January 21, 2022
Health & Safety Updates
COVID-19 Cases
Between January 14 and January 20, there were 118 new COVID-19 cases in the Brunswick School Department:
Cumulative statistics on all COVID-19 cases during the 2021-22 school year are available on the COVID-19 Dashboard. Please note that the number of COVID cases has risen dramatically in recent weeks. The data above and on the Dashboard are as accurate as possible but they are constantly evolving.
School Absences
The following information is provided as an indicator of health in the schools.
Please note:
  1. This information is published during the day on Fridays so Friday data is not available.
  2. Staff absences have been filtered to only include those due to sickness.
  3. Staff average absentee percentages are not provided because these absences include all staff assigned to a building regardless of function, job category, or schedule.
COVID-19 Pooled Testing
Pooled testing continues to be an effective tool for monitoring and identifying COVID-19 in the school community. You can still register your children for pooled testing. The directions can be found here.
COVID at Home Test Availability
Brunswick School Department accepts positive results from COVID home tests but is still not able to accept negative results.  Nevertheless, home tests are a useful tool to help individuals monitor their own health.  Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.  Visit COVIDtests.gov for more information.
BHS Football Update
MPA Interscholastic Management Committee Approves BHS Football Waiver
January 20, 2022

Maine Principals Association (MPA) Interscholastic Management Committee approved an appeal for a waiver filed in December by the Brunswick School Department to reinstate its high school football program in Fall 2022. The football program was suspended this season following an incident of hazing that occurred during the pre-season football retreat.

“Following the incident last August and subsequent results of the investigation, we were compelled to suspend play for the balance of the 2021 season for the safety of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Phillip J. Potenziano Brunswick School Department Superintendent.

 “Today, we are pleased that the committee understood these extenuating circumstances and saw fit to approve our request to resume games as a sanctioned team for the 2022 season, which means we are able to compete with other high schools in varsity competition as well as postseason playoffs,” he added.

In addition to putting the varsity football team back on the field this fall, Potenziano said the school department is implementing an anonymous student reporting system and is in discussions with Dr. Elizabeth Allan, a University of Maine Professor and Director of the nonprofit organization, Stop Hazing – a group that provides research, training, and resources to schools and organizations interested in strengthening hazing prevention.

“Of course, we are happy to get our student-athletes back to playing a sport that supports their physical health, well-being, and social development. But of equal importance, if not more so, is putting into action specific measures to help ensure incidents of hazing don’t occur in the first place, and our schools are supportive, safe, and welcoming for all students and staff,” Potenziano said.
BHS Honors Wind Ensemble
Brunswick School Department is excited to share that our Honors Wind Ensemble was selected as a national semi-finalist for the American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music in the school ensemble division! 

This is an especially major achievement because they submitted an application using recordings from a concert from last year, after a year of online and hybrid rehearsals.

This is a great honor and a real testament to our students and staff's dedication, resilience, and hard work! 

We look forward to hearing if they will be named a finalist and hopefully a contest winner!
Jersey Mike's Fundraiser to Support BJHS
Jersey Mike's Subs is opening a new location at 172 Bath Road in Brunswick! On their opening day, Wednesday, February 2nd, 100% of their sales will be donated to the Brunswick Junior High School. Enjoy a delicious sub on 2/2/22 and support BJHS! Visit their store, order online or through the Jersey Mike's app.
Employee Spotlight
Laurie Howell
Spanish Teacher,
Brunswick Junior High School

Laurie grew up in Rockport, Maine and attended Geneva College in Western Pennsylvania for her undergraduate degree and then continued on to the University of Maine at Orono for her graduate degree. She is married to her husband, John, and they have two sons, Lane and Jo-Jo.

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
I love this community! We support each other and take care of each other.

What do you like to do outside of work fun?
Play outside with my kiddos, go for hike/walks, go to the beach.

Favorite line from a movie?
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun" - Mary Poppins

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Julie Andrews

What is something you learned last week?
The eyes can have freckles!
Employment Opportunities
WE'RE HIRING! Click the link below to view current employment opportunities within the Brunswick School Department.
Brunswick School Department | https://www.brunswicksd.org/