MSAD #51 District Newsletter - November 2, 2023

msad 51

From the Superintendent

porterThough we have resumed a more typical school week, I know that safety and security are at the top of everyone's minds just one week after the tragedy in Lewiston. Undoubtedly, last week's events have raised questions about how secure our schools are and what measures we have in place to prevent, or at least reduce, the possibility of a violent act occurring in our schools. This week I begin a multi-part series on school safety and security to help communicate the many facets of our approach to safety. For obvious reasons, I will be avoiding information that is unduly specific in order to maintain the integrity of our district's processes, but hopefully this series will provide you with the overall context to which we operate safety measures in our schools.

MSAD #51 has been strategically committed to continuous improvement with regards to safety for many years. Why have we made this commitment? In addition to acknowledging that society in general (and schools within society) has become more susceptible to violent acts, the MSAD #51 Strategic Plan states: Students cannot learn and teachers cannot teach unless schools are safe. Said another way, our mission as an educational institution is diminished when safety is not addressed proactively.

We know that best practice in promoting safety must involve efforts in both the physical and emotional realms, as outlined by the US Department of Justice:

graphic

In reference to #1 & #3 in the chart above, the Safety & Security Committee commissioned a Comprehensive Threat & Vulnerability Assessment to be conducted by the US Department of Homeland Security’s School Protective division in 2019-20. This assessment has served as the backdrop to numerous upgrades in our physical safety practices and protocols since then, including: 

- Revamped comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan aligned to state and federal standards. 
- Upgraded and added surveillance cameras in common areas (internal and external). 
- MIW & GHS main office reconfiguration for improved security. 
- Double entry door vestibule security all facilities. 
- Added alarms on infrequently used doors. 
- Physical deterrents at strategic locations. 
- Intercom/phone system upgrades district-wide. 
- More visitor control on school grounds during school hours.

Next week: Coordination with first responders and school-based law enforcement. 

Regards, 
Jeff Porter 
 
Kindergarten students were the stars during the annual costume parade at MIW. 
 
Costumes are made for big kids, too. Bus driver Diana Copp & District Office secretary Trish Small agree. 
 
Greely football cannot be stopped: Rangers rolled over Mt. Ararat to clinch the semi-final regional championship on Halloween night.

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Project Graduation 2025 

It is that time of year again. If you will be purchasing wreaths and swags for the holidays, why not support Greely 2025 Project Graduation? When you name a Junior on the order form, they receive credit toward their class dues and your contribution ensures that the Class of 2025 will have an amazing Project Graduation Celebration. Please see the details below. Scan the QR Code for easy ordering. The sale ends November 9. 
Thank you for your support. 
Wreath Fundraiser Commitee for Greely Project Graduation 2025

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here
Like us on Facebook at MSAD #51 
Find us Instagram @msad_51 
YouTube Channel MSAD #51 (you will be able to view not only Board of Director meetings but sporting events, student presentations and other recorded events. Make sure to subscribe!) 
School News App by Edlio (follow these brief instructions HERE to download the app)

 

MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information

All meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School.  For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign). 

November 6 - Regular Meeting

Notice from the Board of Directors Chair

During the Joint meeting with Cumberland Town Council and North Yarmouth Select Board on October 25 , the MSAD #51 board indicated its plan to explore building a new school on the new voter-approved land purchased adjacent to the existing school campus. The board is committed to considering every possible option for a new school and we are looking forward to further exploring this option from a financial, practical, environmental and forward-thinking perspective. Further, the board is actively building a plan to keep our communities both informed and engaged as we work through this opportunity. The first school board level discussion of the on-campus option will be at the next board meeting on November 6th. There will be a separate public comment about the school project. 

Leanne Candura 
Board of Directors Chair

Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)

Links 
Meeting Dates, Agendas& Minutes 
Board of Directors Meeting Videos

 

Community Partners

Our Community Partners are strong supporters of various areas of the school.  Without them, our students would not have manyof the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive.

GREELY PTO PARENT POWER APPEAL

The Power Appeal is FUELED by families! ALL donations are greatly appreciated! 
There are 3 ways you can donate: 
   - Donate at greelypto.org 
   - By check - drop off a check at the main office, or send to school in your child's folder. 
   - Venmo @Greely-PTO 
**With all donations, please note "Power Appeal", your child(ren)'s name, grade & your email address. 
THANK YOU for your support!

 

Useful Links

Employment Opportunities

MSAD #51 Website

2018-2023 Strategic Plan

District Calendar

GHS Athletics Schedule

Greely Center for the Arts Events

 

If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Melissa Porter for approval. The deadline each week is Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.

Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.

Maine School Administrative District #51 
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021 
Contact Us   |   207.829.4800