DISTRICT UPDATE

There is something special about the first week of school, from the excitement of seeing familiar faces and welcoming new students and staff to watching our classrooms and hallways come alive again. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are grateful to our families for their partnership and to our dedicated staff for the tremendous work that goes into preparing for a successful start. The year ahead will bring new opportunities for learning, growth, connection, and achievement, and we look forward to celebrating the many moments—big and small—that make our schools such special places to learn and grow.

On behalf of our entire educational team, we want to remind parents and students about the critical importance of regular school attendance and punctuality (see start times below). Even missing just one day a month can significantly impact students’ learning. Encouraging consistent attendance is one of the most powerful ways parents can support the work we do in the classroom.

As families may have noticed during open houses, new banners have been placed at the entrances of each Saco schoo reflecting Saco Schools’ new Strategic Plan. This roadmap will guide our priorities and decision-making over the next five years while keeping students at the center of our work. The plan highlights our mission, vision, and three key focus areas: Engagement and Well-Being, Rigorous and Collaborative Learning, and Responsible Use of Resources. We look forward to sharing more about this work throughout the year and how these priorities are taking shape across our schools. The full Strategic Plan is on the District website and linked here.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children. We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to a school year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful experiences for every student.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• September 4: NO SCHOOL

• September 7: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

• September 9: School Board Meeting at 7pm at Saco City Hall

• September 16: Early Release Day. As a reminder, the early release times are as follows:

• Pre-K AM: Dismissal at 10:45am

• Pre-K PM: No School

• Pre-K Full Day: Dismissal at 12:15pm

• Fairfield and CK Burns: Dismissal at 12:15pm

• Young School: Dismissal at 12:25pm

• SMS: Dismissal at 1:15pm

• September 17: Biddeford & Saco Rising Family Engagement Night from 4:30-6:30pm at Biddeford High School Cafeteria (open to Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton Families)
• September 23: School Board Meeting at 5pm at Saco City Hall
• September 30: Early Release Day

• Community groups & kids’ activities
• Athletic & camp sign-ups
• Family support services
• FREE car seat safety checks & a photo station
• Raffle with exciting giveaways
• Childcare provided in the BHS Steve White Gym
• Translators available on site
• Light refreshments

Bring the family, explore what’s available in our community, and enjoy some fun along the way. We hope to see you there!

MaineHousing has awarded $240,000 to continue the regional Student Homelessness Prevention Program for the 2026–2027 school year following a highly competitive funding cycle. Biddeford serves as the lead applicant and fiscal agent for the growing consortium, which now includes eight school administrative units, along with York County Community Action Corporation, York County Shelter Programs, and The Ryan Home Project. The funding will continue critical housing navigation and prevention services for families, while also supporting direct food assistance and the tri-district Welcome Center serving Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton students and families.

The award recognizes a program that has delivered well beyond its original commitments. Our initial 2024 application proposed serving 60 families across the consortium. As of May 2026, the program was serving 109 households, representing 430 total household members, including 252 children under age 18, of whom 211 were school-age. In Biddeford, 34 households have been enrolled, representing 57 students. In Saco, 15 households have been enrolled, representing 24 students. Families have received relationship-based housing navigation, eviction prevention, financial literacy support, Pre-K enrollment assistance, and connections to resources such as heating assistance. Most importantly, the program is helping families remain safely housed while keeping students connected to their schools. Read the full memo and program update here.

If your child is still in need of transportation or any changes need to be made, please contact the Transportation Department at 207-494-9631 or email Director Jeanne Anderson at janderson@sacoschools.org.

In public schools in Maine, youth have access to free breakfast and lunch, which meet nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although there is no charge, parents will be asked to complete the economic status questions during online registration, as the data provided is used to determine our school funding, including Title 1 funds for special education programs, before/after and summer school programs, discounts on laptop insurance and internet, aid packages via the FAFSA for rising seniors, and teachers' student loan forgiveness.

Please take the time to read the important health information update from the school nurses below to ensure your child(ren) have a smooth, healthy transition and that you have all the information you need to prevent any disruptions to starting the school year. This update addresses everything from required immunizations to medication use to head lice protocols.

Our Flu Clinics will look a little different this year than in years past. We will be offering them on a larger scale rather than by individual schools. We are partnering with MaineHealth to provide flu clinics to our staff, students, and families this year (see the dates/times below). Please print the TWO forms below and bring the completed forms to the clinic with you. If you need a copy sent home, please contact the school nurse directly.

• CK Burns School - September 30 (12pm-3pm) - Open to students, staff, and families

• Saco Middle School - October 21 (12:30pm-4pm) - Open to students, staff, and families

Parents must complete all fields on the form, so please use NA if it doesn’t apply. Although the vaccine is provided at no charge for children under the age of 18, there is a cost to administer the vaccine so please include accurate insurance information if available. There is no out-of-pocket cost for children; those without insurance will be vaccinated with the appropriate form completed. Children presenting with an incomplete form will not receive their vaccine.

Consent Forms in All Languages: Click Here

The Southern Maine Elementary Cross Country program, open to Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton students in Grades 3-5 (including those who attend St. James School), has begun gearing up for this year’s season. Last year, over 300 students participated in several meets. This program offers students the opportunity to stay active in a free, after-school sport, regardless of their economic background. It not only encourages a lifelong healthy habit that boosts self-esteem and academic performance, but it also promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

The season runs from September 11-October 7, with registration forms due by September 10th. Mark your calendars now for the meets on:

• Monday, September 21, 2026 @ CK Burns in Saco (Starting at 3:30pm)

• Monday, September 28, 2026 @ CK Burns in Saco (Starting at 3:30pm)

• Monday, October 5, 2026 @ BIS/BMS in Biddeford (Starting at 3:30pm)

To further reduce barriers to participation, the districts provide transportation and snacks and partners with A Running Passion so youth have access to reduced-cost, quality running shoes and apparel through their annual Shoe Jamboree. The Jamboree is also open to middle school students participating in a cross-country program. So, be sure to register now to attend the event on Sunday, September 13th between 9am-12:45pm at Waterhouse Field (Rain location: BHS Steve White Gym).

Children’s observations and interactions with the people and world around them shape their emerging sense of morality and engagement in kind, helping, and socially positive behaviors. What do parents need to know about how experiences with digital media shape youth moral and social development, as well as how they apply their morals online and offline?

Join Children and Screens for “Learned Behavior: How Youth Digital Life Shapes Moral Development” on Wednesday, September 16th at 12:30pm via Zoom, where a panel of leading researchers will examine how moral behavior develops across childhood and adolescence and its relationship with digital media, what positive social behaviors look like in online spaces, and tips for parents and caregivers on how to encourage digital media use that encourages more empathetic and moral behaviors.

Throughout the school year, we will strive to maintain clear and open lines of communication. Our school websites, newsletters, and mobile app will keep you informed about important dates, achievements, menus, and exciting happenings within our school community.

• Newsletters: Superintendent Newsletters will be sent the first Wednesday of each month and Principal Newsletters will be sent the third Wednesday of each month via email. They will also be posted on the website, social media, and mobile app.

• ReachMyTeach: This two-way communication platform makes it easy to connect families through the languages they speak and the devices they use every day. This platform allows families to communicate directly with classroom teachers effortlessly through text, email, or WhatsApp, on-demand video interpreters, and scheduled conferences. There is no need to download an app and families can learn more by clicking here.

• Website & Mobile App: Our website platform syncs directly to a mobile app! The mobile app will feature important news, a live feed for updates, daily menu, and more. Parents also have the option to choose the district and specific schools to stay updated and receive notifications directly to their phone: iPhone Download | Android Download.

• Social Media:We encourage parents and guardians to follow the District's social media page, as well as their child's school Facebook page.
  

• Emergency Text Alerts: District-related text alerts are sent from the number 98900, and while families are legally allowed to opt out of receiving these messages, doing so means you will no longer receive emergency updates via text—only by email. If you’ve previously opted out and would like to start receiving text alerts again, simply text START to 98900. Please note that it can take up to 48 business hours for the change to take effect.