October 30, 2023
3:45 PM
10/30/2023
Dear Staff, Parents, and Students,
Like many of you, I am still processing the senseless shooting that occurred in Lewiston. The suffering the greater Lewiston community is feeling has heightened the ways that all of us feel vulnerable, that the unthinkable can happen anywhere, and I want to acknowledge those feelings.
Today, I have witnessed first-hand the grace and dignity of our Brunswick Teachers, Educational Technicians, Support Staff, and Administrators as they welcomed students back. The careful and compassionate approach our schools developed and implemented will continue as we recognize that each student deals with this situation in their own way and on their own timeline.
Student Support
As a reminder, our staff is available to support any student who requires support. Please reach out to your student's teacher, school counselor, or social worker if you feel your child needs individual support. I also want to remind you that if you have a child in crisis, you can reach out to one of the following Mental Health Support Numbers:
Maine Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay)
Maine Suicide & Crisis Line: 988 -formerly called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
NAMI Maine Helpline: 1-800-464-5767 (Press 1) - The NAMI Helpline is a safe and confidential mental health service for peers, law enforcement, professionals, friends, and family members.
NAMI Maine's Teen Support Line: (207) 515-8398 - A free, confidential resource for youth from 13-23 years of age.
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
Please remember the Brunswick School Department uses the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SSARS). SSARS allows staff, students, and parents to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone who may hurt themselves or others. You can submit a tip four ways:
Click the Say Something button on the BSD website
Submit a tip through this secure website
Call 1-844-5-SayNow
Download the Say Something Reporting System Anonymous App through Google Play or Apple Store
As poet Amanda Gorman wrote, "There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it." Please join me in being the light - the light that supports each other.
Sincerely,
Phil Potenziano, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
It's important to take care of our mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available. Remember, you are not alone. Don't be afraid to reach out for support. Help is available. Sending you all love & light during this difficult time. #teambrunswickme
October 26, 2023
6:00 PM
Dear Staff, Parents, and Students:
Once again, our nation and now our beloved State of Maine are mourning after another senseless and tragic mass shooting. Never, never, in my lifetime did I believe this could ever happen in Maine, yet here we are.
My thoughts go out to the individuals who've lost their lives, the victims still in critical care, their families, first responders, and everyone affected by this atrocious act of violence. Many in Brunswick are personally affected by this tragedy and are mourning the loss of friends and family. My thoughts go out to them, and I also recognize that many of our staff members are residents of the Lewiston and Lisbon areas.
My highest priority was and remains our Brunswick students' and staff's safety and security.
Today, I met several times with members of our District Crisis Response Team. I have also communicated numerous times with Brunswick Chief of Police Stewart and area school superintendents.
Due to the devastating impact this event has had on our staff, students, and families, as well as our community's safety, I decided to close school for students and all staff again on Friday, October 27.
On Monday, October 30, the Brunswick School Department will have a two (2) hour delay of school.
This additional time will allow our staff to carefully prepare for conversations with our students and how we can best support them during this difficult time.
Just to remind you, there are resources for families located here. I hope they are helpful to you.
Thank you in advance for working with us to support our students and staff during this horrible tragedy.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Potenziano
Brunswick Schools will be closed today - Thursday, October 26 - due to the shelter-in-place and ongoing search for a person of interest in last evening's tragedy in Lewiston that impacts many of our staff and families. All school offices will be closed as we urge folks to remain off the roads as much as possible. Information on resources for supporting students and adults in the face of this tragedy will be shared by email later this morning.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Potenziano
10/25/2023
10:30 PM
Good evening;
As a result of the active shooter events currently ongoing in Lewiston and the unknown impact this will have on our Students, Staff, and Brunswick Families, the decision has been made to close schools tomorrow, 10/26/23. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as they become available.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Potenziano
📣 Meet Isabel, a BHS Junior. Isabel is a second-year Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm excited to introduce her to all of you. Isabel is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. She is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and is committed to supporting all students! 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, Isabel shared:
"I really want to do more and help students feel heard and feel like their opinions matter because they do!"
Join us in welcoming Isabel, and stay tuned - to see her ideas become reality! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
📣 Meet Camille, a BHS Junior. Camille is a second-year Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm excited to introduce her to all of you. Camille is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. She is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and is committed to supporting all students! 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, Camille shared:
"I want to amplify the voices of students in my school. I noticed that some students feel as if they aren't being heard or taken seriously."
Join us in welcoming Camille, and stay tuned - to see her ideas become reality! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
Employee Spotlight: Patrick Abedi, ESOL Teacher, Brunswick High School
Patrick and his wife have two children, Layla and Amari. He attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
Because the love the town of Brunswick and forward to collaborating with everybody.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love reading, spending time with friends and family.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Malcolm X
What is something you learned in the last week?
So many things!
📣 Meet Evie, a BHS Junior. Evie is a third-year Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm excited to introduce her to all of you. Evie is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. She is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and wants everyone to know! 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, Evie shared:
"Student voice is incredibly important to take into account when making decisions on behalf of students. The SSAC is a great step towards better communication within the High School and district-wide."
Join us in welcoming Evie, and stay tuned - to see her ideas become reality! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
📣 Meet Britney, a BHS Senior. Brittney is a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm excited to introduce her to all of you. Brittney is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. She is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and wants everyone to know! 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, Brittney shared:
" I want to be more involved, and I wanna be able to have a voice for the students."
Join us in welcoming Brittney, and stay tuned - to see her ideas become reality! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
📣 Meet Ellie, a BHS Sophomore. Ellie is a second-year Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm excited to introduce her to all of you. Ellie is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. She is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and wants everyone to know! 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, Ellie shared:
"I want to make sure the voices of students are heard, creating an even more inclusive school and trying to diversify our community."
Join us in welcoming Ellie, and stay tuned - to see her ideas become reality! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Brunswick Buzz! In this installment, we're thrilled to have Sarah Rodgers from the Cathance River Education Alliance as our special guest. Join us as we dive into the vital role the alliance plays in supporting the science curriculum in Brunswick schools. Sarah shares insights into the innovative programs, hands-on experiences, and educational resources provided by the alliance, enhancing the science education of local students. If you're curious about the fascinating intersection of nature, education, and community engagement, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how the Cathance River Education Alliance is making a difference in Brunswick schools and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-aq9h8-14b2b66
📣 Meet Zunairah, a BHS student. Zunairah is a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm thrilled to introduce her to all of you. Zunairah is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. She is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and wants everyone to know! 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, Zunairah shared:
" I want to be someone who not only shares their insight on things but also is someone my classmates can refer to if they find something that isn't working. Administrators might not always pick up on students' struggles, so it's up to the students to voice their opinion."
Join us in welcoming Zunairah, and stay tuned - to see her ideas become reality! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
📣 Meet Hazel Goodwin, a BHS Senior. Hazel is in her 3rd year as a member of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC), and I'm thrilled to introduce her to all of you. Hazel is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. Her dedication to improving the student experience is truly inspiring. 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, she shared:
"I really enjoy being able to make a tangible positive impact on the school and student body. "
Join us in welcoming Hazel, and stay tuned for her incredible contributions to our education system! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme
📣 Meet Anna Leslie, a BHS Sophomore. Anna is a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm thrilled to introduce her to all of you. Anna is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. Her dedication to improving the student experience is truly inspiring. 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, she shared:
"I have truly enjoyed the Brunswick School System, and I want to share how great it is and work as a team member with the administration and community to make it even better for students to come, including my siblings."
Join us in welcoming Anna, and stay tuned for her incredible contributions to our education system! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme
Employee Spotlight: Sarah Sinclair, Front Office Secretary, Brunswick High School
Sarah is from Solon, Maine and attended the University of Maine Augusta. Sarah and her husband have two daughters named Harper and Georgia. They have two family cocker spaniels named Sydney and Alfie, and a cat named Lana.
What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud
Brunswick is such a beautiful place with the most amazing people. I feel very lucky to be a part of things here.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love gardening and watching horror movies with my girls and my husband.
What is your favorite line from a movie?
I'm right on top of that, Rose!
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Jordan Peele
What is something you learned in the last week?
That Brunswick is smaller than you'd think! It's awesome to realize the ties that people have to each other from all over!
📣 Meet Paul, a BHS student. Paul is a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm thrilled to introduce him to all of you. Paul is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. He is dedicated to helping improve the student experience and wants everyone to know! 📚✨
When asked why he wanted to be part of the SSAC, Paul shared:
"Being a member of the SSAC will allow me to help all students feel welcomed. I also hope to improve school spirit! I have many great ideas and look forward to sharing them with the administration."
Join us in welcoming Paul, and stay tuned - to see his ideas become reality! ! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #studentvoice #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme #SchoolSuperintendent #MaineSchoolSuperintendent
🎨 A colorful day at Kate Furbish Elementary! 🖌 This week, Superintendent Potenziano stopped by an art class and had the pleasure of meeting some incredibly talented aspiring artists. 🌟 Their creativity knows no bounds! 🎉 #ArtEducation #InspiringYoungMinds #SuperintendentVisit #teambrunswickme #liveworkmaine #brunswickmaine #maineschoolsuperintendent
Meet Marco, a BHS Sophomore. Marco is a member of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC), and I'm thrilled to introduce him to all of you. Marco is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. His dedication to improving the student experience is truly inspiring.
When asked why he wanted to be part of the SSAC, he shared:
"I feel that by being a member of the SSAC, I can offer helpful insight, advocate for my fellow students, and make a difference that will help everyone in the school district. I really enjoy being able to make a tangible positive impact on the school and study body. "
Join us in welcoming Marco, and stay tuned for his incredible contributions to our education system! #StudentLeadership #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme
📣 Meet Maya, a BHS Junior. Maya is a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) member, and I'm thrilled to introduce her to all of you. Maya is a passionate advocate for positive change in our schools. Her dedication to improving the student experience is inspiring. 📚✨
When asked why she wanted to be part of the SSAC, she shared:
"Being a member of the SSAC will allow me to make sure our student voice is heard. Student voice is one of the most important parts of having an effective school environment. We are the ones experiencing school each day."
Join us in welcoming Maya, and stay tuned for her incredible contributions to our education system! 🙌💡 #StudentLeadership #EducationMatters #SSACMember #ChangeMakers #Teambrunswickme
