Maine’s Positive Story of the Day ~ Telstar Middle and High Schools in Bethel ~
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Telstar Middle and High Schools in Bethel ran a planned evacuation drill on Wednesday 9/4 in the late afternoon. Unfortunately, the fire alarm system did not work. The team was faced with limited options on what to do to allow school to take place but not be in the building without a working system. The administrative team met right after school and started to brainstorm all of the possible solutions. There were a few ideas, but they involved a significant amount of disruption to our elementary students and the hope was to avoid that if at all possible. After a call and several text messages with Dana Bullen at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, and within 15 minutes he said, “We’ve got you covered”, and to send our kids to the mountain tomorrow. Dana, Brain Heon, Meredith Harrop, Heather Perry, Darren Tripp and the rest of the executive management team at Sunday River made this possible without hesitation. Just like that we had a place for 300+ staff and students to conduct school! Within two hours we had a comprehensive plan for something we had never attempted before. Not only did Sunday River welcome us with open arms to take over the entire South Ridge lodge, they also covered breakfast and lunch both days for all, provided security, and helped to make sure we had all that was needed to conduct school. Their quick response and open arms allowed for teachers to continue classes and students learning. The alternative was looking like two snow days in the second week of school! Not a scenario anyone wanted to even discuss. The Telstar administrative team came up with a schedule for both days, designated learning spaces for each teacher to work out of and Thursday morning, we buses everyone to Sunday River to an experience that turned out to be more positive and productive than we could have imagined. The staff and students were even treated to gondola rides on Friday afternoon as a culminating activity. We feel beyond blessed and fortunate to have amazing local support like this in our community and to have Sunday River as a partner. Now that we have experienced this, talks are actually taking place to potentially plan an annual day of learning event for our staff and students at Sunday River which has everyone more than excited! Sometimes the best things come out of uncertain circumstances and taking a chance. We are very proud of our staff and students for making the most of this experience. It is remarkable to report that the middle school had over 93% attendance both days and the high school 86% each day as well. Proud to be a Rebel!! Thankfully the fire alarm system was repaired and inspected on Saturday morning and all will be returning to the Telstar complex on Monday morning for school. #NASSP |