DISTRICT UPDATE

It’s a joy to welcome students back into our schools and see their energy bring our buildings to life once again! The first days of the year are always filled with excitement, a few nerves, and the process of settling into new routines. Whether it’s a kindergartener beginning their very first school experience or an older student adjusting to new teachers and classes, these transitions can bring big emotions. We truly appreciate the patience and support of families as we ease into the year together.

I continue to be impressed by the behind-the-scenes work of our custodial and maintenance crews, food service and transportation teams, front office staff, teachers, educational technicians, and administrators. Their preparation and dedication make it possible for students to start the year in a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. Our collective goal remains the same: to ensure every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

ATTENDANCE

On behalf of our entire educational team, we want to remind parents and students about the critical importance of regular school attendance and punctuality. 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. When parents stress the importance of being present, it helps children develop healthy habits that will serve them well beyond graduation.

FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH

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. I encourage families to take advantage of this program—it’s a great way to ensure students are fueled for learning each day. Although there is no charge, parents are 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, and teachers' student loan forgiveness.

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

It is very important for parents to complete the registration process in order to stay connected and informed about your child(ren)’s education. If you have not yet set up your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or need to make any edits to your information, please do so by clicking on the links below. Step-by-step instructions (apply to both Biddeford and Dayton) are available by clicking here.

Throughout the school year, we will strive to maintain clear and open lines of communication. Our school websites, newsletters, mobile app, and social media 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: Biddeford (website | iPhone Download | Android Download) and Dayton (website | 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: Biddeford & Dayton.

• 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.

We recognize that mistakes may happen and delays may occur as we work out the kinks at the start of the year, especially with ongoing construction. Approximate bus stops/times have been noted in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal under the 2025/2026 School Year tab. If your child is still in need of transportation, please complete this Request Form. If you have any questions about your child(ren)’s transportation needs, please contact the Transportation Department at 282-0909 or email transportation@biddefordschools.me.

We are partnering with MaineHealth to provide flu vaccine clinics to our students this year (see the dates/times for your child’s school). Please print the consent form (linked here) and return the completed form to the School Nurse as soon as possible. If you need a copy sent home, please contact the school nurse directly.

• BPS - September 30 (8am-10:30am)

• BIS - September 30 (11:30am-2pm)

• BMS - September 29 (11:30am-3pm)

• BHS/APC/BRCOT - October 3 (9am-12:30pm)

• Dayton - September 29 (8-10am)

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.

Print & Complete the Consent Form:

• English | Arabic | French | Portuguese | Somali | Spanish

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.

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) students in the Hospitality and Culinary programs are getting a real taste of the restaurant industry this year by competing in a Restaurant Competition. Students in Mrs. Bean's hospitality class will become "restaurant managers," creating their own restaurant concept, from brand and decor to menu and marketing. Chef Ogden’s culinary class will prepare and plate the menu items before the judges at a state culinary competition against other schools this winter.

There are still a few spots left in Mrs. Bean's hospitality class for students who want to learn how to create or run a restaurant, plan events, develop management skills, and enjoy teamwork and creativity. Apply today at https://www.biddefordschools.me/o/brct.

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 life-long healthy habit that boosts self-esteem and academic performance, but it also promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

The season runs from September 8-October 9, with registration forms due by September 3rd. Mark your calendars now for the meets on:

• Monday, September 22, 2025 @ CK Burns in Saco (Starting at 3:30pm)

• Monday, September 29, 2025 @ BIS/BMS in Biddeford (Starting at 3:30pm)

• Monday, October 6, 2025 @ CK Burns in Saco (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 14th between 9am-12:45pm at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford (Rain location: Biddeford High School's Steve White Gym).

Saturday, October 18th at 6:00 pm

The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford

Tickets: $50 each (Purchase Here)

The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce its 8th Annual Pillars of Pride Dinner and Silent Auction. The event is scheduled for October 18th at 6:00 pm at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford. This year, the guests of honor will be Joyce Tarpy, a devoted educator and mentor for over 35 years, and Maureen Grandmaison, a talented photographer who generously donates her time and services to capture our most treasured moments. Joyce and Maureen have each made lasting contributions to make our school system a better place, and we are excited to celebrate them.

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.

Kids are spending, clicking, and being targeted online more than ever. From influencer advertising, manipulative persuasive design, video game loot boxes, and even illegal financial extortion – children face a digital minefield designed to capture their money and their trust.

Join Children and Screens’ #AskTheExperts webinar, “Hidden Costs: Protecting Kids from Online Financial Exploitation,” on Wednesday, September 10th at 12 PM. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll leave with tools to guide youth through today’s complex digital economy and gain actionable insights from leading experts.

Mental health concerns can arise even in preschool-aged children, including anxiety and depression. On this episode of Screen Deep, Professor of Child Psychiatry Joan Luby shares research-backed guidance on how to recognize signs of concern in young children, the impact of screen use, and the five essential ingredients young children need to thrive. Parents will also learn how improved diagnostic tools and awareness of environmental factors are helping identify and support children’s mental health earlier than ever.

Listen to Screen Deep on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or iHeartRadio. Each 30-to 40-minute episode offers fresh perspectives, cutting-edge research, and practical advice for raising children in the digital age.

Check out all the upcoming events in Biddeford! The Yodel community calendar compiles activities from across the City of Biddeford to help you find family fun, live music, art events, outdoor adventures, and more! Anyone can download the Yodel app, and any organization can set up a Yodel login to add their event.

Yodel is brought to you by your friends at the City of Biddeford, Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce, Biddeford Schools, and Heart of Biddeford.