Parent Letter 8/5/2020
August 5, 2020
Dear Families of China Middle School Students,
I hope your summer is going well and that you have had the opportunity to enjoy special times with family and friends. Before you know it, it will be time for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year! Even though the start of this school year will be unusual, we are still anticipating a great year and hopeful for everything to return to “normal” as soon as possible. For those of you that are new to our school, I want to assure you that your child is coming to an absolutely welcoming and wonderful place. Our teachers and staff are passionate, caring and hardworking. They are continually learning and growing as educators for the benefit of your child. They have been preparing their classrooms for a new school year that will be engaging, meaningful and rigorous!
I am excited to introduce a couple of new staff members to China Middle School: Lacey Studholme has transferred from China Primary School and will be our new Assistant Principal. Krista Averill transferred from Messalonskee Middle School and will be teaching 5th & 6th grade Social Studies & Science. Each person comes highly recommended. We feel so fortunate to add them to our amazing China Middle School team!
I am sure that you are curious about the safety precautions that will be put in place during this pandemic. Although, some things will certainly be different this school year …. wearing masks, sanitizing, distancing …. most things will remain the same. Please be assured that the health of your children, along with our staff members, is our top priority, and we are taking the necessary steps to avoid putting anyone at risk. (Please see the additional information attached to this letter that outlines “what you need to know” and visit www.rsu18.org for FAQ’s and updates from our Superintendent, Carl Gartley).
One of the most important pieces of information that we need in order to reopen our school successfully is to know which students will be attending China Middle School in person and which students will be receiving their instruction through remote learning for Quarter 1. Please complete the parent survey online at: Quarter 1 Plan for Your Child. You will also be receiving the same information in the mail. If you prefer to complete the survey on paper please return the survey to China Middle School, 773 Lakeview Drive, China ME 04358 by August 10th.
Unfortunately, we will be unable to have our traditional “Open House” this year. The first day of school is Monday, August 31st for grades K through 5 only! We have a full day of activities planned for the 5th grade students to become oriented to the middle school. The first day of school for grades 6 – 8 will be Tuesday, September 1st. Our school hours are 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. As you may have read in Superintendent Gartley’s letter, visitors will not be allowed in the building, as a general rule. In the interest of safety, we appreciate your understanding of our new procedures for dropping-off and picking-up your child. Students can be dropped off at 7:30 a.m. Students that will be picked up in the afternoon will be dismissed at 2:25. We are asking parents to use the front gym entrance to pick up students. Please remain in your vehicle, pull up to the curb, and form a single line. Students will be signed out and dismissed to you by a staff member. We encourage you to call or email the office ([email protected]) as opposed to sending written notes when there is a change in your child’s normal dismissal routine.
Please check the Transportation Routes on our RSU #18 website (www.rsu18.org) for your child’s bus driver and pick-up time. If your child will be attending a daycare or an alternate place (other than your house) before or after school, please indicate the information on the Quarter 1 Plan for Your Child. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Strout, CMS Secretary, (207)445-1500.
We would like to invite and encourage you to become involved in your child’s education and our school. The PTO is an active group of parents and educators that meets regularly the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the China Middle School Library. Please consider getting involved in this important organization. Your active participation and support is an essential component for the success in your child’s education.
We are looking forward to a positive and productive year. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring your child feels welcomed in a safe and accepting environment here at China Middle School. It is important to us that your child feels safe to take risks so that he/she may have a successful year of learning. We do not take it lightly that you entrust your child to us every day. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Lois Bowden
China Middle School Principal
Lacey Studholme
Assistant Principal