DISTRICT UPDATE

It is certainly an exciting time for Saco! On Thursday, December 4th at 11am, we will be hosting our official groundbreaking ceremony for our two new schools. The event will celebrate the long-anticipated construction of our PreK-5 schools on one campus that will improve our educational facilities for students. This project will modernize our elementary schools, offering PreK-5 students an equitable learning environment, increased safety and security, increased access to outdoor learning, innovative unified arts, and flexible classroom spaces–all within climate-controlled buildings.

Due to limited parking and safety concerns along an active construction site, all participants will be shuttled to the groundbreaking location. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here and park at Saco Public Works at 15 Phillips Spring Road and board the school bus shuttle no later than 10:45am. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, all participants will be shuttled back to the Public Works Lot for a celebratory gathering, warm beverages, and light refreshments. Due to the uneven, possibly muddy, terrain and unpredictable weather in Maine, we ask everyone to come prepared with warm winter clothing and flat boots.

For 20 years, Saco has waited for this chance to redevelop our educational infrastructure. Thanks to the overwhelming bond approval by the Saco taxpayers and over $100 million (or 72% of the total project) funded by the State, that moment has come. Please join us as we continue to build a brighter future for our community.

As of October 29th, students across the Saco, Biddeford, 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 Aid for Saco Kids 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! If you need a Thanksgiving meal this year, please reach out to the Resiliency Coordinator at your child’s school for more information.

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

• November 5: Early Release Day & Parent Teacher Conferences from 3:30-7pm

• November 10: A Record-Breaking Night at 6:30pm, Saco Middle School

• November 11: No School - Veterans Day Observed

• November 12: School Board at 7pm, Saco City Hall

• November 19: Early Release Day

• November 25: Early Release Day (No Pre-K)

• November 26-28: No School - Thanksgiving Break

• December 4: Saco Groundbreaking at 11am, Park at Saco Public Works (RSVP Here)

• December 11 & 12: SMS Bobcat Players in The Wizard of Oz at 7pm, SMS Cafeteria

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.

• Pre-K - November 18

• Young School - November 21

• Fairfield School - December 16

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.

Saco Middle School (SMS) once again turned kindness into action as more than 600 students and 120 staff members participated in the school’s annual “Raise Craze” Kindness Day. On October 24th, SMS students and staff spread goodwill throughout the Saco community—writing notes of appreciation, volunteering their time, and lending helping hands as part of a month-long goal to complete 3,000 acts of kindness.

Students collaborated on dozens of projects designed to support and uplift local residents. From creating care packages for unhoused neighbors and baking treats for local nonprofits to cleaning Cascade Falls Trail with Saco Bay Trails and preparing classroom materials for younger students, each group contributed in meaningful ways. Other students delivered handmade thank-you cards to first responders, decorated community spaces for fall, and brightened the day of residents at local senior centers and the Maine Veterans Home.

Saco Middle School’s own Ryan Martin—our gym teacher and two-time Guinness World Record holder—is going for his third world record! Ryan already holds the titles for the most free throws made in one hour and the most NBA three-pointers made in one hour.

Join us on Monday, November 10th at 6:30 PM, Ryan will step back onto the court at Saco Middle School to attempt to break the record for most high school three-pointers made in one hour. The number to beat: 1,372—that’s roughly 23 makes per minute or one every 2.5 seconds! Smokin’ Dads BBQ will be on site with a special menu, and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the SMS Mentor Program. Follow the Facebook Event here.

On October 24th, CK Burns students had a day full of hands-on learning and school spirit! Third graders enjoyed a walking field trip along the Eastern Trail, guided by TA science teacher and CK Burns parent Josh Delcourt. During the field trip, they observed seasonal changes, identified native plants and wildlife, and learned how the trail connects local communities and habitats. Later in the day, CK Burns hosted its first-ever Unified Soccer Round Robin, where our 22-member Unified team welcomed 12 students from Old Orchard Beach for friendly matches. Fellow students cheered on the athletes while the PTO provided snacks, water, medals, and a festive balloon arch.

“It was one of those days that reminds you why school is such a special place,” said Principal April Noble. “Our students got to learn by exploring the world around them in the morning, and then came together in the afternoon to support their friends on the field. The joy, the laughter, the cheering—it all captured the best of what our school community is about.”

What a fabulous turnout at the Fairfield Family Night last month! A special thank you to their PTO for working with parents and staff to get the many volunteers needed to make this event a success. There was no lack of smiles as children scurried their way through the obstacle course and enjoyed treats with their family anf friends. To top it off, the PTO ensured every student went home with a book!

During the SMS Kindness Day, middle school students from Ms. Davis's 7th grade homeroom on the Allagash Team had the pleasure of visiting Fairfield School to play games and read books with elementary students throughout the morning. It was amazing to see all of the fun had by all and how kind, welcoming, and responsible all of the Fairfield students were as the older students joined them in their classroom!

Last month, the Saco Fire Department visited Young School to teach our students important lessons about fire safety and what to do in case of an emergency. The firefighters shared age-appropriate tips on preventing fires, making safe choices, and knowing when and how to call for help. The students were very engaged and loved learning from our local heroes. Thank you to the Saco Fire Department for taking the time to visit and help keep our students safe!

Please join us for our Family Bingo Night & Basket Raffle event on Friday, November 14th at 6pm (Doors open at 5:30pm) at Saco Middle School. If you would like to skip the registration line at this event, visit https://youngschool-bingo.cheddarup.com to pre-purchase your bingo booklets and raffle tickets!

Don't forget to bring nonperishable food items to the event to help fill the Young School food pantry AND get 1 free raffle ticket per item donated!

Congratulations to Saco PreK on being awarded a $1,000 grant from the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Education Grants Program. Funded through the Maine Agricultural Specialty License Plate, this grant allows our youngest learners to explore where their food comes from and deepen their connection to Maine’s farming and natural resources. The funds offset the costs associated with their recent trip to Pumpkin Valley Farm.

The Saco School Department's strategic planning process is moving forward, and we want to thank everyone who participated in our recent focus groups. Their honest feedback has given us important information about what matters most to our school community. We're hearing clear themes from all groups: keeping our students safe is our top priority, building stronger connections between schools and families, using technology in ways that support learning, and creating support systems that help all students succeed. We're also inspired by their vision for schools that are collaborative, supportive, and transparent—where all students can succeed.

In the coming months, the Curriculum Subcommittee will work on writing the strategic plan based on this feedback. We'll visit school buildings and create opportunities for community members to give input on the draft plan before it's finished. Thank you for helping shape the future of Saco Schools.

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.

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: 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.

• 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.