DISTRICT UPDATE

One of our most important responsibilities as a school system is to prepare students for the world they are growing up in by helping them think critically, understand their communities, and apply learning in meaningful ways. This past year, Saco Schools, in partnership with Biddeford and Dayton, participated in a statewide climate education initiative focused on strengthening classroom instruction through high-quality professional learning for teachers.

Through a partnership with The Ecology School and the Maine Department of Education’s Climate Education Professional Development Grant, educators in grades PreK–12 participated in a climate-focused interdisciplinary professional development pilot program that supports place-based, age-appropriate learning. Rather than adding new curriculum requirements, this work enhances existing lessons—connecting science, literacy, and social studies to real-world examples students can see in their own communities.

Teachers participated in a six-week virtual learning series with experts from organizations including Revision Energy, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, University of Maine professor Judith Rosenbaum, and the Maine Climate Education Hub. Many also attended a three-day Summer Institute at The Ecology School, where they collaborated with colleagues, explored strategies for addressing misinformation, and planned classroom projects for the school year.

For students, this means richer learning experiences that build critical thinking skills, strengthen connections between classroom learning and the local environment, and support success across subject areas. We are proud that Saco’s work was highlighted as a case study, reflecting the value of strong partnerships and thoughtful investment in our educators.

CENTER OF TECHNOLOGY ENROLLMENT

Now is the time to consider enrolling your child in the various programs at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT). If your child is interested in career and technical education opportunities, the COT is now scheduling program visits and accepting applications for the 2026-2027 School Year. Space is limited, so I encourage you to talk with your child about the options available and have them schedule an appointment with their guidance counselor before Winter Break: February 16-20.

Warm regards,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• February 9: York County Spelling Bee

• February 9-13: Kindness Week

• February 11: Early Release Day & School Board at 7pm, Saco City Hall

• February 16-20: No School; Winter Break

• February 25: Early Release Day & School Board at 5pm, Saco City Hall

• February 28: MMEA 7th/8th Grade Honor Festival @ Noble High School

As winter weather continues, we want to remind families that snowbanks and icy conditions can create additional safety challenges at bus stops. Large snowbanks can limit visibility for students, bus drivers, and motorists, making it especially important for children to stand well back from the road and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. Families are encouraged to clear snow around bus stops when possible, dress students in bright or reflective clothing, and accompany younger children to and from the bus. Taking a few extra precautions during the winter months helps ensure our students are seen, safe, and able to board and exit the bus securely. To read more about bus safety tips, click below.

This month, we encourage the community to join our district in the Read to ME Challenge by reading to/with a child for at least 15 minutes. Reading aloud to children not only provides a bonding experience with caring adults, but the simple act of reading aloud to a child 15 minutes a day for five years results in 27,375 minutes of language exposure, which can put children on the path to high literacy achievement. Reading also builds attention span and emotional development, improves concentration and focus, reduces stress and anxiety, and stimulates creativity and imagination.

Snap a photo or short video (15-30 seconds) and post it with your challenge to others to read aloud for 15 minutes to a child they know. Use hashtag #ReadtoME and tag others.

Several of our Saco Schools (Fairfield, Young, and CK Burns) will celebrate Kindness Week together from February 9-13! Participation is optional, and each day has a theme:

• Monday (2/9): Wear a hat and fun socks

• Tuesday (2/10): Wear clothes from a favorite activity

• Wednesday (2/11): Wear bright colors

• Thursday (2/12): Wear school colors or school apparel

• Friday (2/13): Wear red, pink, or a kindness shirt

Throughout the week, students will practice kindness by caring for themselves, others, and the environment. Click on the image for more details.

Our curriculum and strategic planning team has been hard at work. This month, we will share draft language for our new strategic plan with staff, focused around three focus areas:

1. student engagment and well-being,

2. rigorous and collaborative learning experiences, and

3. responsible use of resources.

The committee’s next meeting will be on February 23, at 4:30pm. For more information, contact Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst at maparkhurst@sacoschools.org.

The Saco Primary and Elementary School building project continues to make steady progress through the winter months. Site preparation work has advanced significantly, with the stormwater management system in place and functioning effectively, the Eastern Trail connector pathway excavated, and topsoil carefully stockpiled for future landscaping. Recent work has focused on installing critical underground infrastructure, including stormwater pipes and waterline along the loop roads. All tree removal and site clearing work was completed in early January, and the project remains on track for well drilling to begin this month, followed by accelerated site work and foundations starting in March 2026. We look forward to welcoming students and families into both new school buildings in Fall 2028.

Saco’s PreK recently wrapped up a successful school-wide Coin Challenge, and thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our students and families, they raised enough funds to support a field trip to the Children’s Museum for all students. To celebrate, the top three fundraising classrooms earned a pizza party, with their PTO decorating their rooms to make the celebration extra special. The first-place classroom also received a trophy to proudly display, while the other top classrooms are being recognized with ribbons displayed outside their classroom doors. We are so proud of our students’ teamwork and school spirit!

During Dental Health Month, our PreK students will learn all about healthy smiles and how brushing, flossing, and caring for their teeth helps keep their bodies strong and healthy. Learning at this age is about much more than letters and numbers—it’s also about building habits that support overall well-being. When children learn how to care for their bodies early on, they’re better prepared to focus, grow, and thrive as learners both in and out of the classroom.

School "Somedays" help students feel empowered by giving them “voice and choice” as well as connecting them with teachers, staff, and other students. Recently, four Fairfield School students made the most of their "Someday" by choosing sledding! With the abundance of fresh snow this winter, conditions were perfect for racing down hills, laughing with friends, and soaking up every minute of outdoor fun. Time outside like this isn’t just joyful—it supports physical health, boosts mood, and helps students return to learning refreshed and focused. Sometimes the best learning happens with rosy cheeks, fresh air, and a whole lot of smiles.

Mark your calendar to join us for our Book Fair & Family Fun Night on March 6th from 4-6pm at Fairfield School. We will also host a Basket Raffle to raise funds for our school. If interested in donating, please reach out before February vacation and watch for more information to come directly from the school.

On February 11th, Young School students will participate in grade-level activities and friendly competitions inspired by the Winter Olympics. Don’t forget to wear yellow and watch for more details to come directly from the school.

Congratulations to the CK Burns 5th Grade students who competed in the Spelling Bee last month. This year’s champion was Sage Daicy, who correctly spelled gleaned to secure the win, while Peter Galasyn earned the runner-up position, and Calie Thayer placed third. They will now advance to the York County Spelling Bee on February 9th at SMS. To read the full story, click here.

Join CK Burns on February 6th (3rd grade), and February 27th (5th grade) from 5-7pm at 209 Main Street in Saco. There will be “Celebrity Scoopers” from CKB each night! With a school with over 600 students, they chose to split up the nights, but anyone is welcome to come to any date, or all!

This is not a drop-off event, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the CKB PTO.

Congratulations to the Saco Middle School students who competed in the Spelling Bee last month. This year’s champion was sixth-grader Toran King-Riggs, who correctly spelled Frankenstein in round ten to secure the win. Sixth-grader Marko Marjanovic earned the runner-up position, and eighth-grader Layla Goodrich placed third. Toran King-Riggs will advance to the York County Spelling Bee on February 9th at SMS. To read the full story, click here.

Last October, several of Saco Middle School’s talented student musicians dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation and auditioned for the prestigious District 2 Honors Instrumental Festival. Their commitment to excellence and love of music truly shone through, as many of them achieved exceptional scores and earned spots in this highly selective ensemble.

“Participating in this festival was an incredible opportunity for our students to collaborate with peers from across the district, work with renowned conductors, and perform at a high level,” said Sarah Hoag, SMS Orchestra Director. “I am so proud of their accomplishments and enjoyed watching them shine at the festival.”

Please join me in congratulating these students for their outstanding achievements. Their success is a testament to the incredible support of our music educators, families, and community. Let’s continue to nurture and celebrate the arts in our schools!

From left to right, front row: Lucien Posey (viola), Ethan Dennis (violin), Ms. Hoag (SMS Orchestra Director). Back row: Aliya Campbell(violin), Kayla Chen (violin), Lucy Browne (violin), Margaux Boger (cello), Matthew Daussess (double bass), Elliot Dodge (cello).

Congratulations to the talented student musicians of Saco Middle School who dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation and performed at the prestigious York County Junior High Music Festival. The festival included exceptional musicians who participated in band or chorus. Band Director Nicole Wise and Choral Director Chelsey Hazelwood had the following students performing in the festival:

• BAND: Lucas Roy (Percussion), Carter Charland (trombone), Charlotte Letourneau (Baritone Saxophone), Adele Foy (Bass Clarinet), Isabel Edgerly (Flute), Beryl Foy (Tuba), Adelyn Brunette (Clarinet), Savannah Johnson (Trombone), Leah Temm (Clarinet), Aryanna Rivera (Alto Saxophone), Angel Bambi (Trumpet), Raylin Collins (Alto Saxophone), and Carter Buotte (Clarinet).

• CHORUS: Sopranos - Elinor Austin-O'Toole, Arabelle Bonville, Margaux Boger, Tegan Elkin, Annie Gorman, Dorothy Marden, Raelyn Parzych, and Allyria Smart; Altos - Lydia Bishop, Jianno Booth, Maggie Butler, Lillian Dondero, Olivia Garland, Layla Goodrich, Kayah Hall, Livia Hand, Rivka Katler, and Aliza Long; and Baritones - Cam Apte, Junias Biaya, and Wyatt Pfeiffer.

Congratulations to the Saco Middle School 8th Grade Girls Basketball team for winning the Maine Middle School Basketball Championship. Great job SMS Bobcats!

What does friendship look like for kids today and how is technology redefining it? This essential #AskTheExperts webinar brings together leading child and adolescent psychologists and researchers for “Friendship in the Screen Age: What is it - and how is it changing?” on February 12 at 12:00pm via Zoom. From video game chat streams to social media DMs, children and adolescents are forming and maintaining friendships in ways previous generations never experienced. These digital connections are reshaping what it means to be a friend and how friendships influence young people’s well-being.

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.