Bulldog Bulletin
August 21 , 2025
The Bulldog Bulletin features school events, updates on student life, and general information about JFDS.
Be sure to check the JFDS website regularly for news, the events calendar, and more. Download the Bangor App as well to help stay connected!
Upcoming Dates
Here are some upcoming dates to remember :
- Tuesday, September 2nd - First Day for Students
- Tuesday, September 2nd - Open House (6-7PM)
- Thursday, September 4th - JFDS Student Activities Fair at the Downeast School
- Monday, September 15th - School Pictures
- Tuesday, September 16th - Bulldog Boosters in the Library (5PM)
- Wednesday, September 17th - Early Release Day (students dismissed at 11:30AM)
- Monday, September 22nd & Tuesday, September 23rd - Fall NWEA Reading Testing
- Wednesday, September 24th & Thursday, September 25th - Fall NWEA Math Testing
Open House
We are excited to invite all JFDS students, parents, families, and friends to our Open House on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 6-7PM. After an exciting first day, students will be able to lead families through their scheduled classes, introduce their teachers, and tour the school.
Thank You to Our Custodians!!
In a normal year, it is a major project to get the building cleaned and ready for the return of students. But this year, it has been EXTRA challenging!
We truly appreciate all of the help we have had from our custodial staff and everyone who has chipped in:
- Mr. O'Roak, Mr. Garcia-Sanchez, Mrs. Filios, Mr. Perez, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Belanger, and Mrs. Loring
JFDS Activities Fair
- On Thursday, September 4th, join us at the Downeast School for the Third Annual JFDS Student Activities Fair.
- Come meet with students and teachers who organize some of the 50+ sports, clubs, and activities that your child can participate in at JFDS.
- The fair runs from 6 to 7PM.
- Questions? Reach out to Mrs. Edward at bedward@bangorschools.net.
Welcome to All of Our New Staff Members!
The JFDS staff is ready to start the nw year. We are excited to welcom the following new Bulldogs:
- Mrs. Gunnell - Instructional Specialist at JFDS & WSCS
- Mr. Urli - Athletic Director at JFDS & WSCS
- Mrs. Placencia - Special Education
- Mr. Ballou - Educational Technician
- Mrs. Proctor - Sixth Grade
- Mrs. Hilton - Sixth Grade
Fall Sports Information
Fall sports will start right away. There will be a meeting on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 2nd at 2:30 in the auditorium. Any student planning on trying out for fall sports should plan on attending. If you have any questions about fall sports, please email Mr. Urli, the Assistant Athletic Director, at surli@bangorschools.net.
All students must have all of the following completed prior to tryouts: a parent consent form (which is in the first day packet), a physical on file, and completed SWAY testing.
- Football has already started, but students can still sign up by contacting Mr. Urli.
- Soccer tryouts will be on Wednesday, September 3rd and Thursday, September 4th from 2:30 to 4PM at JFDS.
- Field Hockey tryouts will be on Thursday, September 4th and Friday, September 5th at WSCS. Students will be bused to WSCS and should be picked up there.
- Cross Country is a non-cut sport. Practices will begin on Wednesday, September 3rd from 2:30 to 4PM.
All paperwork, including the SWAY information letter, can be found on the school website. The code for SWAY is EXJK3.
Early Release Days
The 2025-26 School Calendar includes six early release days for professional development. Middle school students will be dismissed at 11:30AM on the following days:
- Wednesday, September 17th
- Wednesday, October 15th
- Wednesday, February 11th
- Thursday, March 12th
- Wednesday, April 8th
- Wednesday, May 13th
Doughty Gear
Looking to show off your school pride?
Wights Sporting Goods has an ongoing JFDS school store for hoodies, t-shirts, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Keep an eye on our list for answers to common JFDS questions:
What do students need for school supplies?
- Most required supplies are provided by the school, however students should have a water bottle, pens/pencils, and a three ring binder.
Do I need a lock for a locker?
- Sixth graders should bring a combination lock, although it is not required. For seventh and eighth grade students, their lock is built into the locker.
When will I find out my schedule?
- Letters went out this week with student's homeroom assignments.
What are the school hours?
- Students can come into the building at 7:50. Homeroom starts at 8:10AM and ends at 8:15AM. The school day ends at 2:30PM. Most clubs and activities end at 4PM.
2025-26 School Calendar
Click here to download a copy of the 2025-26 BSD School Calendar.
Chronic Absenteeism - Did You Know?
- Chronic absenteeism occurs when a student misses 10% of the days that they are enrolled in school. In Bangor, for a student attending the entire school year, chronic absenteeism would be 17 days or an average of approximately two days per month. Chronic absenteeism is based on total absences - both excused and unexcused. We look forward to meeting our school goal of 95% attendance by June 2025!
Please click the link below for more information about chronic absenteeism.
Learn more from ConnectSafely
- ConnectSafely helps to educate people about online safety, privacy, security, & digital wellness.
- Click here to find out more information.
Powerschool Parent Access
Would you like access to the parent portal of PowerSchool? Click on this link to sign up:
https://forms.gle/apRn3BWD2FJEjXWXA
Confirmation of your account will come from techsis@bangorschools.net
School Questions?
Do you have school related questions or need help from someone at the school? Feel free to reach out to the main office at (207) 941-6220.