Dear RSU 57 Community,
I hope this newsletter finds our RSU 57 school community having enjoyed a restful and healthy February break. I welcome back our students and staff hoping that each of you are recharged and ready to make this a great second half of the school year. As your superintendent, I am thrilled to share with you some of the recent highlights and exciting developments within our district. We have much to celebrate in RSU 57.
Celebrating Our Students' Achievements
Our high school jazz band recently showcased their incredible talent at the MMEA District 1 High School Jazz Festival held at Kennebunk High School. Their dedication and hard work were evident in their performance, and it is a testament to the vibrant music program we have in our district. Congratulations to all the student musicians and their director for qualifying for the state jazz festival! This is a remarkable accomplishment.
In the realm of athletics, our wrestling team has accomplished its ultimate goal by winning a State Championship! This remarkable achievement highlights the strength, perseverance, and teamwork of our athletes and coaches. To read more about our wrestling team’s championship effort please follow this link to the Portland Press article. Way to go Mustangs!
Welcoming Deputy Rob Pellerin
We are also excited to share that our 2nd School Resource Officer, Deputy Rob Pellerin, has quickly become an integral part of our school communities. Deputy Pellerin can be found not only at the middle school but also spending time at each of our five elementary schools. His positive connections with students and proactive approach to safety have made a significant impact. Deputy Pellerin has already begun offering valuable lessons on various safety topics, further enhancing the sense of security and well-being within our schools.
Focusing on Our Future
As we look ahead, the ongoing budget development process is a critical task that ensures the continued success and improvement of our district. At the heart of this process is our Strategic Plan, which guides every decision we make. Our commitment to providing the best possible education and top-notch resources for our students remains unwavering, and our Strategic Plan ensures that we stay focused on our long-term goals and values.
In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to everyone in our community for their ongoing support and engagement. Together, we are making RSU 57 a place where every student can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
Warm regards,
Stephen D. Marquis
Superintendent of Schools
RSU 57 is proud to announce that Maya Beneszewski has been selected as the Maine Principals Association Principal’s Award winner for the Massabesic High School Class of 2024. As a recipient of this award, Maya has been invited to attend the MPA Honors Luncheon that is held each year in the Bangor area to honor one outstanding high school Senior from each MPA member school. The criteria for this award are academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership - Maya exemplifies these criteria and it is an honor and privilege to name her as this year’s recipient.
During her time at Massabesic High School Maya has established herself as a formidable academic student and is currently ranked fourth in her graduating class. Maya has devoted countless hours to promoting a positive Massabesic culture and environment with her participation in the National Honors Society (Grade 11 and 12), Student Council (Grade 9-12), Math Team (Grade 9-12), and Debate Team (Grade 11-12), and Maya has also logged more than 220 hours of community service (and counting). In addition to her club activities, Maya has been a strong member of the varsity Swim Team, and she also coaches in a swimming program for younger athletes in the area.
Congratulations to Maya and her family, for this wonderful achievement that honors her hard work, dedication, and achievement throughout her educational career.
Celebration of Learning at Lyman
Prior to February break, Lyman Elementary hosted a celebration of learning event. Students shared the different topics they have been learning about thus far and they had 100% participation from our parents. Thank you to Mrs. Kelly, Ms. Hoyt, Mrs. Tarbox and Mrs. Caramihalis for all their hard work to make this such a great event.
Biomimicry at Line
In Mrs. Secunde's grade 1 classroom, learners finished their First for Me reading unit on animals. The end of the unit project was on Sea Turtles. Students learned about biomimicry - where humans invent items based on animal body parts or adaptations. They did a science experiment on how turtle shells are like helmets using an egg. Students applied their learning by designing and creating a helmet for a person or pet. As part of the unit, the class also discussed how Sea Turtles have a difficult start to their life due to pollution. Mrs. Secunde gifted each student a reusable bags and they designed them. So much fun!
Special Research Project at Shapleigh
Did you know that the preparing of bagels can be a dangerous pastime? It turns out that bagel related injuries are some of the most frequent causes of trips to the ER for the average American, even beating out burns form overheated coffee! One of our 5th grade learners was so intrigued with this fact that he completed a research project on this topic which he presented to his class. Thank you Thomas for all the information and how to bring a spotlight to bagel preparation safety!
"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."
Phone: 207-247-3221
Website: https://www.rsu57.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsu57/
Central Office: 86 West Road, Waterboro, ME, USA