Bulldog Bulletin

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!

• Friday, January 23rd - End of the second quarter
• Thursday, January 29th - Second Quarter Grades Posted
• Friday, January 30th - JFDS Cheering Invitational at BHS
• Wednesday, February 11th - BSD Early Release Day
• Saturday, February 14th to Sunday, February 22nd - School Vacation

• The nomination process for the 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year is now open, and runs through the end of January.
• The Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine organize the nomination and selection process, which culminates with the State Teacher of the Year.
• If you would like to nominate one of the phenomenal JFDS teachers, click here.

Beginning with the second quarter, JFDS will pilot a transition from printed report cards to a fully digital reporting system in PowerSchool. This change will allow families to access grades more quickly and securely, reduce paper use, and provide a more consistent way to monitor student progress throughout the year.

Families have received instructions on how to access the digital portal. If you need assistance accessing the PowerSchool portal, please reach out to techsis@bangorschools.net or call the main office at (207)941-6220.

Families who prefer a printed report card have the option to request a paper copy. To receive a paper copy in the mail, call the main office at (207)941-6220.

Mrs. Kenniston’s sixth-grade Earth Science students were hard at work on an exciting hands-on learning experience as they took on the challenge of building a model dam! This project allowed students to apply the scientific method and experiment with natural resources. They put their knowledge to the test by designing and constructing a scale model of a dam in order to block the flow of water. The project encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, providing our young engineers with a real-world connection to science.

7th-grade science students had the amazing opportunity to work with our gardening expert, Mrs. Patterson. They participated in the Wild Seed Project, in which native seeds are planted in a milk jug and placed outside for the winter. Students will check on them throughout the spring for signs of growth. Eventually, they will grow the native plants around the school grounds to encourage bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to visit us here at Doughty. It is one of the small efforts that make a huge difference to our ecosystems and biodiversity.

Students in Grade 8 Science have been learning about the development of the atomic theory by creating models and reading about each scientist’s theory. They began with Democritus from 400 BC and ended with the Modern Atomic Theory of the 20th century. It is hoped that by combining hands-on lessons with literacy, students will be able to see how the current atomic theory developed. Next up- INVENTION CONVENTION!

Mrs. Harvey is continuing her work with a team of amazing art students to design, plot, and paint a JFDS mural on the wall space leading to the cafeteria. Students have been involved in every aspect of the process. Stay tuned for the final masterpiece!

JMG students completed a community service project this month. They made blankets to donate to our pediatric cancer treatment floor at the Lafayette building in Brewer. Students are learning how to get involved in civic engagement by making positive changes in their community. We hope to do more community service projects like this in the future!

• JFDS staff and students had the honor of participating in the annual Guest Reader Day at Vine Street. Vine Street welcomes guests each year as part of their PBIS rewards.
• Mrs. Gunnell, Mrs. Lowe, Mrs. Reardon, and many others shared their love of reading with students. Mrs. Sinkins led JMG students to join in as well.
• Guest Reader Day is an event we always look forward to being a part of!

You can now order 25-26 Yearbooks in the office with cash or check for $25.00 each. You can also order your yearbook online through Memory Book for an additional service fee of $2.99.

• Go to https://shop.memorybook.com/login or QR Code
  
• Click to create an account.
• Enter your name, email, and our Class CODE: 232734M
• Create your own password.

After creating your account, you’ll be taken to the products page.

• Select the one for your student.
• Enter the student name, grade, and homeroom teacher.
• You’ll also see an option for a student who may not be able to purchase one; even one extra book can make a big difference!

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, February 11th
• Thursday, March 12th
• Wednesday, April 8th
• Wednesday, May 13th

Looking to show off your school pride?

Wights Sporting Goods has an ongoing JFDS school store for hoodies, t-shirts, and more.

Click here to shop!

Click here to download a copy of the 2025-26 BSD School Calendar.

• 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 2026!

• Please click the link below for more information about chronic absenteeism.

  https://5il.co/32v66

The Bangor School Department has partnered with Smart Social, an online digital web platform filled with resources for students and families.

https://www.smartsocial.com/

• ConnectSafely helps to educate people about online safety, privacy, security, & digital wellness.
• Click here to find out more information.

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

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.