May 6, 2022
Happy Teacher
Appreciation Week!

May 2 - 6

Thank you to all of our teaching staff for everything you do on a daily basis. We appreciate you!
Health & Safety Update
COVID-19 Cases
Between April 29 and May 5, there were 43 new COVID-19 cases in the Brunswick School Department:
Cumulative statistics on all COVID-19 cases during the 2021-22 school year are available on the COVID-19 Dashboard. 
COVID Testing Update
As we reported earlier, the State of Maine is discontinuing pooled testing on May 13. BSD nurses still have an inventory of BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests and will continue to test members of the Brunswick School Community who are experiencing symptoms. We will also be distributing at-home test kits from Maine DHHS for every student and staff member. It has taken a little longer to organize the tests than we anticipated. Our goal is to send them home by May 16. We will also send an email and informational document from the State about these tests next week.
 
As a reminder, at-home tests are still available through the Federal Free COVID Tests Program and Project Access COVID tests (ACT). 
 
With the new reliance on at-home tests, it is even more important to notify your school nurse when you/your child tests positive for COVID-19. We have developed school-specific forms to complete when your/your child tests positive for COVID. Links to the forms are on the school webpages. Simply click the REPORT POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST RESULTS on your school’s webpage. Links to each form can also be found on the district webpage and below:

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Please consider attending a training to learn to recognize the signs of a teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, or who is in crisis.
For More Information on these FREE trainings:
Call Jennah #373-6970
2022 Best Communities for Music Education
Brunswick has been selected as a Best Communities for Music Education award recipient! This is the 5th consecutive year for Brunswick to receive this award. Congratulations to all staff, students and community members! #BSDProud
Educating Upstanders for Safer Schools
Since November, BHS and BJHS social workers, social-emotional learning coordinator, health teacher, and civil rights team advisor have partnered to organize a series of workshops at BHS facilitated by Maine Boys To Men (MBTM). The Brunswick Community Education Foundation funded the programs, which included separate workshops in April for 18 BHS educators and 40 students of all genders. Participants examined gender-based stereotypes and practiced acting as “upstanders” rather than bystanders, to respond to and prevent incidents of sexism and gender violence. MBTM will also connect student participants to a statewide youth network that collaborates on projects and supports each other's efforts in their individual schools. MBTM will bring their middle school workshops to students and educators at BJHS in September.
Employee Spotlight
Jessica Bennett
Academic Evaluator,
Central Office

Jessica and her husband have two children; 2 year old Finnegan and 11 month old Rowan. Their family also consists of three dogs! Jessica is a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington for her undergraduate degree and went on to receive her masters degree from the University of Southern Maine.

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
Brunswick is really working hard to improve the equity in education for all.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love to play with my kids and dogs; hike, swim/hang out at the beach, paint and draw, run, and go to concerts!

What if your favorite line from a movie?
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it" -Ferris Bueller's Day Off

What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned a whole lot about fruit flies. A very energetic and enthusiastic student taught me all about their life cycle; how to attract them if wanted, and how to catch them.
Happy Retirement, Sue!
Congratulations on your retirement!
We wish you many happy & relaxing days ahead.
Employment Opportunities
Click the button below to view current employment opportunities within the Brunswick School Department.
Merrymeeting Adult Education
The summer edition of the Merrymeeting Adult Ed catalog will be available on their website in the coming days, please visit their website to see the new and exciting classes that are being offered over the summer. While you are there, take a moment to browse the amazing art included in the Digital Art Show -- or drop by the Topsham Office on Friday, May 6th between 3:00 and 6:00pm to see the beautiful curated art show, chat with students, teachers, and meet the amazing staff!  

Also this summer, we are pleased to announce that we have established a veteran discount of $10 off all classes that are longer than 2 nights. Questions or comments, call Merrymeeting Adult Education at 729-7323. 
Brunswick School Department | https://www.brunswicksd.org/