Sanford Distance Learning Plan
Message from the Superintendent
April 6, 2020
To the Sanford School Community,
While the concept of distance learning is simple, its practice is not. For hundreds of
years, students successfully attended class in brick and mortar buildings, absorbing
lessons from teachers sitting just a few feet away. Distance learning separates
students from their peers and their teachers and temporarily moves the delivery of
education into kitchens and living rooms. Adjusted expectations are necessary for
students, staff and families. Standard definitions for grades and attendance require
modification. In a word, distance learning is different.
The Distance Learning Plan that follows addresses Sanford students, first by grade
level and then by program. It is a fluid document, constantly under review and changing
as new challenges arise. Its intent, however, does not waiver. The Sanford School
Department is committed to:
● Maintaining a sense of connectedness for students and staff
● Supporting students, staff and families who are learning an entirely new way of
working
● Providing continuity of instruction via “distance learning” for ALL students
● Ensuring the continued health and well-being of students and staff
Distance learning does not replace the classroom experience and there will be
challenges. As educators, we are prioritizing what students need to focus on
educationally while trying to find the proper balance so stakeholders are not
overwhelmed and learning can continue. It is important as a community to support and
encourage each other and to understand that everyone is doing the best they can.
We appreciate you and all of your efforts.
Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools
Sanford Distance Learning Plan
Grades K-4
Daily Schedule: Monday - Thursday
● Total time not to exceed 2 hours per day
● Morning Meeting: daily
● Math: 15 - 30 minutes daily
● Reading: 15 - 30 minutes daily (embedded Social Studies)
● Writing: 15 - 30 minutes daily
● Science: 15 - 30 minutes weekly
Daily Schedule: Friday
● Total time not to exceed 2 hours per day
● Complete any unfinished work from the week
● Participate in library, health and PE, art, and music activities
Student Expectations:
● Attend morning meeting sessions daily
● Communicate with teacher(s) regularly
● Give best effort and turn in assigned work
Staff Expectations:
● Establish flexible daily office hours between 8 am and 2 pm
● Hold daily morning meeting sessions via video technology (at least 2 "live" sessions)
● Provide students weekly learning goals as determined at grade level meetings
● Provide assignments to students
● Provide formative feedback to students on work submitted
● Collaborate weekly with grade-level colleagues via Zoom regarding learning goals and
instruction
● Maintain contact with students; notify administrators of unreachable students
Family Expectations:
● Support your child’s learning
● Establish a daily routine that suits your family’s needs
● Communicate questions and concerns with your child’s teacher
● Enjoy your family
● Practice patience
Attendance/Grading:
● Attendance required during morning meetings and class participation throughout the
day; contact teacher(s) when unable to attend
● Grades suspended during remote learning; feedback provided only on completed work
Sanford Distance Learning Plan
Special Education
Distance learning for special education students poses unique challenges. Since we
are unable to individualize and deliver instruction normally, our primary focus is the
health and wellbeing of our students. Listed below are modifications surrounding the
delivery of instruction and services:
1. Regular Instruction: As appropriate, special education students will follow the
same distance-learning model provided in regular education instruction.
2. Specialized Instruction: Instruction may include packets of materials, phone
calls and video conferencing. The unique learning needs of some special
education students may prove difficult to meet; special education staff will be
extra vigilant, seeking creative ways to support students with unique needs as
well as their families during distance learning.
3. Related Services: Occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical
therapists and social workers will communicate and provide services to special
education students as appropriate, using a variety of virtual platforms (Google
Classroom, Zoom, Doxy, etc.) Service providers will work directly with families to
establish services based on the individual needs and goals of each student.
4. Modifications and Accommodations: All established modifications and
accommodations remain in place for students. Families should contact the
student’s case manager immediately if additional modifications or
accommodations appear necessary.
5. IEP Meetings: IEP meetings due prior to April 16, 2020 will be held virtually; your
child’s IEP Coordinator will contact you regarding the process. IEP meetings due
post April 16, 2020 will be scheduled after distance learning ends.
6. Referrals: Special education personnel will continue to receive and review
referrals for special education services. They may reach out to parents to
discuss the suspected area of disability and next steps. Evaluations,
observations and IEP’s to determine eligibility will be scheduled after distance learning ends.
Sanford Distance Learning Plan
Support Services
School Counselors & Social Workers
In these uncertain times, children may experience a wide range of emotions. Adjusting to a new schedule, social distancing, and staying at home may increase anxiety and stress in your child. Staff will continue to provide resources for students to support our district-wide focus on social-emotional learning. School counselors and social workers will reach out to families of students they regularly work with and will also remain available to all students. If your child is in need of support, please contact your child’s school counselor by email. Should your child experience a mental health crisis while our schools are closed, we encourage you
to utilize the following community resources:
For mental health emergencies: Crisis Hotline (207-774-HELP or 207-774-4357)
For learning how to access resources: 211 Maine (211)
For domestic violence-related support: Through These Doors (1-800-537-6066)
For emergencies: Call 911
School Counselors / Social Workers
Carl J. Lamb
324-8481
Jen Scremin
jscremin@sanford.org
Laurie Keene
lkeene@sanford.org
Devon Garabedian
dgarabedian@sanford.org
Leah Marks (Outreach)
lmarks@sanford.org
Support Services
ELL Support
ELL students spend the majority of their school day engaged in regular education
classes and will follow the established grade level structure. Regular education
classroom teachers will administer and monitor assignments for their students during
distance learning. ELL teacher Mrs. Webber will support academics in the regular
education setting, monitor student work in SeeSaw or Google Classroom and provide
consultation services to teachers. Students and/or families in need of support are
encouraged to contact Mrs. Webber at Twebber@sanford.org.
Gifted and Talented Support
Student, staff and family expectations will follow the established grade level structure.
Students in the Gifted and Talented Program will continue to work with their GT teacher.
GT teachers will work with classroom teachers to provide additional supports and
resources for GT students to maximize access to academic content. GT teachers will
reach out to each GT student/family to help ensure appropriate supports are in place.
Grades K-5 parents may reach out to Mr. Benham at ebenham@sanford.org.
Title I Reading and Math Support
Students already receiving Title 1 services will follow the established grade level
structure and will also have access to an online reading instructional program (Lexi*Core5) and an online math instruction program (MobyMax) for the remainder of this school year. Title 1 teachers will monitor and support students accessing these programs. Parents will be receiving information in the mail on how to register students for Lexi*Core5 and/or MobyMax by April 6th. Title I teachers have established weekly office hours to reach out to students and
parents. If you have a question, please contact your child's Title I teacher through their
school email or call your child's school.
Sanford Distance Learning Plan
Technology Support
All students have received school-issued devices programmed to access sites and
applications according to grade level. If issues arise with a device, assistance is
available as follows:
Grades K – 4: remotesupport@sanford.org or by calling the school
Differentiation for Families With Limited Online Access
Special arrangements are available for students without internet access. Families who
may have limited online access are asked to communicate directly with their child’s
classroom teacher and/or building principal for assistance. In the event that a student
does not have access to distance learning, administrators and teachers will work
together to develop alternatives.
Meal Delivery
Lunch and breakfast, free of charge, will be offered to all Sanford children through the
age of 18 through the School Nutrition Program. No registration will be necessary and
this service will continue as long as supplies and staffing are available. Pick up sites
are the Memorial Gym on Main Street and Lafayette School on Brook Street, between
11:30 am and 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Ledgemere busses and school
personnel will also deliver meals to Sanford’s “big bus” bus stops Monday through
Friday. For the latest delivery schedule visit: https://5il.co/eim4
Safe Stop is now activated to track your child's bus using activation code SFRD 2020. If
you have questions about Safe Stop, please contact Ledgemere at 324-4888.
Thank you!
Sherri Baron - Carl J. Lamb School Principal sbaron@sanford.org 207-324-8481
Trish Leet - Carl J. Lamb School Assistant Principal pleet@sanford.org 207-324-8481