03.20.26 - Community Newsletter

Last Day of School

Due to storm days, the last day of the 2025-26 school year is now 6/24/26. This could change if further storm days are needed.

Also, please note that 6/17/26, which was scheduled to be the last student day if there were no storm days, will not be an early release as shown on the 2025-26 calendar. Rather, the last day of school will be an early release. Please see the updated calendar below.

Episode 30 - Therapy Dogs

This time on the Brunswick Buzz, Phil talks about some of the most popular members of the Brunswick School Department staff — our therapy dogs — and the powerful role they play in supporting students every day. Therapy dogs bring smiles… and much more to students across our schools. The Brunswick School Department offers many resources to support students, especially during challenging moments. Some of the most effective supports we have come with four legs and a wagging tail. Ru, short for Arugula, and Elmer Glue are among the therapy dogs helping students throughout the district. They have quickly become some of the most beloved members of our school community. Ru, a five-year-old miniature schnauzer, works alongside his owner, Deb Belaire, a special education teacher at the junior high school. Ru joined the staff in September 2025 after completing his Canine Good Citizen classes and earning his Certified Therapy Dog title. Whether visiting classrooms or providing a calming presence during a difficult day, Ru helps students relax, refocus, and feel supported. Elmer Glue, a four-year-old golden retriever, has been on the job for three years. He works with Mary Kunhardt, a special education social worker at the high school. Like Ru, Elmer is trained and licensed to serve as a therapy dog, helping students manage stress, regulate emotions, and build positive connections. On this episode of the Brunswick Buzz, Phil shares how therapy dogs are making a difference in our schools, why programs like this matter for student well-being, and how these furry staff members help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. Sometimes the best support doesn’t come from a textbook or a lesson plan — sometimes it comes from a wagging tail and a friendly paw.

podbean.com

SAVE THE DATE- we are excited to announce that we are hosting a free screening of the film, Counted Out on Monday, March 23rd, 6:00pm at Crooker Auditorium. Please see the flyer here. This is open to the public and all staff and members of the community are encouraged to attend! Thank you to Whitney Reeves, Math Coach at KFS and to Wild Oats for helping to make this happen!

The team at Singer and Domingos Portside Real Estate Group are hosting a fundraiser for The Emergency Action Network (TEAN)! Please join us on Tuesday, March 24 from 5 PM–close at Brickyard Hollow in Brunswick (149 Maine Street)! During the event, 5% of all sales will go directly to TEAN to continue the support they provide for Brunswick schools and families.

Thank you for helping us spread the word and for all the work you do to support students and families! Please let us know of any questions. Really appreciate it!

Warmly, TEAN

We are still accepting Pre-K applications for SY26-27. Please click here to apply!

Kimberly Howard

Food Service
KFS

Kimberly grew up in Bath, ME, and attended Morse High School. Kimberly's family includes her husband, a son and a daughter. They have three cats.

What makes you proud to work in Brunswick? #BSDProud

Brunswick is a tight knit community full of great people that strive to make a difference.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I love playing tourist, hiking, beaching it and photography.

Favorite line from a movie?

Life is like a box of chocolates.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Abraham Lincoln

What is something you learned in the last week?

That you can grow unknown veggies in your garden without meaning to.

Open Employment Positions:

World Languages Teacher - Brunswick High School
ESY (Extended School Year) Nurse - District
Lunch Aides- Kate Furbish Elementary School
Long Term Sub: PreK Ed Tech - Kate Furbish School
Self Contained Behavior Ed Tech - Kate Furbish Elementary School
Long Term Sub Ed Tech - Kate Furbish Elementary School
Coaching Positions have been posted! Brunswick High and Brunswick Jr. High School

Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, - Check them all out!
Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach

Substitute Nurses, Teachers, Ed Techs, Tutors
School Bus Drivers!!
Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
Substitute Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
...And MORE!

We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view

all current employment opportunities!

You can view previous newsletters on our website!

If you are currently not receiving the Community Newsletter and would like to, or if you would like to unsubscribe from the newsletter email Billie Jo Wallace at bwallace@brunswicksd.org

03.20.26 - Community Newsletter

Episode 30 - Therapy Dogs

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Community Newsletter Community Newsletter

Friday, March 20, 2026 Friday, March 20, 2026

Expected Last Day of School Wednesday, June 24th Expected Last Day of School Wednesday, June 24th

Brunswick Buzz Brunswick Buzz

Free Screening: COUNTED OUT ! Free Screening: COUNTED OUT !

Fundraiser to support The Emergency Action Network Fundraiser to support The Emergency Action Network

Pre-K Application Link Pre-K Application Link

Employee Spotlight - Kimberly Howard Employee Spotlight - Kimberly Howard

Brunswick School Department is Hiring! Brunswick School Department is Hiring!

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