JFK last year under Biddeford’s Residency Education Experience Program. Tristin is a mom to three little boys (ages six, eight and ten) and she has two chihuahuas named Yoda and Rey (big Star Wars fans). She loves gardening, traveling, music, creating art, learning new things, and is slowly working on writing and illustrating her first children’s book that she hopes to finish soon.
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Emma Wescott - IEP Coordinator

“I chose to work in education, specifically special education, because I believe that every child is unique with their own strengths, needs, and personal characteristics. I believe in creating strong relationships with the child and their family/team in order to create the best learning plan and environment for the child and help them reach their full potential.”


Emma has been a Functional Life Skills (FLS) Special Education teacher for the past nine years. She taught 3rd-5th grade FLS for five years in Saco prior to coming to Biddeford in 2018 and teaching at Biddeford Primary School. Emma enjoys spending time with family, going on walks with her 9-month-old twin boys and their golden retriever puppy, and listening to podcasts.
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Grace Gilbert - Resident Intern

“My love of teaching is inspired by the curiosity, creativity, and kindness that students develop in a welcoming classroom. I believe students succeed the most when they feel safe and encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries, and work together to overcome social and academic challenges. In my classroom, I want students to know that there is room for both hard work and silliness and that a little kindness goes a long way!”


Grace has taught preschool in Maine for two years and in 2019 taught in Madrid, Spain as an English Language Assistant for kindergarten and first grade. She earned her Bachelor in Arts Degree in History and Music from Denison University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education through the Extended Teacher Education Program at the University of Southern Maine. When Grace is not in the classroom, she loves to be outdoors in her garden or hiking with her dog, Surry. In the colder months, she loves to crochet and try out new baking recipes. But her absolute favorite activity is singing, playing guitar, and performing whenever she gets the chance.
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Alannah Dubois - Resident Intern

“I understand that every child has their hardships. I want to make every child feel that they belong in the education system and can accomplish their goals.”


Alannah is pursuing her Master's Degree in Education K-8 through the University of Southern Maine's Extended Teacher Education Program. She prides herself on being a very patient and understanding person who loves creativity. Alannah enjoys watercolor painting, reading, and doing DIY projects in her free time.