October 13, 2020

Dear Families of Remote Learners,

I would like to first take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and support during quarter one of remote learning. These are unusual times that include pathways that are not familiar.

I would also like to inform you of a change in attendance expectations for grades PreK-3. Beginning November 9, teachers will be tracking attendance in a slightly different manner. The Maine Department of Education, under Title 20-A, §5001-A, requires schools to keep track of attendance and monitor for truancy and chronic absenteeism. Therefore, each day, or each assigned synchronous day, your child will be marked present if he/she participates in a whole group, small group, or 1:1 Zoom setting with the teacher.  If your child does not participate in at least one of the daily groups, he/she will be marked as absent.  If your child is going to be absent that day, please notify your child’s teacher or contact the school your child would attend if he/she were to attend in person.  

It is the Bangor School Department’s goal that remote learners are engaged and active learners, being stretched to their highest potential. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s principal.  

Once again thank you for the support you have given to the remote teachers, who have been working tirelessly on your child’s behalf.

Educationally,

Kathy Harris-Smedberg, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools