RSU 21 Community News 05-01-26

Dear RSU 21 Community,

Public education is often described in terms of maintaining the status quo, but our work calls us to do more than preserve what is. It demands that we look ahead, adapt, and ensure that our schools are preparing students not just for today, but for a rapidly changing future.

At RSU 21, we are committed to being forward-looking and proactive in how we serve our students. That means continually reflecting on our practices, seeking opportunities for growth, and designing learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Our goal is not simply to sustain what works, but to build upon it in ways that expand possibilities for every learner.

A recent example from one of our educators highlights what this looks like in action:

MLD 5th graders are in their final weeks of helping protect endangered wild Atlantic salmon native to Maine waters. After receiving 200 eggs from Green Lake National Fish Hatchery on March 3rd, students have studied ecosystems, food chains, and species interdependence. They have carefully maintained the tank by mimicking a Maine spring warm-up, raising the temperature one to two degrees each week. Students have also shared updates with staff and families through a student-created and edited newsletter, with one final edition coming after the fry are released into the wild. Stay tuned!

Experiences like this reflect the kind of learning we strive to provide across our district. Students are not only mastering academic content, but also applying their knowledge in real-world contexts, developing responsibility, and building connections between their learning and their community. This is how we move beyond the status quo. We create opportunities that are dynamic, relevant, and rooted in purpose.

Looking forward also means recognizing that our schools are shaped by the voices and values of the community we serve. Public education is a living example of democracy in action, and it depends on thoughtful participation and shared responsibility. On Monday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m., we will hold our district Budget Meeting and vote in the Kennebunk Elementary School gym.

We encourage you to attend and take part in this process. Using your voice in moments like these not only strengthens our schools, but also models for our students the importance of civic engagement and informed decision-making.

As we continue to move forward, we remain focused on preparing our students to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we can ensure that RSU 21 continues to grow, innovate, and provide an education that empowers every student to reach their full potential.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Budget Meeting!

Sincerely,
Martin Grimm

This week we're going to KES to give praise to one of our occupational therapists. Here is what a community member wanted to say on behalf of Tracy Mason:

Tracy is a welcoming member, who goes above and beyond for all her students. Tracy works hard for all her students and creates a well organized treatment room with visuals and routines that help children learn independence and ownership for their skills. Tracy is also part of our Sunshine Committee caring for all of her coworkers as well.

Many thanks to Tracy and as well to the rest of the Sunshine Committee! You are our sunshine!!

*In our newest segment, The RSU 21 Community News will be highlighting anyone in our community (employee, student, or volunteer) that YOU think has done or consistently does something spectacular. To make a submission, please fill out this very brief form. *

Kennebunk Elementary School- The KES Library has been integrating Responsive Classroom practices throughout the school year. Most recently, the library has been rearranged with these practices in mind, offering students a new reading area with a focus on developmentally appropriate flexible seating options, making the library an even more engaging place to read, explore and grow. The new reading area is filled with natural light from windows overlooking the KES Fairy Garden, where students have already been spotted getting cozy with new books and fully engaged in reading.

Mildred L. Day School- The Mildred L. Day community came together in full force this morning for a standing room only gathering that reminded us all why we love this school. The energy in the room was electric as our talented first graders took center stage, sharing their heartfelt original poetry and song celebrating the theme of courage — bringing smiles, and more than a few happy tears, to the packed crowd of families, staff, and community members.

The celebration didn't stop there. Our 4th and 5th Grade Chorus filled the room with beautiful voices, followed by a stunning performance from our 5th Grade Wind Ensemble, whose musicianship left the audience in awe.

Mornings like this one are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary things happening every day at Mildred L. Day School. We are so grateful to our students for their hard work and creativity, and to our families and community members who showed up — literally wall to wall — to cheer them on.

Kennebunkport Consolidated School- This week, we hosted the Portland Stage Company for their PLAY Program. All students participated in a full school dramatic reading. Then, their staff engaged students in smaller interactive workshop sessions all morning long by grade level span.

From their website: "Actors actively engage students in small groups/workshops using their bodies, voices, and imaginations to build understanding of the text while bringing the stories and characters to life. PLAY helps develop literacy and reading fluency, character recall, understanding of themes, social emotional skills, physical storytelling, and vocal characterization."

We are grateful to KCS PTA who sponsored this wonderful opportunity for our students!

Also, we held our 3rd annual Poetry Jam this week. Most of the participants wrote original poems to share with the audience. In order to be more inclusive, we allowed a few students to share their poems video pre-recorded video as well. Thanks to all the staff, students, and family members who participated in some way to make our event a success for our KCS poets!"

Sea Road School- This week, SRS students took part in our annual Day of Service, where they learned about what it means to take care of our environment and our school community. Throughout the day, students jumped into a variety of activities focused on helping out, working together, and giving back. It was really great to see the pride they took in their work and the positive impact they made.

A big thank you to our parent volunteers and our friends from the Kennebunk Land Trust who helped make this day happen​ - we couldn’t have done it without you!

Middle School of the Kennebunks- We want to thank all parents of grade 5 students for attending the parent information night this week. Furthermore, it was truly a pleasure for our team to meet all grade 5 students this week in our efforts to begin to introduce them to middle school and answer their questions. We are very much looking forward to working with all grade 5 students, parents and guardians over the next three years!

Kennebunk High School- Arianna Cofferen competed in the Special Olympics State Swim Meet on Thursday and took 1st place in BOTH her 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle. Congratulations Ari!!

Prom is right around the corner and ticket sales started this week.

GO RAMS!

District Budget Meeting

Monday, May 4

7:00 p.m.

District Budget Meeting

Policy

Thursday, May 7

12:30 p.m.

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Kris Fogg

207-604-1394

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Laura Dolce

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