Community Newsletter
Winter Weather Update
Dear Staff, Students, and Parents,
In my opinion, this Winter feels a lot like a roller coaster - Mild, Cold, Rain, Snow, Sleet, Slush, and so forth, but in reality, I guess it is a typical Maine Winter. I just forgot what it was really like.
Here’s an update to my previous message regarding our school cancellation plans:
Brunswick will continue to follow a traditional snow day model, but remote learning days may be considered if the district exceeds the five snow days built into the school calendar. Before a decision is made, I’ll be working with Administrators, and Staff to determine if we can effectively implement a remote day.
As a reminder:
Notifications
- If inclement weather is forecasted, we will strive to decide and notify families the day before a cancellation.
- We will also notify families the morning of a cancellation via telephone, text message, and email (if you do not currently receive notifications, please get in touch with your student’s building secretary to update your contact preferences).
We will post notifications via radio (99.5 WCME) and television (WCSH 6, WMTW 8, and WGME 13) outlets.
Parents, Staff, and Students may also use the following social media sites for up-to-date information:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuptPotenziano
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brunswick-School-Department-896342617067005/
- Website: www.brunswicksd.org
Other Closures and Cancellations
If concerns develop during the school day about the ability to travel safely in the afternoon or evening, after-school activities will be canceled. This will include clubs, performances, practices, competitions, and meetings.
If an emergency condition arises during the school day (such as no heat, water, or electricity in a building), there may be an early dismissal and closure.
Brunswick School Department will always do its best to make the right call. However, please know we understand that the parent/guardian always makes the final decisions regarding the safety of their student(s). Therefore, if there is ever a circumstance where school has not been canceled or delayed, yet you feel it is best to keep your child home because of road conditions, we respect your decision to do so.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable winter weather season.
Sincerely,
Phillip J. Potenziano, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Help Alleviate School Nutrition Debt
Please DONATE
The Brunswick School Department is looking to alleviate school nutrition debt for families in our community. Prior to the pandemic, families in the Brunswick community had accumulated $7,000 in debt from unpaid lunch bills. We would like to relieve the stress from those families and take care of the payment for them. This is where we need your help! We're looking to not only fundraise for the $7,000 owed to the school nutrition program, but we would like to keep the fundraising going and provide cold milk for all students throughout the remainder of the school year.
The Maine Department of Education has funded free school lunches to all students throughout the 2022-2023 school year. However, what is not funded is cold milk for those students that choose to bring their lunches from home. We would like to have cold milk equally accessible to all students, and with your support, we could make this a reality for the Brunswick community.
If interested in donating, please scan the QR code or visit https://givebutter.com/foodservicerelief
Every little bit helps and goes directly to help families in our community.
We appreciate your support.
With Gratitude,
Brunswick School Department
Thank you to those that have already donated. We've raised just over $4,000
to help school nutrition debt. We're getting close to reaching half of our goal!
Employee Spotlight
Rick Bergeron
PowerSchool Admin at the Central Office
Rick has been married for 42 years to his wife, Tamra. They have two children, a daughter who is a high school teacher in Racine, WI and a son who is former Air Force and is now working as a contractor for the Air Force in Florida. Rick and his wife also have two granddaughters, two cats and a dog!
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
Having spent 19 years at the Department of Education, I'm excited to be on the school side of reporting instead of the State reporting to the Feds. I haven't been here that long but I am excited to continue to learn new things.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
My wife and I like to travel when we can. I am active with my church and am a Freemason.
Favorite line from a movie?
"To infinity and beyond" - Toy Story
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Elon Musk
What is something you learned in the last week?
School secretaries are my friend.
