2022-2023 Draft School Calendar Update
A DRAFT proposal was presented at the January 26 School Board workshop for the 2022-2023 School Calendar. This initial Board workshop was the first opportunity to discuss the proposed calendar.
We are sharing our framework for creating the calendar review process to ensure transparency as we work to build a calendar that is inclusive, equitable, and provides increased professional development time for our educators.
The goal of the plan is:
To increase the amount of Professional Development time for Brunswick educators in order to better support regular, ongoing professional learning and collaboration in service of improved educational outcomes for ALL Brunswick students.
The BSD Administration recognizes the importance of professional learning and collaboration time for our educators as a critical component to improving student outcomes. Our goal is to build a Professional Learning Plan that is strategic, aligned, and responsive to the needs of our students and educators. We want this time to be used to increase collaborative learning and planning time, provide the opportunity for increased vertical alignment PK-12, and support educators with strengthening their curriculum and pedagogy to help all students achieve at high levels and experience success academically, socially, and emotionally.
We recognize the tremendous impact the pandemic has had on educators and students and how hard everyone is working. We want to be intentional and strategic about how we use our time next school year to ensure that we have a plan for addressing unfinished learning as a result of the pandemic and ensure that ALL students can access a high-quality grade-level curriculum with the appropriate scaffolds and support.
Next steps/Action Items
- Engage the Teacher and Education Technician Unions
- Engage parents & the community
- Follow-up with Community Partners
Timeline for Implementation
Engage School Board and Community in providing input and feedback on the following dates:
- February 9
- March 2
- April 13
Tentative School Board Calendar Vote in April.
Click here to view the presentation from the January 26 School Board Workshop.
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Dear Staff, Students, and Parents,
As we move gradually move into the next phase of the pandemic, I know tensions remain high. This past week, I have heard from some parents who feel all restrictions are too strict and should be lifted, while I have also heard vastly different perceptions from those wanting more restrictions.
Brunswick School Department (BSD) provides educational programming to a wide range of students, and we continue to work to ensure we are providing a safe environment. Throughout my time in Brunswick, the BSD has followed protocols guided by the Maine Department of Education and Maine CDC, all of which help keep our students and staff safe and as healthy as possible.
Wherever you are on the COVID-19 safety protocol spectrum, I implore you to treat each other with respect, and civility, especially when emailing. I am not that naive that I think we won't have disagreements, but rather when offering a differing opinion, it is imperative to treat one another with respect. The pandemic isn't over, and many of my staff are overworked and experiencing a very high level of stress, so please join me in ensuring that all of us work harder to treat one another with the respect each of us deserves.
Sincerely,
Phil Potenziano
Superintendent of Schools
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COVID-19 Cases
Between January 21 and January 27, there were 91 new COVID-19 cases in the Brunswick School Department:
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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.
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School Absences
The following information is provided as an indicator of health in the schools.
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Please note:
- Staff absences have been filtered to only include those due to sickness.
- Staff average absentee percentages are not provided because these absences include all staff assigned to a building regardless of function, job category, or schedule.
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Pooled COVID-19 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.
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Reporting Positive COVID-19 Test Results |
Please remember to notify your school nurse when your student tests positive for COVID. This is important because schools need to monitor those who are COVID-positive and must notify the Maine CDC of positive test results. Also, individuals who test positive must be excluded from pooled testing for 90 days. Otherwise, they will cause their pools to be positive when there is no one in the pool who is actively positive. This causes unnecessary stress and work for those who are in the pools or who are monitoring the pools.
To help streamline the notification process, we have developed school-specific forms to complete when your/your child tests positive for COVID. Links to the forms are on the school webpages. Simply click the REPORT POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS on your school’s webpage.
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Brunswick High School Athletics |
Want to receive updates on your favorite BHS sports teams? Follow BHS Athletics on Twitter @BrunswickAD or click the logo below.
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and all things BHS Athletics.
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Updates from Region 10 Technical High School |
Portable Classroom
After delays mainly due to pandemic-related materials shortages, the new six-unit portable classroom building at Region 10 Technical High School is now open and in use. The classes that have moved from the main building include the Foundations English and Social Studies class, the Foundations Tech classroom (although the Foundations shop is still in the main building) Pre-Apprenticeship, and the Early Childhood Education class (although the pre-school the early-childhood students run is still in the main building). Also in the portables are a teacher's work center and the school nurse's office and care center.
Early Admissions
Region 10 recruitment is ahead of schedule this year. Many Brunswick High School students have already had interviews at Region 10 under a new Early Admissions pilot program, with decisions forthcoming in a week or two. All other Brunswick High students who have applied will visit Region 10 for interviews the week before February Break, with the majority of admissions decisions made in early March.
Digital Media Program
Region 10's Creative Digital Media program has expanded its offerings to include stained glass, pottery (with a new kiln), and clay sculpture in order to diversify, enhance, and apply design study in three dimensions.
CNA Program
CNA students, joined by other Region 10 students, made 500 Christmas cards in December to distribute to clients and residents in various are health care facilities this holiday season. While the CNA course is currently emphasizing "Clinicals" (on-site, supervised training at health care facilities), current classroom activities are focusing on CNA students designing "ideal" senior living facilities that are ADA compliant and include researched features.
8th Grade Exploratory Day
Due to pandemic-related concerns, Region 10 decided to cancel its annual "8th Grade Exploratory" program whereby all BJHS 8th graders would spend a day at Region 10 rotating through three or four Region 10 programs and doing hands-on activities. Instead, Region 10 will visit the junior high school 8th grade classes in February and follow up later this spring by bringing to the junior high the new Region 10 trailer outfitted with tech modules and hands-on activities such as a welding station; an interactive health studies manikin; a working, running "visible" car engine; and carpentry tools and materials.
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Pictured above: Clay sculptures made by Creative Digital Media students and are lined up for proofing. |
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Pictured above: CNA Instructor, Joanne McMahon, readies the hallway for her students' senior living project. |
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Ken Coulombe
Head Custodian, BJHS
Ken graduated from Brunswick High School and attended the University of Southern Maine for his undergraduate degree. Ken's family consists of: Darlene, Kassi, Joe, and Sophie.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
To see my achievements at BJHS.
What do you like to do outside of work fun?
Outdoor enthusiast, fish, ski, hike...
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
My grandfathers.
What is something you learned last week?
Never give up!
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Jersey Mike's Subs 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.
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WE'RE HIRING! Click the link below to view current employment opportunities within the Brunswick School Department.
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