From the Superintendent
This Fall, I introduced a new tool for viewing all district data in one place: MSAD #51 Data DashboardThis week begins an intermittent series digging into specific indicators from this data collection, with a balanced approach that both highlights areas of celebration and those in need of further work. Note that the latest reporting period is from the 2023-24 school year, with most historical data available back to the 2014-15 school year.
I will start this series with two areas worthy of celebration due to improving data: attendance and chronic absenteeism. You may recall that these are also district-wide strategic priorities and principals have been stressing the importance of attendance with more frequency over the last year. Going back to 2015, our typical average daily attendance (ADA) was 96%, and (like other school districts) we saw a general decline during the post-pandemic years of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Last school year we began to turn a corner as ADA rose to 95%, with hopes of returning to 96% by the end of this school year.
ADA doesn't tell the whole story, though. More glaring is the chronic absenteeism data we have been tracking since 2018, the first year the state required schools to report this information. During the same post-pandemic years of 2021-23, chronic absenteeism hit 14% before dropping off to 8.3% in 2023-24. Though still a way to go in hitting the low of 6.4% during the 2018-19 year, we are working hard to partner with families in reducing the number of students who are missing large numbers of school days. We know that nothing replaces consistent daily instruction and learning experiences when it comes to academic progress, and making regular school attendance a priority for each student raises the bar for all students.
Regards,
Jeff Porter
For reference, visit the MSAD #51 Data Dashboard on the district website www.msad51.org
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Pertussis (whooping cough) cases
There has recently been an increase in the cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) throughout the district. Specifically the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has opened a pertussis outbreak investigation due to multiple cases of pertussis at Greely High School. Pertussis is an infection caused by bacteria. It affects the airways and spreads easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Pertussis usually begins with symptoms of a common cold (sore throat, runny nose, mild cough), and often develops into a severe cough. The severe cough leads to coughing fits and/or vomiting. The cough is often worse at night. Early symptoms can last 1-2 weeks. Symptoms usually begin 5-10 days after exposure but can take up to 3 weeks. People infected with pertussis are most contagious for 2 weeks after the cough begins.
Anyone can get pertussis, including people who have had the pertussis vaccine. Pertussis can cause serious and sometimes deadly complications for babies, especially those who have not received all recommended pertussis vaccines.
What you should do:
If you or your child has a severe cough (including uncontrollable coughing fits, coughing to the point of gagging, vomiting after coughing, or difficulty breathing):
- Make an appointment with a health care provider. Tell them about the possible exposure so they can test for pertussis.
- Stay home and/or keep your child home from school and activities, such as sports or play groups, until you receive test results.
If a health care provider diagnosed you or your child with pertussis: - Stay home and/or keep your child home from school and activities, such as sports or play groups, until your child has completed 5 days of antibiotic treatment.
- All household and high-risk close contacts (including infants younger than 12 months, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems) should be treated with antibiotics to prevent pertussis infection.
Anyone with symptoms of pertussis infection should stay home until they complete antibiotic treatment. Those without symptoms do not need to stay home while completing treatment.
If you or your child does not have symptoms, you/they do not need to be tested or excluded from activities. However, you should monitor for symptoms and seek care if you/they become sick with the symptoms described above.
Encourage your child to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of disease:
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Please make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to help protect themselves and babies around them. Contact a health care provider to schedule a vaccination appointment or call the Maine Immunization Program at 1-800-867-4775 to find a vaccine provider near you.
You can find more information about pertussis at www.maine.gov/dhhs/pertussis. If you have any questions or concerns, please email your school nurse, call your healthcare provider directly, or call Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.
The current cases at MSAD #51 are as follows:
GHS: 1
GMS: 0
MIW: 0
| Mabel I. Wilson School | Greely Middle School | Greely High School |
|
Christina Givans: |
Lora Rolfe: [email protected] |
Erica Sarapas: [email protected] |
| Alex Higgins: [email protected] |
Meaghan Riemer: [email protected] |
Stress Less
The Active Minds/KyleCares Club is thrilled to announce another wellness speaker event at MSAD #51 this year!
Stay Connected
Click on the icon above to connect with MSAD #51.
Find all the ways MSAD #51 shares information here.
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).
December 5 - Regular Meeting
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 many of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive.
Greely PTO Fundraiser
Stay cozy this winter with your own Greely fleece throw blanket! See below for details.
Useful Links
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 Wednesday. Any requests received after Wednesday 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.
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
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