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.

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.

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:

• Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3fu8z4q

• Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/2QFUBST

“In our room, everyone is treated with respect. We respect learning styles and differences, opinions, beliefs, and families. We work very hard, but we try to enjoy ourselves as well. I've been a teacher for twenty years and can't imagine a better job.”

Sandra has been working in Biddeford since 2001. For most of the last 15 years, she has been a 5th grade teacher. Sandra loves to read, garden, and spend time with her family and dogs.

“I've always wanted to work in education to make school engaging and fun for students. I love when kids get excited about their strengths and find what makes them unique. I believe in creating a safe, calm, and trusting environment for all of my students to learn in.”

This will be Kayla’s third year of teaching in Biddeford. Previously, she has taught 5th grade but is very excited to be on the 4th grade team. Outside of school, She enjoys reading at the beach, taking her dog for long trail walks, and spending time with family.

“I love working with students to help motivate them and believe in themselves. I strive to always be learning alongside my students and to make our day a blast!”

This is Katherine’s 4th year in our district teaching. She grew up in Saco but couldn’t be happier to be a Tiger now. Katherine played sports growing up, mainly basketball, softball, and soccer. She went to the University of Maine to study elementary education and has a minor in mathematics, then returned to Southern Maine and coached basketball for a few years. Now, she loves getting outdoors, especially going fishing.

“I chose to work in this field because education helps us develop perspective and gives us the ability to build our own opinions. The knowledge we gain about the world allows us to create ideas and implement them to make it a better place. The world is constantly evolving and I want to give my students the necessary skills to be an active member of their society in order to be the change they would like to see.”

Sadie is heading into her final year of undergrad at the University of Southern Maine and was hired as an intern as part of the Biddeford School Department’s Residency Education Experience program. She will be working in a fourth-grade classroom alongside an experienced mentor teacher in order to satisfy her student teaching requirements for graduation in the Spring. When Sadie is not working or in class, she can usually be found bringing my dog, Luka, on fun adventures to the beach or local hiking trails, as well as lots of training together to get him registered as a therapy dog. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to travel around to explore new areas.