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March 4, 2020 News

Note from the President's Desk

Dear St. Dom’s Families & Friends,

In every age, dangers lurk around the corner; some are real, the bear, the wolf, some are imaginary, the dragon, the boogie man, etc. As adults, we learn to discern between the two. We also learn to recognize the difference between 'the boy who cried wolf' and the trustworthy watchman who alerts us to a predicament we may not be aware of or appreciate.

In the case of the Corona Virus or Covid-19 to use its proper name, the details are both scary and of varying reliability. According to the CDC, a reliable source one hopes, it is a real potential danger, and we need to take precautions. According to some politicians and internet pundits, we need to stock up on rations and buy masks and be prepared not to touch anyone for a long time. A quick google search will confirm whatever your predisposed opinion is.

So what is the school doing? We are exercising proper care. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. Please remember to practice safe actions, including washing your hands with soap, not touching your nose or mouth, and most importantly, if your child is sick, please keep them home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

It is essential to note that, despite what the news might tell you, there are as of yet, no Covid-19 cases in Maine. Which means there is nothing anyone can do to eradicate it in Maine. When/ if it arrives in Maine, we will deal with it then. As for now, safe practices ought to be followed, but extraordinary measures are not yet justified.

Extraordinary measures might include all schools in the state be closed, all large group events are canceled or postponed, and sick persons are quarantined. Each of these would be challenging to do and we are far removed from even considering it. Should such a move be called for, we will have a plan to deal with it, including remote education options.

This is a fast-evolving story and we are paying close attention to it. After all, we work in the same building our children go to school in!

I have listed a few sources to peruse from which I gleaned some of the information for this email in case you might be interested in further reading.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/novel-coronavirus/faq-20478727

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html

Again please let me state we are paying strict attention to the situation and will act, in conjunction with the Diocesan school office, to make certain our children and our families are as safe as can be.

God bless,

Timothy Gallic

p.s. Questions, cares, comments or concerns are always welcome.

.

Wellness Reminder

The flu season is in full swing. Please remember to call school at 782-6911 or email jennifer.cyr@portlanddiocese.org if your child will be out sick. A doctor's note is required if your child will be out for 3 days or more.

Healthy Habit Reminders

Wash your hands often

Cough and sneeze into your elbow

Your child must be 24 hours fever free before returning to school.

Enrollment Reminders

Save $160 per child by enrolling by March 9. After March 9 the cost to enroll each child is $320.

Families interested in applying for financial aid, please complete your application by March 1.

Mission to Mississippi Breakfast

Mission to Mississippi will be holding their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 15th from 7-11am at the Auburn Campus. Come and enjoy some fresh pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, Mailhot's sausage, and hot/cold drinks. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased from any Mission to Mississippi member, Mr. Girouard andrew.girouard@portlanddiocese.org, Mr. Forss garrett.forss@portlanddiocese.org, Mrs. Langlois at the Lewiston Campus, or at the door. Thank you very much for your help and support throughout the year!

Model UN Nations

Model United Nations has begun! Students will be participating in the Model United Nations Conference at the USM - Gorham campus May 13-15. Students have started preparing for the conference and will be representing various countries in several different committees dealing with real world Issues. They will be researching, shoring up on their public speaking and learning how the United Nations functions. It is a lot of work, but lots of fun too! For more information reach out to Kelly Angell kelly.angell@portlanddiocese.org.

Aladdin, Jr.

The link for the schedule for the remainder of February and for March is below and posted on the school website. For questions, please contact Director, Kay Warren at carianm.529@gmail.com or Musical Director/Music Teacher Matt Konrad at matthew.konrad@portlanddiocese.org.

Art Supplies

Mr. Corriveau, Auburn campus art teacher, is looking for some supplies - usable hair dryers, scraps of plywood and sheets of drywall that are 12x12 or larger. If you can help or have questions reach out to Mr. Adam Corriveau at adam.corriveau@portlanddiocese.org or 207-782-6911.

Middle School Yearbook

Middle School will have their own yearbook this year. Click on the link below to order!! Cost is $20 per yearbook. Use Yearbook ID 14117620.

Have sports, events or candid photos you would like to share? Please email them to nicole.adams@portlanddiocese.org

Help make our first middle school yearbook a success!!

St. Dom’s Family Open Mic Night

Mr. Gagne, and Mr. Konrad invite you to Open Mic Night on Friday, March 13 at 6:00 pm at the Auburn Campus Commons. This event is open to students, family and friends from both campuses. The All Saints Booster Club will be selling popcorn and ice cream during the event.

Donate your shoes to the Lewiston-Auburn Kiwanis Club

Key Club is partnering with the Lewiston-Auburn Kiwanis Club to raise funds by collecting and donating gently worn, slightly used or brand new shoes. Please drop off your shoe donations to either the Lewiston or Auburn Campus before March 13th.

Athletic Corner

Spring Sports for our High School athletes will start March 23 for pitchers and catchers for both baseball and softball. The rest of High School sports start March 30. Middle School sports start on or after April 1. As the season gets closer, coaches will be reaching out with more information.

Congratulations to the following athletes for their accomplishments in their winter sports - Gisele Ouellette and Madison Pelletier (from Gray New Gloucester) All State Girls Hockey, Isabella Webster, West Duffy (from Gray New Gloucester) and Lily Beauchesne All Northern Conference, Jacques Ouellette Travis Roy Semi Finalist, Mia-Angelina Leslie and Rebecca Zimmerman 1st All Conference Girls Basketball, Hannah Kenney All Defensive Team, William Laflamme All Star Boys' Basketball, William Levasseur All Conference 1st Team 2 Mile & 4 x 800m relay

From Our College Advisor

Opportunity for Young Women in STEM

The Society of Women Engineers is holding a day-long event for young women in grades 6-12 interested in pursuing STEM careers. There is also a track during the day for parents. The event happens on April 19 at the University of Maine at Orono - you must RSVP by March 28. See Mrs. DeBlois for more info or reach out to SWEOutreach.UMaine@gmail.com

Service Academy Night

If you are interested in applying to a service academy, this is a special event featuring the five branches of the military, private military colleges, and ROTC programs, as well as representatives from our Congressional Delegation. The event is scheduled for April 8 at 6 pm at the Bangor Hilton Garden Inn. See Mrs. DeBlois for more details or visit https://dipto.cc/s60ozs

Here is valuable information for Juniors as they start touring colleges and exploring summer opportunities that help build their College resumes.

Save the Date

The class of 2021 will be meeting with Mrs. DeBlois the week after February school break to begin the college application process. On Thursday, April 2 at 6 pm, we will be hosting a parent information night in the library. On Thursday, May 21, we will be taking all members of the class to the NEACAC college fair in Augusta as part of the school day. More details will be sent as these events come closer.

College Acceptances Update

Isaac Banks University of Tampa

SAT Prep Help

Our SAT Exam day is quickly approaching but before that happens, the students that signed up will be attending the SAT Prep days. These are set to take place between March 9-March 12 and March 16 -March 19 from 2:30-4:00. Mrs. Theriault and Ms. Shore are the teachers who will be conducting these sessions. Both have years of experience doing this and have helpful hints and strategies on how to do well on the SAT’s.

It would be helpful if your son/daughter brings a computer to school with them on those days. Reach out to Mrs. Girouard at joline.girouard@portlanddiocese.org.

CollegeBoard has some free online tools to help the students prepare for the test. The link below will get you to the CollegeBoard site and the free services.

Upcoming Dates

March 12 Blood Drive 9 am to 2 pm in the Auburn Campus Gym

March 13 Family Open Mic night at the Auburn Campus 5:00pm - 7:00pm

March 15 M2M Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Auburn Campus 7:00am - 11:00am

March 23 - 27 Spirit Week

March 19 Junior National Honor Society & National Honor Society Induction Night

March 20 No School - Teacher Workshop

For information on becoming a St. Dom's Corporate sponsor, contact Deb Anthoine at debra.anthoine@portlanddiocese.org.

Our Mission

Through study, prayer, community, and service, Saint Dominic Academy teaches its students the truth of life so they may set the world afire.

Credits:

Created with an image by Biegun Wschodni - "Blooming saffrons in the mountains"