5.1.2020, 9th Parent Letter, year-end planning

5.1.2020

Dear Brewer Schools Families,

I wanted to reach out with a few details regarding the remainder of our 2019-2020 school year. 

Our last official calendar day of the 2019-2020 school year is Tuesday, June 16. We will wrap up virtual learning during the week of Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5. Brewer High School students will have until Sunday, June 7 at midnight to hand in their final work.

Students who are in good standing, based on the preponderance of evidence from the entire school year, will matriculate to the next grade and new courses. 

The period from Monday, June 8 until Tuesday, June 16, 2020 will focus on the continued social/ emotional support of and connection with our students and wrapping up our year. Teachers will have a lot of work to that end. However, our co and extracurricular groups will be able to continue to meet virtually, and our breakfast/lunch program will continue through June 16 as well. During that last week and a half, we will focus on end of year activities that can bring a sense of closure for our students. This includes, but is not limited to, major points of transition such as the one from 8th to 9th grade and, of course, providing a high school graduation for our great seniors in the class of 2020. 

The Brewer School Department wants every student to be healthy and able to manage their worries and any anxiety they might be experiencing. If you are concerned with how your child is doing emotionally you can contact the NAMI MAINE HELPLINE. Their number is 800-464-5767, press 1 (helpline@namimaine.org). Other helplines are listed, below:

  • Maine’s Statewide Crisis Line: (888)568-1112 (call or text)

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (or online chat here)

  • National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • Trevor Project LGBTQ Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386 (online chat here or text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200)

There is also a NAMI MAINE teen text line, at (207) 515-8398. This is open from 12:00 pm until 10:00 pm and is a peer support text line for youth 14-20 years old and staffed by individuals under 23 years of age. Please note, the Teen Text Support Line is not a crisis line but a way for teens to have someone to talk to if they're anxious and just need a friendly ear. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Brewer School Department as well and also  dial 2-1-1 for information on the COVID-19 crisis in Maine. 

We’ll be sharing, in the coming weeks, information regarding any summer programming that is possible based on state and national regulations and on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. 

The day will come when our students are able to return to a regular school schedule in our buildings. In the meantime, the Brewer School Department will remain resilient and find better ways to bring education to all our students. As we move forward let us all keep the faith together. 

Sincerely, 

Gregg Palmer