As we enter March, a month traditionally bustling with academic activities, this year promises no less excitement. From engaging Science projects to thought-provoking book reports, students have over six weeks of continuous learning directly with their teachers, providing an ideal opportunity to reinforce new concepts. Parent-Teacher Conferences on April 3rd provide an excellent opportunity to gain insights into your child's academic journey. Additionally, take advantage of the array of Spring events, including captivating drama and musical performances and athletic competitions, showcasing our students' diverse talents. Your active participation is crucial, and we look forward to celebrating these achievements together.

SCHOOL BUDGET

We are currently drafting the budget for the 2024-2025 school year. We are expecting some challenges as we maintain programming as funding levels for education from the state decrease. As our home valuations rise, it reduces subsidies that come directly from the state to support student programming. Couple that with a desire to maintain and enhance offering for students, and it creates tough decisions for our community. As we plan next year’s school budget, a projection of our enrollment will allow us to plan more effectively. Parents can help through early registration of any child who will be entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, or moving into our community this Fall (see below). We also encourage community members to attend upcoming School Committee meetings to learn more and be informed before voting in June.

As parents and students (grades 5-11) map out their academic courses, unified arts, and school athletic and organized club selections for next year, we encourage families to spend some time learning about the numerous opportunities available within our public schools. We will continue to have small class sizes, allowing for increased personal attention, fostering cooperative learning, and addressing students’ social-emotional needs. Please contact your child’s Guidance Counselor and/or review the options available at your school.

• Biddeford Middle School - Link to website

• Biddeford High School - Link to Course of Studies

• Biddeford Regional Center of Technology - Link to Course Catalog

My Best,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

Purchase Tickets by Clicking on the Image Below

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Year. If you’d like to learn more about the various programs offered or your child is interested in taking classes at COT, please contact their guidance counselor to schedule a program visit and then apply online via the COT website. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

Scan the QR code to apply today or view the Course Catalog below.

Spearheaded by the dedicated efforts of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher Heidi Haufe and assisted by ESOL teacher Shira Brinkman-Young and Ed Tech Mercy Hayward, students worked tirelessly to create captivating displays that beautifully showcased their heritage and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, attendees were treated to cultural music throughout the event. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to making this event a resounding success and look forward to many more celebrations of diversity and inclusivity in the future.

Five years ago, the Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) approved a teacher mini-grant to purchase 20 snowshoes for Biddeford High School (BHS) students to enjoy physical education class outdoors during the long winter months in Maine. The mini-grant application noted that a large portion of the school year is spent indoors due to the weather, and this purchase would allow students to get outside on beautiful winter days, and enjoy the beauty of Maine woods, all while exposing them to a lifelong skill they can revisit as they grow older. It was a perfect opportunity to provide additional voice and choice for students and expose them to new learning that they can continue throughout their lives.

Now the snowshoes are being utilized in a Lifetime Physical Fitness and Leisure Activities elective course. In its second year, this course offers students the opportunity to explore new outdoor recreation and feel supported and challenged in a variety of new activities. Examples of some activities are snowshoeing, hiking local trails, cross-country skiing, skating, biking, tennis, badminton, pickleball, disc golf, swimming, golf, and orienteering. While exploring fitness topics such as the benefits of cardiovascular health and stress management, students are equipped with the skills they need to achieve lifetime fitness and wellness.

“Our philosophy around physical education is to develop a variety of active skills that students can access throughout their lives,” said Caitlin Tremberth, BHS Physical Education and Health Teacher. “It is great to see teenagers enjoying the outdoors and being active. We are all very grateful to BEF for their forward-thinking and for providing additional voice and choice for our students to be excited about their academics.”

Join us every Tuesday in March for a slice of something special! Papa John's Pizza is hosting a fantastic fundraiser to support the Biddeford Public School Education Foundation (BEF)! Use the attached coupon code when you place your order, select from one of these special offers, and Papa Johns Pizza will donate 15% of your purchase back to the BEF. So, why not spice up your Tuesday dinner plans and make a difference while you dine? With every bite you take, you'll also be taking a step towards supporting education in our community.

On March 1st, the CDC released updated Respiratory Virus Guidance in response to the decreased risk that COVID-19 poses to the population. This updated guidance includes strategies to protect people at the highest risk of getting seriously ill and provides actionable recommendations for people with common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV.

The new guidelines now mirror the flu recommendations of staying home until 24 hours after your child’s fever resolves without the use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms are improving. Although a negative test or 5-day isolation is no longer required, it is recommended that your child practice prevention strategies, such as handwashing, wearing a mask, and keeping their distance from others to reduce the likelihood of spread.

Please take a moment to review the new guidance linked above. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the school nurse at your child’s school.

Sunday, March 10th; Serving Times: 5pm and 6pm

First Parish Saco UCC, 12 Beach Street, Saco

Cost: $8 for Children ages 6-12; $10 for Adults; $15 for Adults & Purchase of Bowl

Join us for a Community Soup-er to kick off Biddeford-Saco Restaurant Week 2024! Restaurants donate soup, Biddeford students make ceramic bowls, and guests pay an entry fee which entitles them to two soup servings and dessert. 100% of the profits go to local food pantries. Listen to live music in the First Parish Sanctuary while you wait or after you eat.

There will be two seatings - click here to to purchase tickets! For more info, click here.

Biddeford & Dayton Schools are committed to promoting positive student-to-student interactions, whether students are in school, online, or in the community. While preventative education is the best way to support our students, policies are in place to report, investigate, and respond to bullying (JICK & JICK-R). Additionally, this guide from childrenandscreens.org outlines information for parents about cyberbullying.