Summer Letter from Mrs. Fortier

 

July 21, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

At this point, I hope you enjoyed some summer fun with your family and friends. Nothing beats summer in Maine although the rainy weather seems more frequent than I remember. Our family enjoys camping and spending time on the lake but our visits seem too sparse this year. Here’s hoping for a strong finish to July and a beautiful August. 

We thank you for your flexibility and continued patience with us as we continue to be responsive to the guidelines surrounding the current epidemic. Please take note of the following dates and view the 2021-2022 Gorham School Calendar.

 

Tuesday, August 31st - 1st Day of School for Grades 1-5

 

Thursday, September 2nd - First Day of School for Kindergarten 

 

Friday, September 3rd - No School

 

Monday, September 6th - No School - Labor Day

 

Tuesday, September 7th - School Resumes for K-5

To help with your back-to-school shopping, I am including the grade level supply lists below. Please remember that purchasing any of the items listed is optional. Great Falls will make sure that all students have the supplies they need to fully participate in their on-campus educational programming. 

• Grade 1 Supply List

• Grade 2 Supply List

• Grade 3 Supply List

• Grade 4 Supply List

• Grade 5 Supply List

Heather Perry will be conducting a Parent Forum on Monday, August 9th at 6:30 pm through zoom. During this forum, families will have a chance to ask questions regarding what to expect for our fall reopening plans in Gorham. By the time of the forum, Heather will have sent out her blog post sharing her recommendations for school reopening along with any initial resource materials for families. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at any time at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org. Happy summer!

Kindly,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal

End of Year Events

 

May 19, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

Thank you so much for attending our virtual Parent Step Up Night. I apologize for the technical difficulties with logging into the zoom session. Technology has served us extremely well while teaching and learning through the pandemic but I will be extremely grateful when we can conduct events such as this one in person again. If you were not able to attend, I would be happy to connect with you and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to email me at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org.

Chromebooks and Summer Learning

Students will be keeping their devices through the summer months in order to optionally participate in IXL. The district will be providing a personalized learning platform called IXL throughout the summer to reinforce learning in the areas of reading and mathematics. If interested in hearing more about IXL, please attend the parent information night on Monday, June 7th from 6:00-7:00 pm. Zoom Link: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/84221565055

Spring Wellness Workshops

Although it is not possible for us to participate in a full field day experience as in the past, we will be offering various wellness workshops to encourage positive socialization and fun. Students will participate in dance and karate workshops on May 25 and 26th. Additionally, on June 3rd and 4th, Ms. Doak’s talented son will be performing mini sing-along concerts. Here is a "Listen To Lincoln" webpage if you are interested in playing some of Lincoln’s music for your children before the big day.

Step-Up Day - Tuesday, June 8th 

On Tuesday, June 8th, our school will be used as a voting site. This means that this day will be a remote teaching and learning day for our students. We will be using this day as the Virtual Step-Up Day for our current on-campus and virtual K-5 students. On the evening of Monday, June 7th, you will receive an email from your child’s new teacher with a welcome and a Zoom or google meet link for the next day’s Virtual Step-Up Day at 9:00 am. This event will be an opportunity for your child to meet their new teacher, new classmates, and learn more about what to expect for the next school year. 

End of Year Celebrations

Teachers in grades 1-4 will be recognizing their students and their accomplishments through various school-based activities during the last week of school. Grade 5 students will participate in an end-of-year walking parade on Monday, June 7th at 5:00 pm while Kindergarten will recognize their achievements through a similar parade on June 9th at 1:30 pm.

Last Day of School and Report Cards - Thursday, June 10th

The last day of school is on Thursday, June 10th. This day is a half-day of school with students being dismissed at noon. The last report card will be shared through email during the afternoon of June 10th. 

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050. 

Take care and be well,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal

May Update

 

May 6, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

In many regards this week has felt like the first week of school. It has been wonderful to see our students collectively back on campus. They adjusted to the new routines and have enjoyed being with their peers. We will continue to make slight adjustments to our procedures to maximize efficiencies and appreciate the patience of our families, students, and staff. As we head into the home stretch, I want to highlight a few important events. 

Parent Drop Off Reminders

Students dropped off by their parents between 8:30-8:50 a.m. are expected to use the parent drop-off circle. Please use caution when students are exiting vehicles. When you are arriving at the Great Falls campus, please enter the parking lot closest to the playground and stay to the right side of the parent drop-off loop. Do not park or get out of your vehicle. As soon as the buses have arrived, we may reroute some vehicles to use the bus loop for drop-off. The same procedures will apply. Although arrival has been complete by 8:50 a.m., there will likely be a line so your patience is greatly appreciated. 

NWEA Testing - May 10-28

Our students will participate in the spring administration of NWEAs in the areas of literacy and math. This assessment will be used to determine academic progress. NWEA is our district’s universal screening tool. It is necessary for us to gather this data point to inform Response to Intervention, Gifted and Talented, and classroom instruction. It is aligned to Maine Standards and allows us to collect longitudinal data and best monitor your child’s progress. The Maine Department of Education has replaced the former MEA assessment for math and literacy with the Northwest Evaluation Association MAP GROWTH assessment (NWEA). 

Tuesday, May 18th - Parent Step Up Night 6-7 pm

We are very excited to offer a virtual Parent Step Up event on Tuesday, May 18th from 6-7 pm. Grade level presentations created by our teachers will be shared ahead of time that will detail the specific academic and social components of each grade level. Interested parents will be asked to join at 6:00 pm by following the Zoom Link: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/82613631862. Following a quick welcome, parents will be asked to choose a breakout room to attend: Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. If you have multiple children, please select the grade level that you are less familiar with. During the session, the teachers will answer any questions pertaining to that particular grade level. Before the hour is up, I will ask parents to rejoin the larger meeting for a quick wrap-up. 

Spring Wellness Workshops

Although it is not possible for us to participate in a full field day experience as in the past, we will be offering various wellness workshops to encourage positive socialization and fun. Students will participate in dance and karate workshops on May 25 and 26th. Additionally, on June 3rd and 4th, Ms. Doak’s talented son will be performing mini sing-along concerts. Here is a "Listen To Lincoln" webpage if you are interested in playing some of Lincoln’s music for your children before the big day.

Step-Up Day - Tuesday, June 8th 

On Tuesday, June 8th, our school will be used as a voting site. This means that this day will be a remote teaching and learning day for our students. We will be using this day as the Virtual Step-Up Day for our current on-campus and virtual K-5 students. On the evening of Monday, June 7th, you will receive an email from your child’s new teacher with a welcome and a Zoom or google meet link for the next day’s Virtual Step-Up Day. This event will be an opportunity for your child to meet their new teacher, new classmates, and learn more about what to expect for the next school year. The specific times will be shared shortly. 

End of Year Celebrations

Teachers in grades 1-4 will be recognizing their students and their accomplishments through various school-based activities during the last week of school. Grade 5 students will have a student-only special luncheon on Wednesday, June 9th followed by a family walking parade at 5 pm. Kindergarten planning is in the works and we will be communicating specific details in the coming week. 

Last Day of School and Report Cards - Thursday, June 10th

The last day of school is on Thursday, June 10th. This day is a half-day of school with students being dismissed at noon. The last report card will be shared through email during the afternoon of June 10th. 

In closing, I am so appreciative of how wonderful our first week has gone. Our top priority is to maintain the safety and well-being of all members of our school communities. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050. 

Take care and be well,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal

We are ready for your return!

 

April 28, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

Tomorrow we begin 4 days a week learning on-campus. Instead of our A and B student cohorts attending school for two days each week, all current hybrid students will attend in-person learning 4 days per week (Monday - Thursday). Our staff is so excited to see our students and have been working diligently during the last three days to prepare for the big return - we are ready! 

Thursday, April 29th 

Both A and B cohorts will return to campus on Thursday, April 29th. Students will be seated 3 feet apart in the classroom setting and will remain 6 feet apart while eating breakfast, lunch, and snack. Our arrival and dismissal process will remain the same. Although we anticipate that arrival and dismissal may take longer, we will try it as currently established and make adjustments if needed. Thanks for your patience! 

Parent Drop Off

Students dropped off by their parents between 8:30-8:50 a.m. are expected to use the parent drop-off circle. Please use caution when students are exiting vehicles. Students must be wearing face coverings when exiting their vehicles. Grades K-2 bus students will enter through door 4 by the playground and head directly to their classroom. Grades 3-5 students will enter through door 2 in the center of the school and head upstairs and directly to their classroom. Staff will be stationed in the parent drop-off loop to safely assist our students as they exit their vehicles. When you are arriving at the Great Falls campus, please enter the parking lot closest to the playground and stay to the right side of the parent drop-off loop. Do not park. There will likely be a line so your patience is greatly appreciated. We would like 15 cars to unload at the same time, so please move forward in the circle until you are around the corner and pull all the way up to the cone.  After you have dropped off your child you may exit cautiously. If you are waiting to drop off, please remain in your position until you are directed by duty staff to proceed forward to the drop-off zone. 

Breakfast

Beginning on Thursday, April 29th, students that participate in the breakfast program will eat their breakfast in the cafeteria upon their arrival before they head to their classroom.  If your child will be having school breakfast they will enter the building through door #1 if they arrive by bus and door #2 if they are parent drop-off. Please note that breakfast ends promptly at 8:50 a.m. It will be important to account for such in your morning routine if you are transporting your child to school. 

Snack Time

Students will eat snacks either outside using social distancing precautions remaining six feet apart or in the cafeteria at assigned seats. 

Lunch and Recess Time

Students will be staying in their A/B cohorts for lunch in order to eat 6 feet apart while being unmasked. One cohort will eat in the cafeteria while the other cohort will eat in the classroom. They will rotate each week. Both cohorts will partake in recess and be assigned to a rotating area of the playground. Cohort A will eat in the cafeteria on Thursday, April 29th as well as next week. 

New Creative Arts Rotation

The colored creative arts rotation will start with a “green” day on Thursday, April 29th, and proceed throughout the school year. The students will participate in 35-minute creative arts sessions every day they are on campus.

Parent Pick Up

School is dismissed daily at 2:50 p.m.  For safety reasons, cars may not arrive on campus prior to 2:40 pm to begin to line up.  

If your student usually takes the bus, and you are picking up your student just that day, you will have notified the school by 10:30 am and be prepared to show your driver's license upon arrival at the car pick-up line. If you have arranged a JUST FOR TODAY pickup, please follow the directions from Mrs. Murray on which parking lot you should enter.  

Our top priority is to maintain the safety and well-being of all members of our school communities. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050. We can’t wait to see our students!

Take care and be well,

Becky Fortier, Great Falls Principal

 

April 15, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

As you know, the Gorham School Department is making a switch to 4 days a week of learning on-campus beginning Thursday, April 29th. Instead of our A and B student cohorts attending school for two days each week, all current Hybrid students will attend in-person learning 4 days per week (Monday - Thursday).  

Week of April 19-23

This is the district Spring vacation week. During this time, the district will resume the set up of instructional spaces in preparation for a full return. Happy vacation!

April 26th, 27th, 28th

These three days will be non-student days. School staff will be on campus preparing physical spaces and academic lessons for a full return of both cohorts of students. 

Thursday, April 29th 

Both A and B cohorts will return to campus on Thursday, April 29th. Students will be seated 3 feet apart in the classroom setting and will remain 6 feet apart while eating breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Our arrival and dismissal process will remain the same. Although we anticipate that arrival and dismissal may take longer, we will try it as currently established and make adjustments if needed. 

Parent Drop Off

Students dropped off by their parents between 8:30-8:50 a.m. are expected to use the parent drop-off circle. Please use caution when students are exiting vehicles. Students must be wearing face coverings when exiting their vehicles. Grades K-2 bus students will enter through door 4 by the playground and head directly to their classroom. Grades 3-5 students will enter through door 2 in the center of the school and head upstairs and directly to their classroom. Staff will be stationed in the parent drop-off loop to safely assist our students as they exit their vehicles. When you are arriving at the Great Falls campus, please enter the parking lot closest to the playground and stay to the right side of the parent drop-off loop. Do not park. There will likely be a line so your patience is greatly appreciated. We would like 15 cars to unload at the same time, so please move forward in the circle until you are around the corner and pull all the way up to the cone.  After you have dropped off your child you may exit cautiously. If you are waiting to drop off, please wait until the entire line moves forward for the next 15 cars. 

Breakfast

Beginning on Thursday, April 29th, students that participate in the breakfast program will eat their breakfast in the cafeteria upon their arrival before they head to their classroom.  If your child will be having school breakfast they will enter the building through door #1 if they arrive by bus and door #2 if they are parent drop-off. Please note that breakfast ends promptly at 8:50 am. It will be important to account for such in your morning routine if you are transporting your child to school. 

Snack Time

Students will eat snacks either outside using social distancing precautions remaining six feet apart or in the cafeteria at assigned seats. Students are encouraged to bring in water bottles but will be asked to drink in a designated spot in the classroom that allows them to remain 6 feet from their peers while unmasked.

Lunch and Recess Time

Students will be staying in their A/B cohorts for lunch in order to eat 6 feet apart while being unmasked. One cohort will eat in the cafeteria while the other cohort will eat in the classroom. They will rotate each week. Both cohorts will partake in recess and be assigned to a rotating area of the playground.

New Creative Arts Rotation

The colored creative arts rotation will start with a “green” day on Thursday, April 29th, and proceed throughout the school year. The students will participate in 35-minute creative arts sessions every day they are on campus.

Parent Pick Up

School is dismissed daily at 2:50 p.m.  For safety reasons, cars may not arrive on campus prior to 2:40 pm to begin to line up. Students being picked up by their parents will start to be dismissed BEFORE bus students. If you have a pickup number in the 10s, 100s, or 200s, you will enter the left side parking lot to line up to pick up your child.  You will follow staff directions, pulling to the curb alongside the side of the school.  Traffic will move through the parking lot in two lanes until you get to the end of the staff lot where a duty person will direct you into 3 lanes to move forward to the crosswalk.  Please stay in your car and pull forward according to staff directions. Staff will take note of your car tag number, utilize our electronic pick-up generator form on their iPhones, and communicate to the inside staff via a google form.  We will load 10 cars at a time.  

If you have a pickup number in the 300s, 400s, or 500s, you will enter the right side parking lot which is where drop-off occurs in the morning. You will pull in all the way forward to the cone in a single file line where a teacher will check you in. Please have your tag visibly ready. Your child will come to the passenger side of your vehicle and following such you may exit cautiously when you are ready. When waiting to enter the loading zone, please do not move forward until all 15 loading spots are clear and the duty teacher motions you forward.  

If your student usually takes the bus, and you are picking up your student just that day, you will have notified the school by 10:30 am and be prepared to show your driver's license upon arrival at the car pick-up line. If you have arranged a JUST FOR TODAY pickup, please follow the directions from Mrs. Murray on which parking lot you should enter.  Thank you to the Gorham Police Department and Volunteer Police for assisting with our safety measures during the busy arrival and dismissal times. 

Our top priority is to maintain the safety and well-being of all members of our school communities. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050.

Take care and be well,

Becky Fortier, Great Falls Principal

April Update

 

April 2, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

Happy Spring! I hope you and your families are enjoying the sun and warming temperatures. It is hard to believe that we are officially in the month of April and beginning the last leg of the 2020-2021 school year. I want to start by thanking our parent and guardian community for your continued support. Our students are our number one priority and without the continued encouragement and kindness from our families, this hybrid school year would not have been possible. Now more than ever we need to exemplify and reciprocate grace towards one another for it has not been an easy school year to navigate but we can and will continue to give everything we have for our students and their success. 

At the School Committee meeting last night it was decided that we would return to school for 4 full days beginning on Thursday, April 29th. Below you will find some details that may be helpful in planning for your child’s full return to school. Please be sure to refer to Heather Perry’s blog for the most up-to-date information. 

Week of April 12-16

“A” students will be learning on-campus on Monday, April 12th and “B” students will be on-campus on Tuesday, April 13th. On Wednesday, April 14th, and Thursday, April 15th the students will be remaining at home and learning remotely.  These two remote days will allow for our district maintenance staff to unload furniture from storage and deliver the furniture to instructional spaces. The classroom teachers will send out a schedule with the daily virtual meeting links and classroom assignments for their remote learning day. Friday will be a regular virtual day. 

Week of April 19-23

This is the district Spring vacation week. During this time, the district will resume the set up of instructional spaces in preparation for a full return. Happy vacation!

April 26th, 27th, 28th

These three days will be non-student days. School staff will be on campus preparing physical spaces and academic lessons for a full return of both cohorts of students. 

Thursday, April 29th 

Both A and B cohorts will return to campus on Thursday, April 29th. Students will be seated 3 feet apart in the classroom setting and will remain 6 feet apart while eating breakfast, lunch, and snack. Our arrival and dismissal process will remain the same. Although we anticipate that arrival and dismissal may take longer, we will try it as currently established and make adjustments if needed. Beginning the week of May 3rd the schedule will be as follows:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Group A and B  On-Campus Learning	Group A and B  On-Campus Learning	Group A and B  On-Campus Learning	Group A and B  On-Campus Learning	Virtual student check-in, intervention, enrichment, and support as needed

Upcoming Schedule:

Monday, April 5th - “A” Students On-Campus

Tuesday, April 6th - “B” Students On-Campus

Wednesday, April 7th - “A” Students On-Campus

Thursday, April 8th -      “B” Students On-Campus

Friday, April 9th -          Virtual Friday

Monday, April 12th - “A” Students On-Campus

Tuesday, April 13th - “B” Students On-Campus

Wednesday, April 14th -  “A” Students Remote Learning At Home

Thursday, April 15th -         “B” Students Remote Learning At Home

Friday, April 16th -   Virtual Friday

April 19th - 23rd -         School Vacation Week 

Monday, April 26th -      No School/ Teacher Work Day

Tuesday, April 27th -      No School/ Teacher Work Day

Wednesday, April 28th - No School/ Teacher Work Day

Thursday, April 29th -      Full Return A and B Students

Friday, April 30th - Virtual Friday

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050.

Take care and be well,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal