On August 4, Heather Perry, superintendent of schools in Gorham sent a letter to all parents to enthusiastically welcome them back to another school year. The letter was filled with practical information such as start times, dates, screening, where to find bus routes and school contact information, as well as enthusiasm and excitement to welcome students returning to the schools. There were several topics addressed in the letter including COVID protocols, parent involvement in school, the importance of school attendance and the efforts to help all students to succeed.
Perry wrote, “Our schools are excited to welcome you and your children to another tremendous year here in Gorham! There are always lots of outstanding things happening at our schools so be sure to check out our school websites, keep an eye on your mail and email, and watch for flyers and other materials that will be sent home with your students the first few days of school to let you know about many of these exciting, planned events! To stay in touch throughout the school year, you can also check out my blog (linked to our district webpage) or you can check us out on social media–all of which are linked from our school webpages.”
She also then listed all of the COVID protocols to keep schools successfully open, including asking parents to monitor their children’s symptoms and keeping sick children home, and encouraging masking and vaccines. Daily reporting of positive cases will continue on the website throughout the course of the year. CDC guidelines will be followed for exposure and positive cases, and outbreaks will be reported directly to the CDC.
Perry encouraged parents to get involved with the schools through the school’s Partners in Education group and to volunteer, if possible. Parents and community members may get information from the schools directly or through the school website.
The importance of school attendance was strongly encouraged, and parents were asked to partner with schools to ensure student success, particularly after the effects of the pandemic the past few years. Regular attendance promotes good work habits, the development of important academic skills and increases their chances of eventually graduating from high school.
In closing, Perry restated the school system’s and her personal commitment to the students of Gorham.
“The Gorham School’s staff continue to work tirelessly to make our schools a place where your child wants to come each and every day to challenge themselves, to socialize, and to achieve all that they can achieve as learners! WE ALL CARE DEEPLY about the success of our children! We have a dedicated and caring staff whose focus and priorities are all in the right places – building positive relationships with each and every student! Our students and staff strive to live our Code of Conduct by demonstrating respect, honesty, courage, compassion, and responsibility. Our parents and the entire community model these same values for our students. These shared values are part of what makes Gorham so great so let’s be sure to keep that up! I am so proud to be your Superintendent of Schools and will also work tirelessly to make sure this strong spirit continues to thrive in Gorham! We are all so very proud to be GORHAM RAMS!”
To contact Superintendent Perry, her email is heather.perry@gorhamschools.org and office phone number is 222-1012.