Dear Calais Middle/High School students, parents, and guardians:
The Calais Middle/High School is pleased to welcome all of our students back to in person learning! Please refer to our 2021 Opening Plan found within this packet or on the Calais School Department website www.calaisschools.org. We are also pleased to announce the addition of new faculty and staff members, Cameron Gelder (ELA), Steven Gregory (Music Dept.), a high school science teacher, and 2 new mathematics teachers.
The CM/HS school daily class schedule has changed slightly this year. The middle and high school has reorganized the daily class schedule to include a flex period that will be used as a time for students to seek additional support in current classes, provide enrichment opportunities from teachers, as well as scheduled time for advisories that will cover social-emotional needs of our students, further support a positive school culture, and provide space for class meetings. Though each class will be shortened slightly to accommodate the flex period, we will continue with our alternating block schedule of Blue and White days.
With the addition of faculty members, the Calais Middle/High School has a few new offerings in our high school English Department. Please contact Mrs. Pike, our guidance counselor at spike@calaisschools.org, if you are interested in signing up for any of the following courses: Reading/Writing Workshop, Creative Writing, PoeMester (Edgar Allen Poe and related works), Public Speaking, Mythology, or Literary Performance.
The beginning of the school year is quickly approaching with Wednesday, September 1st being our first day for 7th and 8th Graders, Freshmen, and new students. All students will return on Thursday, September 2nd. The beginning of the year offers the opportunity for us to set new goals for ourselves, join new clubs or extracurricular activities, and continue to strive for excellence.
Our daily start time will begin with the first bell at 7:35am. Students arriving after the first bell will be considered tardy, so please be sure students arrive at class prior to the 7:35am bell. We recommend students are dropped off by 7:30 a.m. to allow time for students to go to lockers and arrive on time to class.
Just a quick reminder for students to turn off cell phones and electronic devices during the school day. Students can use their phones prior to the 7:30 a.m. bell, during their designated lunch period, and after the dismissal bell at 1:50 p.m. Parents, who must be in contact with their students, should contact our front office at 454-2591, as students will not be able to check their phones until their scheduled lunch time or after school.
Calais Middle/High School has installed water bottle filling stations. It is recommended students have a reusable, closed water bottle for school. Please refrain from bringing outside drinks into the building during school hours.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to complete the free/reduced lunch forms online for your convenience https://nlappscloud.com//District.aspx?sdid=1700&op=7f298cf57815df10ebb0db62450bc645, but a paper copy will be sent home with your student during the first day of school in case you prefer to complete a hard copy. The Maine Department of Education does require parents/guardians in all schools complete the forms even if you do not believe your child(ren) will qualify for free/reduced lunch. The CM/HS and school department uses the data to apply for grants and/or additional funding, so it is important for all families to complete the lunch form. We appreciate your cooperation.
Once again, we are very much looking forward to seeing all of our students in September! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at 454-2591.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Spearin
Principal CM/HS