08.28.26 - Community Newsletter

As I shared previously, LD 1234 was passed this spring by the Maine Legislature in an effort to reduce the effects of personal technology devices/cell phones in schools. This law requires that "By August 1, 2026, a school board shall adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from the starting bell to the dismissal bell. The policy must restrict student use of cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices with internet or cellular network capabilities."

For the start of the 2026-27 school year, students in PK-12 across the state will not be allowed to use phones or other personal electronic devices at all during the school day, with limited exceptions (as defined by law) "for medical reasons, emergency situations, or specific educational accommodations." In June, the Board adopted local Policy JICJ Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices in Schools. Each school is implementing this new policy in a manner appropriate to its students' developmental levels. Please refer to the schools' student handbooks for procedural details.

One way parents and guardians can certainly help is by leaving messages for their child during the school day, either by calling or emailing the school's main office. Please do not text or call your child on their devices during the school day. Students are allowed to use devices after dismissal to communicate with parents as needed.

Officers Malcolm Marshall and Nick Bedard created some short videos reminding the community about stopping for school buses, as well as crosswalk and bike safety. Thank you BPD for providing guidance and laws to our community members and students ahead of our school year.

Do you plan on volunteering at school for your child or grandchild? Applications must be submitted every school year and if you apply early in the year, you'll be all set come May for the Field Days and Field Trips!

All potential volunteers must complete and submit an application through Volgistics. The link to Volgistics can be found on the Volunteer page of the BSD website. Applicants may select multiple volunteer locations in their application. Applicants should apply ten days before the event or activity for which they would like to volunteer.

A Community Flu & Covid Clinic is being held at Harriet Beecher Stowe School on Saturday, September 26th from 9am to 2pm.

• Bring your insurance information with you or fill out the forms ahead of time.
• Students UNDER 19 without insurance are eligible for free vaccinations.
• Paperwork is available on site or in school offices.

Emily Tobey

World Languages Teacher (Spanish)

BHS

Emily grew up in Middletown, OH. She attended Madison Local Schools in Middletown, and graduated from Brigham Young, as well as Indiana University for her PhD. Emily's family includes Ben, Nora, James and Patrick. They have two dogs, Pippin and Trooper.

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud

I was interested in working at Brunswick because of the effective organization and communication that I observed through connections to the district. I love the mindfulness with which this educational community approaches decision making and community participation.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I'm a runner! The longer the better, usually on trails but also some road racing. I also like to sew, crochet, knit and just generally make things.

Favorite line from a movie?

"Alma a quien todo un dios prisión ha sido, venas que humor a tanto fuego han dado, medulas que han gloriosamente ardido, su cuerpo dejará, no su cuidado; serán ceniza, mas tendrá sentido; polvo serán, mas polvo enamorado."

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Ana Caro

What is something you learned in the last week?

That whippoorwills are migratory.

Open Employment Positions:

• Mechanic
• Main Office Secretary - Brunswick School Department
• LT Sub: Fourth Grade Teacher - Harriet Beecher Stowe School
• Educational Technicians - Kate Furbish School
• PreK,
• Resource,
• Functional Life Skills
• Self-Contained Behavior
• Front Office Aide - Kate Furbish School
• Coaching Positions have been posted! Brunswick High and Brunswick Jr. High School
• Substitute position are open all year!
• Substitute Nurses, Teachers, Ed Techs, Tutors
• School Bus Drivers!!
• Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
• Substitute Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
• ...And MORE!

We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view

all current employment opportunities!

You can view previous newsletters on our website!

If you are currently not receiving the Community Newsletter and would like to, or if you would like to unsubscribe from the newsletter email Billie Jo Wallace at bwallace@brunswicksd.org