At the September 8 regular meeting of the School Committee, Superintendent Heather Perry gave a COVID-19 update and reviewed implementation of rules mandated by the state Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Vaccination rates tabulated by zip-code on the DHHS website show that between 80% and 84% of eligible children in Gorham have been vaccinated. Although the CDC has classified Gorham High School (GHS) as an outbreak school, Perry said that the three identified cases appear to be from community spread and not from within the school.
Perry said that the district is considering pool testing, but since masking, distancing, and improved cafeteria ventilation is working that may not be advisable. Current safety and quarantine procedures can be found by accessing the COVID tab on the Gorham Schools website.
Parents of only two K-5 students chose to have their children learn remotely, but enrollment is down slightly from expected and stands at 2750 students in the district’s five schools. Committee members Darryl Wright and Phil Gagnon expressed concern that lower numbers at Narragansett have made class sizes less equal in the three elementary schools.
All committee members thanked district personnel for their extraordinary efforts to get the schools ready to open, a particularly challenging job since desks and other equipment had been stored during last school year.
Stewart McCallister commended Gorham Middle School (GMS) alternate education students and staff for their successful garden that produced 1,418 pounds of vegetables for the Gorham Food Pantry.
It was announced that the new GMS fitness center opening ceremony will be October 4, with Governor Janet Mills attending.
Kathy Hamblen, Director of Special Services, reviewed their summer programs. The ESY program, a six-week summer session, enrolled 93 students and 86 participated which was an increase over last year. Only half of the 41 students enrolled in the Covid Impact Program participated, which Hamblen attributed partly to parent and student burnout from last year’s hybrid and remote learning.
Kim Flanigan reported on the three-week session which focused on social and emotional learning along with math and reading classes in the morning with recreational activities in the afternoon. Although fewer signed up than were expected, average attendance was 88%, which Flanigan attributed to creative teachers and to
the Recreation Department’s popular outdoor activities. More than 80% of students showed either growth or maintenance of skills in areas taught and many formed new friendships.
Principals of all five schools reported successful opening days and welcoming activities. They all commented on the excitement students exhibited over returning to school five days and, as one student said, “It felt like almost normal.”
Traffic between parents dropping off kids and busses coming and going is causing congestion at some schools which the administration is working to modify.
Efforts to provide outdoor lunch space is helping to meet COVID-19 cafeteria requirements while the weather permits.
Norm Justice, Director of Facilities, reported on summer projects which in addition to moving equipment and furniture included getting the six new modular classrooms ready at Narragansett School and improving sidewalks and access areas. Village School got new exterior doors and sidewalks were replaced at GMS. At GHS portable ramps were replaced and the field lighting project is well underway despite material shortages. Justice also made his usual plea for bus drivers, but announced three new hires.
School Committee members voted (7-0) to approve the Superintendent’s 2021-22 Goals, the FY23 Budget Timeline, and 2021-22 Meeting Schedule. They voted unanimously to approve the creation of a Capital Reserve Account, to appoint Anne Schools as Maine School Board Association delegate, and to appoint four coaches for fall sports.