March 16th, 2020

Dear BRES Parents/Guardians,

Our school building is closed to classroom-based instruction. Staff are here hard at work on distance learning plans for our students. All schools are at varying stages of this process and we are asking for patience and understanding that this is not going to be perfect. We are doing the absolute best we can to meet the varying needs of our families. We expect that we will have learning materials ready to get in your hands at the end of this week or the beginning of next week. We will be in touch as to how we are getting materials to you- that decision hasn’t been made yet.

As a PreK-8 school we have decided to start this process by limiting the amount of technology we are asking families to use. Of course, as parents, you can ask your child to do a learning app or research online, if you choose to and have access. As the weeks continue, grade levels may choose to increase the use of technology for distance learning. Classroom teachers will be in touch as learning plans are updated. At this point, grades 7 and 8 will receive their devices with the materials we pass out.

I am asking our staff to make every effort to contact students each week. If we do not hear from you, we will be reaching out. This could be an isolating time for us all and we want you to know that we are right here next to you and will support you in any way that we are able.

Classroom teachers will be sending home individual letters and information to you with their contacts in the distance learning materials. Please know that I am available for questions and needs that may arise for your family: Cell phone: 207.542.5899 E-mail skurr@aos98schools.org

Nurse Kate will be available to answer questions via email and phone about symptoms and next steps for resources, if you need to reach her: Cell phone: 207.350.7873 or home phone: 207.633.0806 E-mail: kschwehm@aos98schools.org

Our guidance counselors are also available for questions and support, as needed:  Sarah Gordon (grades 5-8) Email: sgordon@aos98schools.org

Kim Dionne (grades PreK-4)  Email: kdionne@aos98schools.org

BRES will be a pick-up site for breakfast and lunch for those in need of a meal. Pick up times are Monday- Friday 11:30-12:30. We will be starting this meal service on Tuesday the 17th (tomorrow). This will be set up outside of our building to reduce contact. There will be further information coming about weekend food options. There are other organizations that are planning on offering meal options for our families, more information to come about that.

There are many questions to be answered along the way. Our priorities, at this time, are for the safety and wellbeing of our families. Please reach out if you need any help as we navigate these new times together.

With care and concern, Shawna