November 18, 2020

Dear Families,

Thank you to the many parents that completed the short survey you received last Friday via text message and email. We value your feedback. You will receive this short survey every other week and we will use the feedback to identify trends and inform next steps for our leadership team. We also are able to share praise as well asneeds that are raised with our teachers and staff on a regular basis. We appreciate your participation in this ongoing "pulse check" for out school!

Next week we only have two days of school. Students will be home Wed-Friday for the Thanksgiving recess. Please see below for guidance from the Superintendent about travel during this time period. Our ability to remain open in the hybrid model relies heavily on families and community members adhering to the CDC guidance on health and safety protocols.

I hope that everyone has a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Caitlin

Student work in the
hallways at King

On November 24th, PPS Food Service will be handing out 3-day bags of school meals in lieu of the holiday meal pick ups. They will be available to students at Casco Bay, Deering, Portland High, or Talbot from 1-2 pm. We are urging all staff to share this information with students and their families to ensure no one goes hungry this holiday! The PPS Food Service team would like to thank you in advance for all of your help and cooperation!



Holiday Travel in COVID Context

By current state mandate anyone who travels outside Maine to anywhere except Vermont and New Hampshire must either quarantine for 14 days upon return to Maine or get a (negative) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of return. Alternatively, the traveler can be tested in the state they are visiting if it is within 72 hours of their return to Maine. Either way, employees must quarantine while waiting for the results of their COVID test. Employees needing to take a leave of absence while waiting for the results of a COVID test are required to use their own accrued sick leave because holiday travel is considered non-essential travel.

Testing sites can be found HERE.

Testing is also available at the Jetport.

Tests at state-sponsored sites are free. All sites require an appointment.

And, here is some advice from the CDC on safe ways to celebrate Thanksgiving!





By current state mandate anyone who travels outside Maine to anywhere except Vermont and New Hampshire must either quarantine for 14 days upon return to Maine or get a (negative) COVID-19 test within 72 hours of return. Alternatively, the traveler can be tested in the state they are visiting if it is within 72 hours of their return to Maine. Either way, employees must quarantine while waiting for the results of their COVID test. Employees needing to take a leave of absence while waiting for the results of a COVID test are required to use their own accrued sick leave because holiday travel is considered non-essential travel.

Testing sites can be found HERE.

Testing is also available at the Jetport.

Tests at state-sponsored sites are free. All sites require an appointment.

And, here is some advice from the CDC on safe ways to celebrate Thanksgiving!