RSU 57 Community Newsletter

Welcome to June! This is a month that brings a special kind of energy to our district as we celebrate the successful conclusion of another academic year. Celebrations, showcases, and transition events abound as our students look forward to the excitement of summer break.

The absolute highlight of this season is the graduation of the accomplished Class of 2026. This moment is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by our students, supported by their families, our dedicated staff, and the entire community. As these exceptional young people prepare to walk across the stage, we reflect on their achievements and look forward with immense pride to the bright futures they are ready to step into. We invite everyone to join us in honoring the Class of 2026 and celebrating this memorable tradition this Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 P.M. at the Cross Insurance Arena and Class Night in the Massabesic High School Gymnasium this Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00 P.M.

In closing, we would like to thank our collective community for their unwavering support of RSU 57 and our students. Your support helps make these celebrations and student accomplishments possible.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Stephen Marquis, Superintendent and Dr. Amanda Doyle, Assistant Superintendent

As the school year winds down, it is a time of immense pride for our district. We are thrilled to shine a special spotlight on academic excellence within the Massabesic High School Class (MHS) of 2026.

Completing high school is a monumental achievement in itself, but reaching the absolute pinnacle of academic success requires an extraordinary level of dedication, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. It is our distinct honor to introduce the MHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Students!

These outstanding seniors have spent the last four years pushing the boundaries of their potential, mastering rigorous coursework, and serving as leaders both inside and outside the classroom. They represent the very best of our district's mission, and their achievements remind us of what is possible when talent meets tireless hard work.

Want to learn more about who made the list and read about their incredible achievements, favorite high school memories, and exciting future plans? We have put together a special feature celebrating each of these remarkable students.

Click Here to View the MHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Recognition Feature

Please join us in sending a massive congratulations to these ten students, their families, and the educators who supported them along the way. We cannot wait to see how they change the world next!

As the academic year draws to a close, RSU 57 and Massabesic High School (MHS) are proud to honor the incredible achievements, dedication, and resilience of the Class of 2026. Families, friends, and community members are invited to mark their calendars for this week's milestone events:

Wednesday, June 3: Senior Awards Night

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: Massabesic High School

• Livestream Link: Watch live on YouTube

We kick off our graduation festivities by recognizing the outstanding academic, athletic, and community achievements of our graduating seniors. The Senior Awards Night will honor scholarship recipients and department award winners. For loved ones who cannot attend the ceremony in person, the event will be broadcasted live online.

Thursday, June 4: Massabesic High School Commencement Ceremony

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: Cross Insurance Arena (Portland, ME)

• Livestream Link: Watch the Commencement Ceremony on YouTube

The big moment has arrived! The formal graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place on Thursday evening at the Cross Insurance Arena. Doors will open for families to watch their graduates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. A live video feed will be available for remote viewing so that extended family and friends near and far can share in the celebration.

Thursday, June 4 (Late Night): Project Graduation

• Location: Saint Joseph’s College (Standish, ME)

Immediately following the commencement ceremony, the celebration continues with Project Graduation. Hosted at Saint Joseph’s College, this annual tradition provides our new alumni with a safe, supervised, and unforgettable night of fun, games, and camaraderie to celebrate their final night together as a class.

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2026! The district is incredibly proud of your hard work and looks forward to celebrating your success this week. Go Mustangs!

While many see our school cafeterias as simply a place to grab a meal, RSU 57 knows they are much more, they are hubs of nutrition, community, and care. This month, our district proudly celebrated School Lunch Hero Day, honoring the hardworking nutrition professionals who go above and beyond to ensure our students are fueled and ready to learn.

Between preparing healthy meals, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering a friendly greeting to every child in the lunch line, our food service staff members are true heroes. They understand that a hungry student cannot focus on their studies, and they work tirelessly to provide balanced meals that give our "Mustangs" the energy they need to succeed throughout the school day.

The role of a School Lunch Hero extends far beyond the kitchen. Our nutrition team creates a welcoming atmosphere where students feel seen and supported. Whether it’s remembering a student’s favorite fruit or decorating the cafeteria for a holiday, these staff members build meaningful relationships that contribute to the positive, inclusive culture we strive for in all six of our district towns.

We want to extend a massive thank you to our entire nutrition department for their dedication, resilience, and heart. Their work is a vital ingredient in the success of our schools and the well-being of our students. Please join us in celebrating these essential members of the RSU 57 team for all they do, one tray at a time!

In RSU 57, we recognize that for a student to be ready to learn, they must first be healthy, safe, and supported. Our district proudly celebrated National School Nurse Day, taking the opportunity to recognize the vital role our nursing team plays in the daily lives of our students and staff. Our school nurses serve as specialized healthcare professionals who act as a critical bridge between a student’s health and their academic success.

These dedicated professionals provide far more than basic first aid. On any given day, an RSU 57 nurse might manage complex chronic conditions, navigate public health challenges, or provide a compassionate ear for a student in distress. Their clinical expertise ensures that our schools remain safe and welcoming environments where every "Mustang" has the opportunity to thrive.

Working as an integral part of our school-based teams, alongside counselors, social workers, and administrators, our nurses are often the first to identify when a student needs extra support. Whether they are coordinating care for a student during a health crisis or connecting a family with essential community resources, their proactive outreach is a cornerstone of our district's commitment to supporting the whole child.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the RSU 57 nursing staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism. By removing health-related barriers to learning, they ensure that our students can focus on their growth and education. Please join us in thanking our nurses for the heart and expertise they bring to our community every single day!

On May 5th, we took our top six mathletes from each school to the Portland Expo Center. Walking into a room filled with over 600 mathletes was truly awe-inspiring! Our learners handled the pressure, the crowd, and the competition with incredible grace and excitement.

After competing through rigorous rounds of arithmetic, geometry, and team problem-solving, our five schools ranked as follows:

• Waterboro - 8th place

• Alfred - 12th place

• Lyman - 22nd place

• Shapleigh - 23rd place

• Line - 25th place

Our learners worked incredibly hard leading up to this event. They dove into accelerated math concepts, embraced difficult challenges, and represented our district with pride. This season would not have been possible without the dedication of our lead coordinators. A very special thank you to Emily MacKinnon and Heather Graham for their vision and hard work. We also want to thank our parent volunteers; your time and support were essential in making this opportunity a reality!

Congratulations to all our Mathletes on a fantastic season!

Students at Waterboro Elementary School experienced a wonderful wave of creative inspiration last week during a special visit from acclaimed children's book author and illustrator Scott Magoon. The interactive event sparked a district-wide buzz for writing and drawing, leaving a lasting impression on our community's young authors and artists.

During his engaging presentations, Magoon pulled back the curtain on the creative process, showing students exactly how stories come to life from initial rough sketches to finished books.

To help families keep that creative momentum going at home, he generously shared a couple of fantastic resources for students to explore:

• The Magoon Tribune: Families can subscribe to his free quarterly e-newsletter by visiting his online signup page to receive updates on new books, free giveaways, and behind-the-scenes content.

• Official Website: You can dive deeper into his extensive catalog of books and artwork by visiting scottmagoon.com.

Below, take a look at the two incredible original drawings he created live in collaboration with Waterboro Elementary students during his presentations!

Creativity and community spirit took center stage on Tuesday, May 12th, at the first-ever Massabesic Middle School Art Show. What began as a showcase for young talent transformed into a massive celebration, packing the school library with an incredible turnout of parents, neighbors, and local art enthusiasts.

The vibrant energy in the room was matched only by the incredible variety of student artwork on display. Attendees perused the gallery, admiring the hard work, dedication, and unique perspectives of our talented middle schoolers.

The highlight of the evening was the community voting for the "Best in Show" award for each grade level. Congratulations to this year's historic winners:

• 6th Grade: Rowan Galanif

• 7th Grade: Evangeline Bergeron

• 8th Grade: Penelope Kane

"Seeing the community come together to celebrate these artists was truly overwhelming," said MMS art teacher Ms. Burns.

The success of this inaugural event highlights the incredible artistic talent within our schools and the unwavering support of our local community. Thank you to everyone who attended, voted, and helped make this historic night an unforgettable success. We are already looking forward to next year!

On Saturday, May 2, five Massabesic Middle School students competed at the University of Maine at Orono for Maine National History Day. Competing in the Junior Division Group Exhibit category against 24 other entries, our students tackled the challenging theme of "Revolution, Reaction, and Reform."

Sixth graders Eloise Estes, Abigail Rinaldi, and Marion Worthington earned the Second Place "Labor History" Award from the UMaine Bureau of Labor Education. Their exhibit, "Fight for Equal Pay: The 1963 Equal Rights Pay Act," was recognized for its deep analysis of legislative reform and historical significance.

Seventh graders Quinn Bateson and Saydee Libby also represented MMS with their creative exhibit, "How Taylor Swift Revolutionized the Music Industry," which explored modern shifts in artist rights and industry standards.

We are incredibly proud of the rigorous research and historical arguments these students developed. To succeed at the state level, students must master primary sources, build complex physical displays, and defend their work before professional judges.

Congratulations to Eloise, Abigail, Marion, Quinn, and Saydee on your outstanding academic achievements!

The talent in RSU 57 continues to shine on the big stage! This past weekend, Massabesic High School’s own Julia Bryant competed as a finalist in the "Maine’s Got Talent" showcase. Out of eight incredibly talented finalists from across the state, Julia earned the prestigious 2nd Place finish.

Julia wowed the judges and the audience alike, delivering a powerhouse performance that combined exceptional vocals with a commanding stage presence. By the end of the night, it was clear she was a true fan favorite.

Julia wasn't alone on her way to the top, she had an outstanding support crew cheering her on from the crowd. Fellow MHS students Lilly Nickerson, Audrey Schroeder, and Marylou Hagar made the trip to support their friend, embodying the Mustang spirit of community and encouragement.

Please join us in congratulating Julia on this remarkable achievement! We are so proud to have her representing RSU 57.

RSU 57 is proud to celebrate the power of perseverance and lifelong learning! We are excited to announce the upcoming graduation ceremony for the Massabesic Adult and Community Education Class of 2026.

The ceremony will take place on June 16 at 6:00 PM in the Massabesic High School East Building. This special evening honors the hard work and dedication of our adult learners who have reached this significant milestone in their educational journey. Whether earning a high school diploma or an equivalency credential, these graduates prove that it is never too late to reach your goals.

As we celebrate our newest alumni, we also want to remind the community that educational opportunities are always available through our Adult Education program. It truly is never too late to become a graduate yourself! We offer free High School Equivalency classes with an easy registration process designed to fit into busy adult schedules.

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 for their incredible achievements. We look forward to seeing our community come together to cheer on these inspiring graduates as they embark on their next chapters!

While June usually signals the end of the year, for the RSU 57 NJROTC, May marks the beginning of a new chapter. This past Wednesday, Mustang Company held its annual Awards Night, culminating in the traditional Change of Command Ceremony.

We are proud to announce that rising senior Alley Heath has been promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Commander and will serve as Mustang Company’s new Commanding Officer. She takes the lead from graduating senior and 4-year cadet, Brian Day.

Supporting Alley in leading the unit for the 2026-2027 school year is a dedicated team of student leaders:

• Leelou Lord (Executive Officer): Second-in-command.

• Isabel Lowell (Chief Staff Officer): Overseeing department operations and preparation.

• Teagan Kutniewski (Inspector General): Ensuring unit discipline and excellence.

• Johnathan Gray (Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer): Serving as the voice and advocate for the unit's younger cadets.

These five motivated Mustangs are already hard at work preparing for an amazing year ahead. As they say to their fellow cadets: “Always Ready, Always There!”

We are proud to share that our very own Megan Wakefield, RSU 57’s Homeless and Outreach Coordinator, was recently featured by the Maine Department of Education for her exceptional leadership in our McKinney-Vento program.

Megan and our school-based teams work tirelessly to remove barriers for students experiencing housing instability, providing everything from winter coats and holiday meals to connecting families with vital community resources. As a graduate of our district herself, Megan's personal connection and professional expertise make a world of difference for our families.

Join us in celebrating Megan and the entire RSU 57 team for their commitment to ensuring every "Mustang" has the support they need to thrive!

You can find the official feature on the Maine Department of Education's website here: Featured McKinney-Vento Program: RSU 57

As we approach the end of the school year, please be advised that the final day for late bus transportation will be Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Please ensure that students who typically utilize the late bus have alternative transportation arrangements in place for after-school activities beginning Thursday, June 4.

We appreciate your cooperation and planning as we wrap up a great school year.

June 3, 2026: Policy Committee @ 6:00pm - MHS East Training Room - MHS East Building

June 3, 2026: Senior Awards Night @ 7:00pm - MHS Gym

June 4, 2026: MHS Class of 2026 Graduation @ 7:00pm - Cross Insurance Arena

June 9, 2026: District Referendum Vote @ Local Precincts

June 10, 2026: Finance Committee @ 5:00pm - MHS East Training Room - MHS East Building

June 10, 2026: School Board Meeting @ 6:00pm - MHS East Training Room - MHS East Building

June 16, 2026: Adult Education Graduation @ 7:00pm - MHS East Building

June 17, 2026: Human Resources Committee @ 6:00pm - MHS East Training Room - MHS East Building

June 18, 2026: Last Day of School for the District

June 19, 2026: District Closed: Juneteenth

June 24, 2026: School Board Meeting @ 6:00pm - MHS East Training Room - MHS East Building

"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."

Phone: 207-247-3221

Website: https://www.rsu57.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsu57/

Central Office: 86 West Road, Waterboro, ME, USA