Bulldog Bulletin
February 27, 2026
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!
Here are some upcoming dates to remember :
- Tuesday, March 3rd - Bulldog Boosters (5PM)
- Friday, March 6th - Fun Night (6-8PM)
- Tuesday, March 10th - All City Band at BHS (6:30PM)
- Thursday, March 12th - Early Release Day
- Friday, March 13th - In Service Day
- Monday, March 16th - Spring Sports Informational Meeting (2:40PM)
- Tuesday, March 17th - Invention Convention
- Tuesday, March 17th - Showcase Night (6-7PM)
- Wednesday, March 18th - Jazz Night at WSCS (6:30PM)
- Tuesday, March 24th - All City Orchestra at BHS (6:30PM)
- Wednesday, March 25th - 7th Up Field Trip
- Tuesday, March 31st - All City Chorus at BHS (6:30PM)
- It has been a busy and engaging season for the Bulldogs in ELA with Mrs. Bridges!
In 8th grade, students have been diving into dystopian short stories, analyzing how authors use setting, conflict, and theme to comment on society. We are excited to begin reading The Giver by Lois Lowry next, where students will continue exploring the characteristics of dystopian fiction and the big questions these stories raise. In addition, students have been reading independent fiction books and tracking their thinking as readers in preparation for recording fiction review podcasts. We look forward to sharing these podcasts with families during our March Curriculum Night!
We are proud of the thoughtful discussions, critical thinking, and meaningful writing happening every day in ELA!
In 7th grade, we recently finished reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and extended our learning through research on related real-world topics. Students have also selected a new choice book that helps them learn about a culture different from their own, building both knowledge and empathy. As we continue strengthening our argumentative writing skills, students will be creating a Public Service Announcement connected to their research, combining evidence, voice, and purpose to inspire action.
Our JFDS Garden Club has been busy this spring, planting a variety of microgreens that are grown under lights in the library, then harvested and served in our school's cafeteria during lunch. You can read more about microgreens, including their nutritional value, here.
- Nine JFDS students were selected to participate in the Maine State American Choral Directors Association Festival in May.
- Congratulations to Kamaria Davis, Col Neitz, Everly Ellis, Gray Goodson, Xander Crosby, Ava Robicheau, Blake Bridges, Taylen Curtis, & Harper Reid!
- This wonderful group students is once again competing in the annual Great Maine Book Tournament, which is a subset of the Maine Student Book Award program.
- They are each tasked with reading at least three of the fifteen books on the list and knowing each book inside and out!
- As they move on to the second round in mid-April, they will compete against other middle schools in the Central Maine area. Wish them luck!
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:
- 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.
Digital Report Cards
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.
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.
Please click the link below for more information about chronic absenteeism.