DISTRICT UPDATE
November 5, 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
As a district, we are honored and excited to once again be chosen as an official presentation site for Wreaths Across America’s “Escort to Arlington”—the nation’s longest veterans’ parade kicking off on Sunday, December 7th. Each December, the convoy travels from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, carrying thousands of remembrance wreaths to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.
This year’s convoy will once again make a special stop at Biddeford Middle School on Monday, December 8th, offering students a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from veterans and community leaders about the importance of remembrance and service. The event is part of Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach—a message that deeply aligns with our commitment to helping students grow as thoughtful, civic-minded citizens.
As the convoy passes through Saco and Biddeford, students from area schools will line the streets waving flags and cheering on the participants—including Gold Star and Blue Star families, veterans, and first responders—on their journey to Arlington National Cemetery. To learn more about Wreaths Across America or to find a local ceremony on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 13th, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
SPARE CHANGE FILLS PLATES
As of October 29th, students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts joined forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign came at a critical time, as SNAP benefits ended for many local families, impacting children who already face food insecurity. In our three communities, one in two students is economically disadvantaged, and while all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, that doesn’t cover dinners, snacks, or weekends. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.
Led by students from each district, this campaign reminds us that small acts can lead to big change. Donation containers and food collection boxes will be placed at each school to collect spare change/food—or donations can be made online to the Biddeford Education Foundation for Biddeford and Dayton students by clicking here. All proceeds will directly support the backpack programs and the community, ensuring our students and their families have meals beyond the school day. Together, we can show our students the power of community and the impact of every coin.
Suggested Food Donations: Pasta, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), Tuna/Hamburger Helper, rice, beans, canned soup, vegetables, and fruit, pop-top canned goods (Chef Boyardee, etc.), oatmeal, pancake mix, instant potatoes, cereal, kid-friendly snacks such as granola/protein bars, microwave popcorn, peanut/sun butter and jelly, and crackers.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS
In the spirit of giving and recognizing the rising need for assistance in the community, the Student Council at Biddeford High School will once again provide support for those facing food insecurity this holiday season. This month, students will actively collect non-perishable food items, monetary donations, and essential staples for their Third Annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive to distribute meal baskets to those in need throughout Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton communities. Last year, they collected all the fixings to provide over 100 baskets! Please see more information below if you would like to contribute or are in need of a Thanksgiving meal this season.
PERFORMING ARTS
As we head into the season of performances, I want to take a moment to celebrate the role of the performing arts in our schools. Theater, music, and the arts offer students a powerful outlet for creativity, build confidence, and foster collaboration. These experiences not only enrich our students’ lives but bring our community together. I would encourage you to share upcoming shows and concerts with extended family and friends; I guarantee you will not be disappointed! This month, we invite you to join the Biddeford High School Drama Club for Antigone, and in December, Saco Middle School Bobcat Players will feature The Wizard of Oz. Come support our talented students, celebrate their hard work, and enjoy a night of creativity and storytelling. See below for more information.
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTIFICATION
As we prepare for coming Maine winter, we want parents to be informed of how we will notify families when there is inclement weather that delays or closes school. Please review the storm letter linked here and below.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
BMS Chorus Veterans Day Concert
Join us on Thursday, November 6th, at 6:30 PM for a special Veterans Day performance by Biddeford Middle School’s fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade chorus students. in the BMS Performing Arts Center The event is free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dayton Consolidated School's Veterans Day Celebration
Monday, November 10th at 1pm
Dayton Consolidated School Gym
FREE - RSVP HERE by 11/6
The students and staff at Dayton Consolidated School would like to thank our veterans for their service. Do you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who is either a veteran or who is currently serving our great nation? If so, please RSVP by November 6th to join us by calling 207-499-2283 or filling out this form online.
BHS Drama Club in Antigone
Join the Biddeford High School Drama Club at its fall production of Antigone by David Rush, to be performed on Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 PM in the BHS Little Theatre. Directed by Ellie Joseph, head of Vocal and Theatre Arts at BHS, this production features a talented cast of student performers committed to bringing this gripping drama to life.
This modern adaptation of Sophocles’ classic tragedy reimagines the timeless conflict between individual conscience and state power. In Antigone, a young woman defies the king’s decree to honor her brother with a proper burial, sparking a powerful examination of duty, justice, and the consequences of standing up for one’s beliefs. David Rush’s version is both accessible and thought-provoking, bringing fresh relevance to this ancient story for today’s audiences.
Admission is by donation at the door, making it easy for all community members to attend and support the arts. All contributions go directly toward funding future productions and strengthening the school’s performing arts program.
Holiday Craft Fair
Join over 40 local crafters and vendors on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9 AM - 2 PM at Biddeford High School's Tiger Gym. This is an excellent opportunity to buy holiday gifts, eat delicious treats, and win prizes, including 100 gallons of #2 heating oil donated by Provencher Fuels!
The event benefits the Bridges Program, which supports young adults eligible for extended educational services transition from high school to the adult world. Proceeds will fund the exploration of our local community to experience and practice everyday living skills such as dining out, clothes shopping, and maneuvering out in the community. In fact, the students are also providing baked goods and crockpot meals to sell!
The Biddeford High School Student Council has set a goal to feed 100 families in the Biddeford, Dayton, and Saco communities to make this holiday season a little brighter. Students have organized a class competition to collect the items needed to fill those boxes by November 21st. If you would like to support this effort, please contact a BHS student or staff member or drop items off at Biddeford High School directly. Grocery store gift cards or a donation to the Biddeford Education Foundation are also appreciated so students can shop for the remaining supplies needed. Donations can be made online by clicking here or checks can be made payable to the Biddeford Education Foundation (please note Thanksgiving).
The BHS students have organized items by class:
8th Graders - Canned Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce
Freshmen - Canned Peas and Boxed Stuffing
Sophomores - Canned Corn and Boxed Brownie Mix
Juniors - Canned Carrots and Foil Turkey Roasting Pan
Seniors - Bisquick Mix and Turkey Gravy Mix Packets
Staff/Community - Turkeys can be dropped off on or after Nov 12
The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) and Aid for Saco Kids (ASK) Foundation will purchase 5lb bags of potatoes for the meal baskets.
If you need a Thanksgiving meal this year, please reach out to the Resiliency Coordinator at your child’s school for more information.
Our district is partnering with Tooth Protectors Inc. to offer Preventative Dental Care at school on the upcoming dates below. Services are available for students WITH or WITHOUT dental insurance.
BIS: December 8 & 9
BMS: December 4
BHS: December 2 & 3
Services are FREE to those with MaineCare, self-pay fees are listed on the permission form, and other dental insurance can be billed. To participate, please print and complete the consent form (linked here) or click on the button below to complete it online.
Free Food Distribution
Open to All
Click on Image to Enlarge
Free Clothing Closet
Open to All
Click on Image to Enlarge
Parents increasingly recognize how family screen time shapes child development–but that awareness can bring guilt or shame when digital devices creep into daily life. On this episode of Screen Deep, leading researcher Dr. Lara Wolfers explains when guilt can be constructive versus when it can be harmful to the parent-child relationship. She offers suggestions for navigating societal pressures and daily demands, and encourages parents to practice self-compassion.
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.
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.