Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
Students are adapting well to their new routines for the school year. While many of us are welcoming the cooler temperatures that Fall brings, we appreciate the camaraderie of athletic competitions, academic and service clubs, spirit weeks, field trips, etc. After-school programs and activities are a valued extension of the school environment which promotes the development of team-building skills, social skills, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
One of the programs I am most proud of is the Southern Maine Elementary Cross Country Program. This program is open to students in Grades 3-5 and includes the three towns of Biddeford, Dayton, and Saco. It offers students, including those attending St. James School, the opportunity to stay active in a free, after-school sport, regardless of their economic background. It not only encourages a life-long healthy habit that boosts self-esteem and academic performance, but it also promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
Over 300 students have joined the Elementary Cross Country Program this year: 138 from Biddeford, 149 from Saco, and 17 from Dayton. It is a site to see the students and feel their positive energy! They have already enjoyed several meets held at CK Burns School in Saco and Biddeford Intermediate School in Biddeford, with their last meet being held next Tuesday, October 10th at 3:30pm in Saco.
Returning Dayton Consolidated School Fourth-graders Chloe Barber (left) and Hayden Sughrue (right) said, respectively, “I love cross country because it helps me get better at other sports" and “I love running because it is fun". Both students told their coach Mrs. Van Tassell that they enjoy the meets because it's a chance for them to see their friends, improve their running, and get better!
To further reduce barriers to participation, the districts provide transportation and snacks and partner with A Running Passion in which youth have access to free or reduced-cost, quality running shoes and apparel through their annual Shoe Jamboree. Of the 304 students who have joined the Elementary Cross Country Program this year, 148 of them–nearly 50%--received new sneakers.
A Running Passion’s Executive Director Ashley Potvin-Fulford adds, “Our annual Cross Country Shoe Jamboree has become one of the hallmark events of our organization. We are thrilled to support such a wonderful community and district initiative that promotes a healthy lifestyle particularly as it relates to the sports near to our mission of cross country and track and field. What started as a small and limited initiative has been able to grow every year thanks to the support of the event by way of facility and communication with families through the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton School Districts.”
Our goal next year is to continue growing this program and offer additional cross country meets based on location availability.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
Friday, October 6: No School - Teacher Professional Development Day
Monday, October 9: No School - Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 10-14: Biddeford’s Homecoming Week
Tuesday, October 10: Grades 3-5 Elementary Cross Country Meet at 3:30pm, CK Burns School & Dayton School Committee at 6:30pm, Dayton Consolidated School
Wednesday, October 11: Biddeford School Committee at 5pm, BHS Little Theater
Wednesday, October 25: Biddeford School Committee at 7pm, BHS Little Theater
Saturday, October 28: BEF’s Pillars of Pride Event, 6-9pm, The Lincoln Hotel (Tickets required)
Students will be completing NWEA testing this month. This computer-based test, which is part of the Maine Comprehensive Assessment System, helps teachers understand students’ areas of strength and areas for growth in Math, Reading, Language, and/or Science (testing based on grade). The test adapts as each student answers questions correctly or incorrectly to try to identify their current achievement level.
To support your child in doing their very best, we encourage the recommended hours of sleep, a healthy breakfast at home or at school, and conversations at home about taking their time and doing their best. Please review the letter included below, which explains more, and reach out to your child's teacher if you have any additional questions regarding NWEA testing.
For many decades, the John F. Kennedy School has held a central place within our community. As Biddeford's oldest public school building, JFK's proximity to St. Louis and Waterhouse fields has made it a notable landmark for spectators. Over the years, students aged 5 to 14 have walked through its doors, creating cherished memories for generations of Tigers. However, despite its rich history spanning seven decades, the school now finds itself in a dire state of disrepair. While it once adequately met the needs of Biddeford's educators and students, this is no longer the case.
From its outdated and unreliable 10-ton oil burners to its failure to comply with fire safety regulations and disability codes, the School Committee has concluded that the cost of revitalizing the building is excessively high.
In recent times, we've collaborated closely with engineering firms, contractors, and architectural experts to evaluate the costs associated with renovation and replacement. Unfortunately, these expenses have risen significantly, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. The projected costs for renovating JFK's current structure have now escalated to an astonishing 25 million dollars.
However, we view challenges as opportunities, and we are excited about the potential that lies ahead. With the evolving student population and the School Committee's implementation of grade-level changes in Biddeford Middle School and Biddeford High School, we find ourselves in a unique position. Through careful budgeting and the infusion of federal funds, we have a rare chance to enhance our facilities and improve academic programs. This, in turn, will lead to substantial long-term savings for taxpayers and fewer transitions for increased stability for students. In fact, the construction bond vote in November for $9,000,000 to expand BPS yields 9-16 million in savings versus a JFK renovation and will have a near-neutral impact on the budget.
Our plan is straightforward: We intend to construct an additional wing onto the Biddeford Primary School, simultaneously addressing deferred maintenance issues in this 30+ year-old institution while discontinuing operations at JFK. By allowing natural attrition and facilitating transfers, no employees will face job losses, and students will no longer have to contend with substandard facilities.
Together, we can shape the future of our schools for the betterment of our community and our children's education. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the future of Biddeford's education system.
The Bridge: Annual Report to the Community
Check out the latest edition of The Bridge, which highlights Biddeford School Department’s previous school year and some exciting developments for the year ahead!
Some highlights include:
- The Center of Technology's Expansion
- November Bond Vote
- Biddeford Education Foundation
- Wreaths Across America
- Athletic Hall of Honor
- Student Achievements
- Advancing Education
- Thank You to All Donors
The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce its 6th Annual Pillars of Pride Dinner and Silent Auction. The event is scheduled for October 28th at 6:00 pm at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford. This year, the guests of honor will be Roger Raymond, Biddeford's first Special Education Director, and the late Joe Fairfield, longtime maintenance supervisor. Both of these individuals contributed countless hours to making our school system a better place, and we are excited to celebrate their legacy.
Tickets are on sale for $50 each, which includes entry to the event hors d’ouevres and one drink ticket. All proceeds support the needs of students that fall outside of the regular school budget. Through grant monies and fundraising efforts, the BEF is able to provide food, clothing, rent relief, and teacher mini-grants to enrich students' educational experiences.
For more information, please contact skane@biddefordschools.me.
Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t; yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.
Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31), the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, is your opportunity to get the ongoing conversation started. This year’s theme is Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug Free.™ Visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week and get tips for talking to your kids about drugs. The life you save may be that of your own child or a dear friend.
In addition, a national photo contest is held each year from October 1-November 1st in which your child could win an iPad for themselves and $1,000 for their school! Simply decorate your home or school with this year’s theme and upload for votes. All the details are included at this link or click on the image below.
Stay informed by downloading the school district’s mobile app! It will allow parents to choose the school(s) they would like to get notifications from, see the dining menu quickly, access the live feed, sports schedules and scores, important documents, emergency notifications, and more! Simply download the relevant app at the link below:
BIDDEFORD:
Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3fu8z4q
Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/2QFUBST
DAYTON:
Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3ubORP7
Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/2Ps31fY
