Dear Lisbon Families,
In an effort to provide you with the most updated information related to the impact of COVID-19 on our schools, I am writing to inform you that as a result of the extended “Stay at Home” order, the Lisbon School Department will remain closed and continue to do remote learning until further notice.
As you may already know, on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, Governor Mills extended the timeline for Maine schools to cease classroom-based instruction. As a result, we are in the process of transitioning into Phase II of our “Distance Learning Plan” which will now continue until our last student day, which is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2020. Over the next few days, you will receive information outlining what Phase II learning will involve but as I have shared with you in prior communications, our “Distance Learning Plan” is a blended approach that will continue to emphasize and encourage student engagement, creativity and family involvement. Also, the status of extended school year services for identified students with IEPs remains unclear but will be communicated to you as soon as additional information becomes available.
Several traditional school related events have already been impacted or canceled as a result of COVID-19 and we are truly sorry and understand the negative impact that this is having on our students and families. The most significant event impacted is the Class of 2020 graduation ceremony. Please be assured that we are looking at all of our options and our intent is to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a safe and allowed manner. Currently the graduation ceremony is still scheduled on the original date, which is Sunday, May 31, 2020. Specific details related to this event will be shared with parents and members of the community over the next week. Other plans related to the celebrations and transitions involving our Grade 5 and Grade 8 students are also being discussed and again we will be providing updates as they become available. As a result of the extended closure, families are asked to contact the schools to make arrangements to pick-up any personal belongings that may have been left in your students lockers or classroom.
Our ability to provide meals at each of our “Mobile Food Sites” during this closure has been well received and I want to commend and thank all of our staff who have made this possible. Please contact our office at 353-6711 X1014 if you have any questions.
As I have mentioned before, this notification is an effort to communicate this news to you as soon as possible so that you may continue planning for child care and other concerns that have occurred as a result of this extended closure. If you or your family is in need of any support, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Please be safe and as always be assured that we care and are here for you. Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools and always remember that “We are Lisbon”!
Richard A. Green, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Phone: 207-353-6711 X1005