Biddeford Primary School Newsletter

The cold weather has definitely hit us as we are pushing through January. Please make sure to send your child with a hat, snow pants, mittens, boots, and a jacket each day. If your child is in need of any of these items, reach out to us, and we can help. In addition to winter gear, I recommend sending in a change of clothes. Children often come in from recess wet and would benefit from having access to dry clothes.

Warm Regards,

Margaret Pitts, Principal

• January 18: Substitute Job Fair (3-6:30pm) @ Biddeford Regional Center of Technology
  
• January 18-19: NWEA Winter Assessment Math
• January 19: Free Community Meal (4:30-6:30pm) @ Bon Appetit
• January 24-25: NWEA Winter Assessment ELA
• January 25: School Committee Meeting (7pm) @ BHS Little Theater
• February 1: Early Release & Read to ME Challenge Kicks Off
• February 3-5: Biddeford’s WinterFest
• February 15: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (10am-12pm) @ Rotary Park
• February 20-24: No School - Vacation

As February approaches, we would like to encourage the community to participate in the Read to ME Challenge. This Challenge is an opportunity to contribute to a child’s literacy growth by reading aloud in any language to one or more children for at least 15 minutes. Reading aloud to children not only provides a bonding experience with caring adults, but the simple act of reading aloud to a child 15 minutes a day for five years results in 27,375 minutes of language exposure which can put children on the path to high literacy achievement.

In today’s fast-paced, technologically driven world, it is not uncommon to overlook the impact that reading to children has in building their language and supporting reading and writing achievement. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading also builds attention span and emotional development, improves concentration and focus, reduces stress and anxiety, and stimulates creativity and imagination. The more reading encounters children have with caring adults, the greater the probability they will build the literacy skills needed for future economic competitiveness.

During February, we encourage students, parents, and family members to read to/with a child for at least 15 minutes. Snap a photo or short video (15-30 seconds) and post it with your challenge to others to read aloud for 15 minutes to a child they know. Use hashtag #ReadtoME and tag others.

Calling all Lifelong Learners!

Click here to check out the many educational opportunities to learn something new this Spring. From CPR to Basic Welding to Creative Play, there is something for everyone offered through the Biddeford Adult Education program. If there is a class you'd love to see but is not offered, reach out. If you have a skill that you'd like to share, reach out. This is an excellent opportunity to learn new hobbies or skills.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 County Teachers of the Year and 2024 State Teacher of the Year! Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators by February 5th who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and who inspire the achievement of all students. The 2023 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. The 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees. For criteria and nomination forms, visit https://www.mainetoy.org/

What is a Someday? A Someday is when each student and BPS staff member is asked to choose something fun or meaningful they would like to see happen at school. Our staff works together to give them this special moment before the end of the school year.

The Parent Council Meeting will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, March 8th at 8:30am. For more information, please contact Nate Molleur at 207-282-8285 or nmolleur@biddefordschools.me We look forward to seeing you.