Biddeford Primary School News

Dear Families,

We are getting very excited to begin the school year and welcome our students to our buildings. Over the next few weeks, teachers will be creating amazing learning environments and preparing for another great school year. Our custodians have been working all summer long to make our building shiny and clean for the new year. I want to express my appreciation for all of our staff members that work hard over the summer.

Open House-

Please plan on stopping by BPS on Tuesday, August 31st from 4:30-6:30 PM to meet teachers, pick up important materials, and allow for the opportunity of student tours. Classroom teachers will be set up outside to greet students. Important name labels will be distributed that students are encouraged to wear on the first day of school. Lastly, staff members will be offering building tours by grade level for students only. Students will need a mask for tours.

Arrival and Dismissal-

• Drop off begins at 7:50 am. Please use the designated drop-off lane unless otherwise instructed. Staff members will be available to assist students exiting vehicles; there will be no parking during drop-off.

• Dismissal will be from 2:00 - 2:10 PM for pick-ups. (Busses start at 1:50 PM) Parents will need to park in the drop-off lane or parking spaces. All students will be waiting outside with their classroom teacher and parents will pick up directly with the teacher. Parents/Guardians will be required to show identification as needed. Please let your child’s teacher know how they are getting home each day, and if they are a pick-up, who is picking them up.

Please be patient with us for the first two weeks. This process typically takes time, and adjustments, before it becomes a smooth process; but we will get there!

Please note: there is no remote option at this time.

Best,

Margaret Pitts

Principal

August 31st: Open House 4:30-6:30 PM

• See above for details

September 1st: First Day of School

• Drop off begins at 7:50 AM. Dismissal begins at 1:50 PM.

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.

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).

“I believe in building relationships and developing strong social-emotional skills in each child to promote academic success.”

Christine earned an Associate's and Bachelor’s Degrees in Natural Resources Conservation and Environmental Science in Bennington, Vermont, her teaching degree at the University of New England, and a Master of Science Degree in Education at St. Joseph’s College. She has been a teacher in the Biddeford district for 18 years, 13 as a grade 6 teacher and five years teaching grade 2. In fact, last year she was named York County’s Teacher of the Year! Christine and her family enjoy golfing, skiing, fishing, and outdoor adventures.

“I am passionate about helping others grow and impacting their life, I had teachers who impacted me greatly and I want to do the same for today's students.”

Jessie was an Ed Tech in the Functional Life Skills classroom at Biddeford Primary School before becoming a teacher and is now currently a graduate student at the University of Farmington for special education. She loves to cook and spend time outdoors walking, hiking, or surfing.

“I chose to work in education to help children feel valued and to learn the skills to become successful adults.”

Angela previously worked at Biddeford’s Tiger Center for the last three years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with her dog and new kitten, and visiting new places in Maine.

“I hope to create a kind and safe place in my classroom for everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.”

Robyn has been an educator at Biddeford School Department for over 10 years, and previous to that she taught at St. James for almost 10 years. She loves to go camping, walk on the beach, read good books, and spending lots of time with her family.

“Working with youth has always been a passion of mine and I could not be more thrilled to take part in the Residency Education Experience program this year!”

Taylor is a senior at the University of New England studying elementary education with a minor in special education. She is looking forward to working with her Mentor Teacher Beth Donohoe as she teaches second grade. Previously, Taylor worked as a snowboarding instructor, Toys R Us customer service representative, an America Reads employee, and an associate teacher at Easterseals Daycare.

“I choose to work in education because I am passionate about being a positive influence in students' lives. There is no better feeling than helping a student discover what they are capable of and becoming confident in what they can do.”

Isabella is currently finishing her last year at the University of New England where she will earn a Bachelors in Elementary/Middle Education with a Minor in Psychology. She is an avid hiker and camper who is always looking for a new outdoor adventure. For the past few years, she has been a UNE cheerleader and loves being part of athletic teams. When she is not outside or at practice, she enjoys reading and baking.

Email: mpitts@biddefordschools.me
Website: https://biddefordme.sites.thrillshare.com/o/bps
Location: 320 Hill Street, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-282-8285
Facebook: facebook.com/BiddefordPrimarySchool