Community Newsletter

Dear Brunswick Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

This week, we welcomed back over 2,450 students. The start of the new school year is always exciting and comes with renewed possibilities, excitement, and, for some, a sense of trepidation. The students and staff in Brunswick accomplished great things in 2022-2023, and my goal is for that momentum to continue into the 2023-2024 school year. In fact, our graduation rate for 2022-2023 (92%) was nearly the highest we have had in four years, and across our district, students showed growth and academic success.

I'm also pleased to report that Brunswick High School was named the seventh-best high school in Maine, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual survey and rankings of the nation's high schools. The rankings, released this week, looked at nearly 25,000 U.S. public high schools, including 111 in the Pine Tree State. What I'm most pleased about is that we've moved up the rankings from 14th a few years ago to our current seventh place.

Incredible things take place in all our classrooms on a daily basis. I want to express my gratitude to the teachers, administrators, and support staff who work for our students, whether teaching, preparing classrooms, driving our students to school, preparing or fixing our facilities, or making sure all our students are provided nutritious meals, the fact is we have a great team!

As we embark on this new journey together, I invite you to actively participate in the various events, activities, and initiatives that will shape the year ahead. Your involvement, support, and feedback are invaluable to me, so I encourage you to reach out to me, as my goal is to create an inclusive and enriching educational experience for ALL.

I can be reached at 207-319-1911 or by email: ppotenziano@brunswicksd.org

With gratitude,

Superintendent Potenziano

Reminder:

No School on Monday, September 4th

In observance of Labor Day

All BSD offices will be closed.

Click here to view the 2023-2024 school calendar

*Please note the first Wednesday of every month is now an early release day

Wednesday Early Release Times for 2023-24 School Year:

KFS: 12:15pm

HBS: 12:15pm

BJHS: 11:30am

BHS: 11:15am

Brunswick Pre-K programs have openings for this school year (2023-2024)!

No cost to the family and transportation is provided.

Students must: Reside in Brunswick, and be 4 years old on or before 10/15/23

FMI: Contact Mary Jipson (PreK Strategist) at mjipson@brunswicksd.org or #207-798-3811

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil speaks to Teens to Trails staff - Alicia Heyburn, Executive Director, and Samantha Andrews, Outdoor Program Manager. Teens to Trails is an organization Brunswick High School partners with by providing extra-curricular opportunities for students to explore the great outdoors through the eyes of passionate young adventurers! Join Phil as he learns more about Teen to Trails, so whether you're an experienced hiker or new to the trail, there's something here for everyone.

Click here to listen!

We are pleased to share that we have a new way to update all the required information

that the school asks for each year! This entire process is now paperless and it happens

in Powerschool.

To update the enrollment forms, please fill out the forms following these directions.

1. Login to Powerschool https://brunswicksd.powerschool.com/public using your parent account. You will not see the forms from the student account. If you do not know your account login information, please send an email to PowerSchoolHelp@brunswicksd.org and credentials will be sent to you.
   
   
2. Once in Powerschool, click on the Forms button on the left hand side.
   
   
3. Click on the Enrollment Tab.

• Click on A - Student Demographics. Review the information and make any necessary changes. Click Submit.
• B - Birth Verification. This does NOT need to be updated. Click on the Student Address tab to advance.
• C - Student Address. Review the information and make any necessary changes. Please upload proof of residency. Click Submit.

• D - Student Contacts. Review the information and make any necessary changes. Click Submit.
• E - Previous Enrollment and Records Release. This does NOT need to be updated.

• F - Home Language Survey. This does NOT need to be updated.
• G - Student Services History. This does NOT need to be updated.
• H - Residence Survey. Click the Residence Survey Tab to move to this form. Select the current living arrangement. Click Submit.
• I - Health Information. Review the information and make any necessary changes. You do not need to upload the immunization records. Click Submit.
• J - Health Authorization. Fill out the form. Click Submit.
• L - Economic Status. Fill out the form. Click Submit.
• M - Migrant Worker Questionnaire. Fill out the form. Click Submit.
• Y- Permissions/Agreements. Fill out the form. Click Submit.

• Z - Acknowledgement of Completion. Click Submit.

If you have questions, please send an email to PowerSchoolHelp@brunswicksd.org or

call the Brunswick School Department Helpdesk at (207) 319-1990.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the required forms through Powerschool.

Kaili Phillips

Athletic Director, Brunswick High School

Kaili grew up in Canada but found her way to Maine through Volleyball. She was recruited to play volleyball at UMaine and has never left. Her husband, Dallas, is a BHS graduate and they have two children currently in the Brunswick school system. Kenzie (11 years old) and Rhys (9 years old).

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud

Brunswick is a special community. Everyone cares a great deal about supporting the youth of this town and ensuring they have the resource and opportunities to pursue their goals and do great things.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

My husband and I spend a great deal of time being involved in our children's activities, whether it be coaching, spectating/cheering or chauffeuring. Outside of my role as "mom", I enjoy working out, reading, and spending time with friends.

What is your favorite line from a movie?

On the 4th of July, the whole sky would brighten up with fireworks, giving us just enough light to have a game.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

If I could change the question a little but-- I'd spend time with my grandfather, who passed away when I was 19.

What is something you learned in the last week?

It's impossible to hum while holding your nose.

BSD is always searching for qualified substitute teachers, educational technicians, resource assistants, and nurses. Our pay rates have increased:

Short-term (1-10 days in an assignment)

• Teacher: $154.50/day
• Ed Tech/ RA: $126.60/day*

* Those who choose to work with high needs students will earn a $1.00/hour pay differential

Long-term (11+ days in an assignment)**

• Teacher: $225.14/day
• Ed Tech/ RA: $154.50/day*

* Those who choose to work with high needs students will earn a $1.00/hour pay differential

** If a position is advertised as a long-term substitute, the long-term rate will be used as of day one of an assignment.

Visit our website for more information on substituting in our schools!

Current Open Positions Include:

• Assistant Principal at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School
• Ed Techs
• Administrative Assistant for Student Registration
• Math Resource Assistant
• ESOL Coordinator & Instructional Strategist
• School Counselor - Long Term Substitute
• District ESOL Teacher
• Full Time Bus Driver - Year Round
• First Team Girls Soccer Coach
• Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
• ...And MORE!

We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view all current

employment opportunities or click the image above!

Greetings and Happy Fall! Merrymeeting Community and Adult Education is entering into our new school year with unprecedented enrollment growth and expanded course offerings. At 44 pages, this is our largest and most comprehensive catalog ever!

Click here to view the fall/winter Merrymeeting Adult Education program guide.

For more information, visit our website: https://merrymeeting.maineadulted.org/

Did you miss a newsletter? You can view previous

Community Newsletters on our website - click here!