By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

If Al Smith and Paul True could peer into a crystal ball and see what the next few months hold in regards to the current pandemic, they could paint a clearer picture as to what is ahead for full-time in-person instruction and athletic competition.

Smith, SAD 61’s superintendent of schools, continues to work with administrators in developing a plan to bring students back to local schools full-time on Jan. 11.

Before parents can make decisions whether to send their children to school or pick a remote instruction plan, Smith knows families need information to make an informed decision.

“We’re meeting every day working on pieces (of the plan),” Smith told the School Board Monday night. “Administrators and staff have done a good job putting these pieces together. The plan is moving forward, but it doesn’t mean we will be able to implement it on Jan. 11 if things change.”

Change, meaning a continued surge in new Covid numbers that have already pushed some sections of Maine from green to yellow status — meaning a shift to remote learning. 

“We need to show parents what it will look like,” Smith added.

To do that, videos will be developed focusing squarely on what will take place in each school. Once available for review, Smith will welcome parent conversation. Another question parents will be asked is whether their child or children will be utilizing SAD 61 bus transportation.

Smith pointed out that SAD 61 currently has Kindergarten and Grade 1 students attending in-person five days a week, along with students in Vocational Center, Special Education and Alternative Education.

Smith suggested that the next board meeting be held via Zoom on Dec. 7, but to do an in-person meeting on Dec. 21 to discuss the plan and parent questions — “unless something dramatically changes,” said Smith, again outlining guidelines SAD 61 has in place in terms of staff and out-of-state travel over the upcoming holidays, which includes quarantining and providing a negative Covid-19 test result.

For Paul True, the ability to make changes at a moment’s notice has been his daily challenge as Athletic Director.

While the fall season was dramatically different than in past years, at least there was a season. 

“I was really stressed out,” True told the school board regarding what was ahead as Lake Region rolled out an athletic program with the pandemic still in our midst. “I am so thankful to report zero issues thanks to our parents and coaches. We spent more time dealing with life and the emotional impact on kids and less on fundamentals and X’s and O’s. Coaches did an outstanding job.”

True said he was thankful for the opportunity for student-athletes to have some kind of normalcy in their lives and to finally be able to smile.

The AD admitted it was trying at times seeing contests canceled due to outbreaks elsewhere and attempting to reschedule. But, Lake Region was able to pull it off, True said, because of dedicated and flexible coaches as well as a determined “support staff” that completed whatever tasks given so athletes could get the chance to perform.

True cited the efforts of:

• LR teachers John and Amy Mayo, who “live-streamed” every home contest, as well as a few away games, so that parents and relatives could see their athlete compete — strictly on a volunteer basis. State Covid restrictions limited the number of people at a game site, so live-streams via the Internet gave those folks access.

• Jeff Porter, who was the school’s traveling timekeeper.

• Kevin Murphy, who assumed the role of volunteer school photographer, snapping a “ton of action shots” as well as individual and team photos.

• Daryl Fernald and the grounds crew that were “absolutely amazing” in handling facility needs; as well as bus drivers.

True also credited Julie Johnson, who handles all the clerical matters in the AD’s office, and Athletic Trainer Courtney Roberts for their “flexibility” and “adaptability” which proved to be keys to the successful fall season that saw junior Noah Duprey win the WMC individual golf title and the Laker boys’ soccer team log the program’s 100th victory and its best record in True’s 15-year tenure. “Coach Harlow has done an amazing job. The team improved so much. They were so thankful for the opportunities they had, but you have to wonder where that group would have gone in a normal season,” True said.

True also noted that the rock/plaque in memory of long-time Lake Region cross-country coach Dan Dors is now in place at the entry of the trail that touches both LRHS and LRMS, two places Coach Dors spent a lot of time at. “It’s very touching and well deserved,” True said.

So, where are LRHS sports headed this winter?

True is hopeful one stat line can hold up when many sports activities shift indoors. A high school survey was conducted across Maine, which 73% responded. Of the 14,000 athletes that competed, there were only 10positive Covid tests.

“Not to diminish the seriousness of it, but it’s an indication we can do this (offer athletics) in a diligent and safe manner,” True said.

Right now, the Maine Principals’ Association has set the following dates in respect to winter competition:

• Dec. 7, the start of skills and drills only, no scrimmages.

• Dec. 14, first official practice

• Jan. 11, games and competitions begin

• Feb. 26-27, last playable date

Basketball and ice hockey programs will have 12-game schedules, consisting of eight regional opponents (for the Lakers, they would compete against Fryeburg, Poland and Gray-New Gloucester) and four others.

True is expected this week to interview a new ice hockey coach. Long-time Ice Cat Coach Dave Lepage has stepped down. True will also be talking with Bridgton Academy officials regarding ice time. The Ice Cats home ice is the rink at BA.

As for alpine skiing, guidelines call for a reduction in the number of teams at a meet from six to seven a year ago, down to four “at the most.” Teams will also be limited as to the number of skiers to compete, 10 per gender.

Cheering will be allowed, but with a different twist. There will be no competition, and to achieve social distancing at games, cheerleaders will shift to more dance routines.

Indoor track is unclear. For one, WMC schools hold their meet at the University of Southern Maine field house in Gorham. 

“USM is not going to want (athletes from) 16 schools on campus once a week,” True said. “I am not sure where it stands.”

True suspects a little creativity will be needed to allow track athletes to compete, such as possibly using Fryeburg Academy’s field house to hold high jump competitions while placing mats down to allow shot put competitors to throw.

Meanwhile, middle school sports will follow the same approach as the fall — in-house fundamental instruction by cohorts.

Casco Director Phil Shane asked True if the early word that there would be no spectators at high school basketball games was accurate.

“Yes,” said True. “Not even parents.”

True noted that Governor Mills’ current executive order calls for 50 or less in a gym.

“That’s why we will be diligent to live stream,” True said. “People can watch the games; holler at the officials all they want in their living rooms. In order for our kids to play, that’s the way the deal is and we’re going to make it work.”

“We have more capacity in a gym (to spread people out) than a restaurant,” Shane said. “It’s stupid.”

With athletes having to wear masks, Casco Director Tuan Nguyen asked True if the school was purchasing face coverings for athletes?

“Absolutely,” True responded. He noted that current “LR” masks are “wonderful and comfortable” but not really conducive to physical activity because they get damp. True is looking into other options.

In regards to extra-curricular activities such as chorus and theater, teachers and school officials are having conversations to find ways to create “opportunities.”

In other meeting notes:

Reaching out to businesses. When way David Morse shows students the value of vocational education is by exposing them to various trades and job opportunities that await after graduation.

Recently, the Lake Region Vocational Center director had a conversation with a large local employer, who has been a superintendent in the construction trade for the past three years. His message, there is a shortage of trade workers in the state.

Morse has successfully hooked up LRVC students with employers either through career days or internships.

Casco Director Phil Shane believes it’s a path more local students should consider.

“The trades are hurting. I’ve worked the trades all my life, doing mason work….There is real good money there (in the trades),” said Shane, who wishes LRVC hadn’t scrapped its electrical program a few years ago seeing the surge in need in today’s career market. “Some trades make more money than students who go to college, and you can stay out of big debt.”

Reaching out to parents. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, SAD 61 had to become somewhat creative in how it would approach parent-teacher conferences this year.

As expected, traditional in-person meetings will be replaced by virtual sessions. But, there is more.

Lake Region Middle School Principal Matt Lokken said teachers and teams have created short videos that outline the curriculum as well as inform parents how to access Schoology, which parents can track student performance and attendance. The videos are posted on the front page of the Lake Region Middle School website.

Report cards go out this Friday. Parent-teacher conferences will be held the first and second week of December.

“It seems late, but the nature of kids being here two days a week and remote three days, we felt (holding the conferences in December) will give a bigger snapshot and be more valuable,” Lokken said.

High school Parent-Teacher conference times can be arranged by going to the LRHS Facebook page.

Also, on the LRMS front, Grade 7 science teacher Sarah Kearsley secured a $1,061 Maine Environmental Education Association grant, which will be used to print bound copies of the Portland Water District’s “Discovering Water” for each student. Lokken said the PWD resource provides excellent graphics and information that “fits nicely” with the Grade 7 science curriculum on water quality and water use. That information will be a helpful guide (and reduce computer screen time) as LRMS students explore the health of brooks located behind the school.

Commending her service. To say Janice Barter has been a fixture on the SAD 61 School Board would be a big understatement. She has served as the town of Naples’ representative since March of 1998. In recognition of her long-time service and commitment to local education, Superintendent Smith presented Barter with the Maine School Board Service Award. Smith described the current board chairwoman as an “extremely dedicated member of the community and school district.”

Coming back to school. One positive effect of the pandemic has been the interest to return to school and pursue other career options through the Adult Education program.

Director Madelyn Litz reported that enrollment keeps “inching up.”

“Three women came back to us to complete their education,” Litz said. “We’re attracting students who otherwise would not finish.”

Litz noted that individuals interested in the next CNA and Medical Assistant programs should contact Adult Ed since some reading and math testing are required as part of entrance. The CNA program starts Feb. 6 and the Medical Assistant program begins Feb. 27.

Litz also reminded the community that the Adult Ed program catalog is going digital, and will be available online the first week in January.

“Colleges haven’t put out print catalogs in years now,” she said. “If someone needs a printed version, we’ll copy it off and mail it.”

Agreeing on pump location. As part of Bridgton’s wastewater expansion project, the town identified the Stevens Brook Elementary School property as an ideal spot for one of its new pumping stations. 

After a review by the school district’s attorney, school directors voted to allow the town to place a station on school property.