Research shows that students who miss significant instructional time in the early grades are at much higher risk of falling behind academically, with gaps in learning that are increasingly difficult to bridge. Chronic absenteeism can lead to lower standardized test scores, reduced academic performance, and even a decreased likelihood of graduating high school. In fact, students with frequent absences in elementary school are up to 75% more likely to face academic struggles in later years.

We understand that families may encounter challenges that affect school attendance, and we are here to help. Our staff is committed to working with parents to address any barriers and ensure your child has the support needed to thrive. If you’re experiencing difficulties related to attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can prioritize consistent attendance and set the foundation for your child’s future success.

Center of Technology Enrollment

Now is the time to consider enrolling your child in the various programs at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT). If your child is interested in career and technical education opportunities, the COT is now scheduling program visits and accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Year. Space is limited, so I encourage you to talk with your child about the options available and have them schedule an appointment with their guidance counselor before Winter Break: February 17-21.

My Best,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• Thursday, February 6: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution from 2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall

• February 7-9: Biddeford WinterFest

• Wednesday, February 12: Early Release Day & School Board at 5pm, Saco City Hall

• February 17-21: No School; Winter Break

• Wednesday, February 19: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution from 10am-12pm @ Rotary Park

• Thursday, February 27: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution from 2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall

This month, we encourage the community to join our district in the Read to ME Challenge by reading to/with a child 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. Reading also builds attention span and emotional development, improves concentration and focus, reduces stress and anxiety, and stimulates creativity and imagination.

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! Check out the many educational opportunities to learn something new in the Winter 2025 Catalog recently released.

Mark your calendar! Biddeford’s WinterFest returns for a cabin-fever-busting weekend of snow and fun-filled events for the whole family! This will be a “snow or shine” event the weekend of February 7 through February 9, 2025!

Visit biddefordwinterfest.org for schedule and programming updates, sponsorship information, and more.

The Unified Sports Club, under the guidance of the Maine Principals’ Association and the Special Olympics of Maine, had its first competition on January 16th. Unified Sports partners students with developmental disabilities with students without developmental disabilities to help promote physical activity, teamwork, sportsmanship, and social inclusion.

This year, Biddeford High School’s Unified Basketball Team has 23 students, two coaches, and a cheering squad. The team drew crowds of spectators who left with big smiles as they watched the athletes compete. Please join us in celebrating these fantastic athletes by attending a future game (schedule included below or listed on the BHS Athletics page/mobile app) and/or purchasing some Biddeford Unified Basketball Swag by February 7th by clicking here.

Biddeford High School had several Silver and Gold Key Award winners this year from the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. BHS Junior Savannah Matthews earned a Silver Key Award for their mixed media painting and BHS Senior Nire Aldrich earned a Gold Key Award for his pen and ink artwork AND a Portfolio Gold Key Award for all eight pieces of artwork he submitted. There were only two recipients of the Portfolio Gold Key Awards in our region, and both will receive a scholarship to Maine College of Art & Design and have the chance to win a $12,500 scholarship at the national level. Savannah Matthews and Nire Aldrich will both be honored at an awards ceremony and their artwork will be on display at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland from February 14th through March 8th.

As part of the Great Kindness Challenge, the Panther Brigade will be doing a sock drive in support of students affected by the LA fires. February is the month in which Dayton Consolidated School focuses on the core value of respect and how that ties to self-respect/love. With each pair of socks donated, students and staff will attach a heartfelt note of encouragement and support. Crates will be available in the main and modular building for drop-off during the month. To learn more about LOVE for LA, click here.