October 6, 2021
Dear Parents, Staff, and Students,
I am writing with some regrettable news about our football season. I wanted first to inform you that Daniel Cooper is no longer affiliated with our athletic department. His departure, the removal of some players from the team, and the number of ineligible or injured players on the team have caused the administration and I to seriously evaluate our ability to safely field a team for the remainder of the season. After very careful deliberation, we have concluded that we cannot safely field a team and continue playing contests for the remaining three games of the season.
We understand that this decision will likely come as a blow to many of our student-athletes and their families, and we regret the circumstances that forced us into having to make this difficult decision. However, we must be guided by what is best for the safety and well-being of our students and the administration, and I believe that this is the right decision. Athletics and extracurricular activities can play a crucial role in our student's lives and help shape our students' character. For this reason, we are actively evaluating how we may be able to hold some practices, light intrasquad scrimmages, or provide some opportunities for students to use the weight room or come together as a team. I have directed Athletic Director Watson to give this careful attention in the coming days.
Mr. Watson or I will be in touch within the next several days after we have been able to give this the careful attention it deserves. Again, thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through what has been a very difficult time for our football team.
I also want to reiterate our commitment to the well-being of our students. There are adults here at school who can offer students and families support--it is essential to reach out if you or your loved one needs it. BHS school support people are listed below, as well as community and national resources. In addition to the usual school hours from 7:45 to 2:10, support will be available in the afternoons as well.
SASSMM Supports:
BHS has partnered with Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM) to offer support services to all students. Students can meet privately with a SASSMM advocate from 11-1 on Mondays and 9-11 on Thursdays. SASSMM is a local organization providing free, confidential services to any individual impacted by sexual violence. In addition, all community members are welcome to call SASSMM's 24/7, free, confidential Helpline: 1-800-871-7741.
BHS School Counselor Supports:
Counselor Mary Moore: 7:30-3:30, Email: mmoore@brunswicksd.org
Counselor Diane Cook: 7:30-3:30, Email: dcook@brunswicksd.org
Counselor Scott Bradley: 7:30-3:30, Email: sbradley@brunswicksd.org
Counselor Christina Ring: 7:30-3:30, Email: cring@brunswicksd.org
Drug & Alcohol Counselor Geno Ring, Email: gring@brunswicksd.org
Social Worker Mary Kunhardt: 7:30-3:00 Phone: 844-2407, Email: mkunhardt@brunswicksd.org
Social Worker Meredith Vogel: 7:30-3:00 Phone: 844-2409, Email: mvogel@brunswicksd.org
Sweetser Clinician Jaime Mastrorio: 8:00-2:15 Phone: 468-5072 Email: jmastrorio@sweetser.org
Crisis Services:
24 hours a day, seven days a week Crisis text line: to connect with a crisis counselor Text: 741741
Maine Crisis Hotline: Need Help with a Mental Health Crisis? Suicide prevention? Available Statewide. Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained crisis call specialists. Access to trained mobile crisis specialists that can come to you. Call: 1-888-568-1112
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you're in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time to speak to someone and get support. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the U.S., Call: 1-800-273-8255
Sincerely,
Phillip J. Potenziano, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools