PHIPPSBURG EXPLORER'S LOG

ISSUE 33 MAY 15, 2025

CLICK HERE to visit the PES WEBSITE

UPCOMING EVENTS

May

16 - No Pre-K at PES due to Pre-K PTC's

PES Gear Order Forms are DUE

17 - PES Community Garden Clean Up 2-5PM

19 - Second Grade Field Trip to West Point Oyster

22 - Incoming Kindergarten Info Night 5:30PM

BMS Incoming 6th Grade Info Night 6PM at BMS

23 - Wear Red, White & Blue Day in Honor of Memorial Day

26 - Holiday/NO SCHOOL

June

2 - Gr. 4 Salmon Release

3 - Gr. 4 Trip to MMM (Boat Trip) and Gr. 5 Tours BMS

4 - Morse Graduation Parade (of former PES students) at PES 10:50AM

6 - Incoming Kindergarten Screening & PTA Meeting 8:30AM

Tie-Dye Day Morning 9-11:15AM! Remember to bring a white cotton t-shirt 👕 (Rain date: 6/9)

11 - Fifth Grade Recognition Ceremony 2PM

12 - Gr. 5 Trip to Malaga Island and

Trimester Awards Assembly at 2:30PM

13 - Last Day for PES Pre-K

Celebration of Learning in classrooms 2PM

17 - Last Day for PES K-5, Half Day, Field Day at Hermit Island, Buses Bring Students Directly Home from Beach, Arriving 3 hours Earlier than Usual

A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear PES community,

We have had another busy week at PES. Tomorrow is the last day to order t-shirts and sweatshirts. Please complete your order and ask for help, if needed. We would love to have all students at PES have a t-shirt to wear at field day.

Teamwork challenge: 🏅

This month, for social emotional learning, we are focusing on the importance of teamwork. To be a good team we have to collaborate, work together, listen, and problem solve. When we work as a team, we have a stronger community that can accomplish more together. To challenge classrooms to work together, we have a friendly competition for the month of May. Each day a classroom shows respectful, responsible, and safe behavior, teachers can move their sea creature one place forward on the team bulletin board. At the end of May, whichever classroom has earned the most days will have an ice cream party to celebrate their success.

Check out this spot book we are reading to help us learn about teamwork: 📖 🤝🏽 A Little Spot of Teamwork By Diane Alber READ ALOUD

Darling Marine Center Visit: 🌊

Last week, Darling Marine Center, affiliated with UMO, leader and educator Sam and three graduate students: Emma, Caitlin, and Chloe who are studying marine sciences at Darling Marine Center in South Bristol, Maine, came to PES. Leaders from the center led students through four activities: one where they learned about lobsters, one where they learned about the study of mud and foraminifera, one where they learned about pollution shed along rivers, and one where they learned about how plants and animals in an ecosystem interact with each other. We are so grateful to these folks, as they came to PES and volunteered their time to engage students in hands-on STEM based learning. Students are taking what they learned during the Darling Marine Center visits and applying it to classroom learning.

Dr. Marissa McMahan Visit: 🦞

On Tuesday, marine scientist Dr. Marissa McMahan, visited students in grades one and three to teach them all about lobsters, the lobster fishery and the effects of climate change on lobsters and the fishing industry, and lobster coloration. Students had the opportunity to ask lots of questions and learn about how lobstermen work hard to protect the species and advocate for their sustainability. Right now, we are seeing that lobsters are growing bigger than ever thanks to the efforts of Maine lobstermen. However, the warming water presents concerns that lobsters will have to move to colder water. First and third graders are developing solutions to help protect the lobsters that inhabit the waters on the coast of Maine.

Reminders 🚌

A reminder that there is absolutely no eating or drinking on school buses. This is a safety issue. The only fluid students should have on the bus is water. Check your students' home folders and return them to school. Please pay attention to field trip dates and make sure students are dressed appropriately.

Warm regards,

Nina Willette, Principal

ASSESSMENTS FOR GRADES 3-8

Between May 15th and May 30th, students in grades 3-8 will take Maine Education Assessments in Literacy and Math. In addition to Literacy and Math, 5th and 8th graders will also take the Science Assessment between May 12th and May 23rd.

You can help your child by making sure they get a good night’s sleep, arrive at school on time, and eat a healthy breakfast at home or school.

If you’d like more information on the Maine Education Assessments please visit the DOE assessment website LINK, or if you would like to learn more on why participation matters, CLICK HERE.

LIBRARY NEWS

It's hard to believe the end of the year is fast approaching! The last day for checking out books will be Friday, May 23, 2025. All books need to be returned by Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Students will still have the opportunity to read books during library class.

Stay tuned for information on a summer reading program at the Totman Library!

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

If you wish to volunteer this year, or chaperone a field trip, please register now at:

https://www.rsu1.org/page/volunteer-information. You only complete one form, selecting all the schools you are interested in (be sure to scroll down the schools to choose PES, or you won't appear on our list), and remember to register each school year. Please allow one week prior to a field trip or event for processing.

DISTRICT BUDGET MEETINGS

The proposed budget for FY26 included below was presented at the School Board meeting Monday, March 24th. Members of the community are encouraged to attend the upcoming budget meetings. Please contact the RSU1 Central Office with any questions by calling 443-6601, ext. 122.

2025-2026 RSU 1 Budget - PROPOSED March 24, 2025

2025-2026 RSU 1 Budget - PROPOSED April 28, 2025

UPCOMING BUDGET MEETING SCHEDULE:

*All meetings will be held at Morse High School.

Tuesday, May 27th District Budget Meeting (up/down vote for all citizens present) - 6PM

Tuesday, June 10th Budget Validation Referendum, Citizens vote at their town polling places

KINDERGARTEN PARENT INFO NIGHT

Families of incoming Kindergarten students are encouraged to attend our Kindergarten Parent Information Night happening at 5:30pm on Thursday, May 22nd. This is a chance for parents to hear from teachers and administration, learn about our Kindergarten program, and ask any questions you may have. We will also be scheduling appointments for Kindergarten Screening, which will be taking place on

June 6th.

RSU1 2024-2025 School Calendar

COMMUNITY OFFERINGS

In accordance with School Board policy, the following promotional announcements have been included at the request of the sponsoring organization because they may be of interest to students and their families. These activities are not sponsored by the school, and inclusion of these announcements does not constitute endorsement of the organizations or activities by the school.

A NOTE FROM ALBERT F TOTMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Totman Public Library is looking into starting a "Totman Toddlers" program for area families with children ages 1-3. Parents and caregivers would be invited to bring their toddlers to the library to meet and socialize through story and play time. If you or someone you know might be interested in participating, please call Library Director Diane Atwood at 389-2309 or stop by the library to share your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you and your toddler!

TOWN NEWS:

Candidates Night: will be held on June 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Phippsburg Town Hall

Municipal Officers and RSU 1 Budget Validation Referendum Elections - Tuesday, June 10th at Phippsburg Town Hall. Polls will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Offices open for Election:

Select Board (1 vacancy - 3 year term)

Budget Committee (1 vacancy - 3 year term)

Clerk (1 vacancy - 3 year term)

Tax Collector (1 vacancy - 3 year term)

Treasurer (1 vacancy - 3 year term)

Town Meeting - The Annual Town Meeting will be held at the Phippsburg Elementary School, on Wednesday, June 11th and 12th (if needed) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Programs happening in the RSU1 Community

Be sure to click the button below to see exciting offerings, such as camps, Brunswick Area Youth Football, etc. taking place in and around the RSU1 community.

CLICK HERE to see RSU1 Community Programs

Hannaford Helps Schools!

We are partnering with Hannaford Grocery Stores for the Hannaford Helps Schools program, running from March 16 to June 7! At checkout, customers will receive a School Dollar printout they can redeem online to donate to any school in this program.

To redeem School Dollars, all shoppers need to do is enter the unique printout code and store number on the Hannaford Helps Schools program website and select their school. Each School Dollar printout has a QR code that will bring shoppers directly to this link, ensuring that redeeming School Dollars is as easy as possible.

Phippsburg Elementary School Contact Info

Email: tdoran@rsu1.org
Website: phippsburg.rsu1.org
Location: 1047 Main Rd, Phippsburg, ME, USA
Phone: 389-1514