• Principal's Memo

Principal’s Memo – February 5, 2021

Hi Everyone,

We are entering the last week of school before February break with many things happening for our students. Please contact us if you have any questions! Here are this week’s communications:

FREE “TAKE-AND-BAKE” MEAL OFFER! 
Recently, The Red Door Market & Deli received generous community donations. With these funds, The Red Door Market & Deli is donating a free meal to OOB families through the schools.   

Each family in our school community will be able to pick up a free, pre-cooked “take-and-bake” meal.  This free family meal will be ready to eat after heating it up.   This free meal is available for families at one of the OOB schools for the next 3 weeks.  You can pick up your free “take and bake” meal at the times below. You may also pick up your child’s regular school lunch at this time. In order to receive your free “take and bake” meal,  please sign up by contacting one of the following staff members from your child’s school. 

The Red Door will not know the names of families receiving the meal, but will be used for our lunch team for distribution only. We send our thanks to the Red Door Market & Deli for this generous donation!!! 

QUARTER 2 REPORT CARDS!
Quarter 2 report cards were emailed to your email address we have on file on Friday, January 29th.   They will also be available on your parent portal.  If you have any questions regarding your child’s grades please contact the teacher.  Teacher emails can be found on our website at rsu23.org or on your parent portal.

BAND STUDENTS AND PARENTS!
After a long wait, we will shortly be able to start playing some instrumental music indoors! The CDC guidelines have been modified recently for band but sadly not for chorus. All wind instrument players will wear masks with a slot for their mouthpiece, and the bells of the instruments will have cloth covers. Students will be placed 10 feet apart facing the same direction. This may limit the size of the group – larger ensembles may have to practice in smaller units for the time being. Careful attention to safety protocols will be observed. Please contact us if you have any questions; we are excited to get our groups back in action!

ON TRACK FOR COLLEGE!
Starting this past Wednesday, students and their families have an amazing opportunity to think about what comes after high school and to make sure they have applied for the grants and scholarships that will make it easier to afford school.   

On Track for College, is a free, first-of-its-kind opportunity in Maine for our graduating seniors and juniors and their families to learn about college from current college students. It also provides an unprecedented opportunity to interact live with admissions and financial aid experts from seven different Maine universities as well as FAME.

It will be way more than just another zoom meeting.

Live, Interactive Events: Over the course of twelve weeks, On Track for College will deliver a weekly series of interactive information sessions with college students and experts. Never more than 15-minutes, each of the many live event sessions will cover a range of topics and provide a quick look at many of Maine’s exciting and affordable higher education options. Experts from the Finance Authority of Maine will also be participating to provide help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Your Answers Now: Dozens of admissions and financial aid counselors will be standing by at each of the twelve events. These experts will be ready to participate in live 1-on-1 discussions in breakout rooms providing students and their families with the individual insights they need to make decisions.

COVID has upended the college search process this year but it will not put college out of reach for students and families ready to focus on what comes next. Please encourage your students to register now at visit.maine.edu.  

Students just starting out can kick start their college exploration and get help navigating the financial aid application process. We will also be ready to assist students who are ready to apply or have been admitted, making sure they get the help they need to finalize decisions and make plans for a successful transition to college. 

WONDERING IF THE YEARBOOK IS HAPPENING THIS YEAR?  THE ANSWER IS YES!
Masks. Elections. Virtual classes.  This school year will be talked about forever.  The yearbook is an important keepsake from this remarkable time.  Our Yearbook Program is working hard to put together a historic book that will be looked back upon to remember one of the most unpredictable school years of all time.  Order today (and until February 26th) so that we can make sure there are enough copies for everyone. There are online purchase options to spread the cost over 3 payments!
Parents of Seniors…fully customizable Special Dedication pages are now available for purchase.

• 1/4 page $40
• 1/2 page $70
• Full page $120

To purchase a yearbook go to jostensyearbooks.com. Send any Yearbook questions, to smoutsatsos@rsu23.org. Yearbook flyer

SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM!
As a reminder, breakfast and lunch are available daily at school and free to all students throughout the entire school year. We ask that you still complete a Free and Reduced Application.  These applications help us to receive funding and programming that helps all students district-wide.  In addition, if you qualify, you can get Spectrum internet for only $14.95/month! Applications are available at the front office and on our website at:  http://rsu23.schoollunchapp.com. School breakfast and lunch menus are also posted on the RSU 23 Website on the Food & Nutrition Page. Please feel free to contact Caroline Trinder, Food & Nutrition Services Director, with any questions at ctrinder@rsu23.org or 934-4461 ext. 1239. We are looking forward to serving healthy and tasty meals all year!

Free Breakfasts and Lunches are also provided every Wednesday behind Loranger Memorial School between 10:15-10:45am, no need to RSVP, just show up!

RSU 23 2021-2022 TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONNAIRE
In an effort to do our best planning for the upcoming school year, we are asking that you complete this brief Transportation Questionnaire,  regarding transportation for next year. The pandemic has changed our transportation routine significantly, and we would like to be prepared for next year by gathering this information from you. If you could please find time to complete the questionnaire, that would be much appreciated. Please DO NOT submit a second response if you have already completed it once. 

PLEASE READ MY SNOW/REMOTE DAY MEMO!
Snow/Remote Day Memo 2020-2021

FAMILY VACATION FORMS
During the school year some families take vacations and ask that we excuse their children from school days. This is not a problem, however, we do have forms for the student, parents, teachers and administration to sign off on in order to help students understand the expectations of making up missed work. The forms can be found in the main office. Thanks for your help!

STUDENT PARKING & EARLY RELEASE & LATE ARRIVAL
Students who would like to drive their car to school must register their car in the main office and acquire a parking permit. Cars without a parking permit or cars parked in the improper lot may be removed at the owner’s expense. There is no student parking in the front lot.

IMPORTANT & UPCOMING DATES

• Monday, February 15 – Friday, February 19  – February Break
• Friday, March 19 – No School for Students, Professional Development Day

Thank you!

 -John