RSU 57 Community Newsletter

Massabesic Adult and Community Education is now accepting registrations for Spring Driver Education. Multiple sessions are available from January through July, offering flexible options for students.

Classes run Mondays–Thursdays, 2:00–4:00 PM at the Massabesic HS East Building.

To register, visit massabesic.coursestorm.com or call 207-247-2022.

RSU 57 is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex McCormack-Kuhman as the district’s new Director of Athletics, effective January 2, 2026. Mr. McCormack-Kuhman comes to RSU 57 with strong experience in interscholastic athletics, a clear commitment to student-centered programming, and a passion for building high-quality athletic opportunities.

Mr. McCormack-Kuhman currently serves as Assistant Athletic Director for MSAD #60, with athletic programming at Noble Middle and High Schools. Through this work, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of athletic department operations within the Southwestern Maine Activities Association Conference (SMAA) and the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), including scheduling, supervision, compliance, event management, and program development.

A strong believer in continuous professional growth, Mr. McCormack-Kuhman recently earned his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) credential through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). This accomplishment reflects both his dedication to the profession and his readiness to lead a complex, district-wide athletic program.

Prior to his work at Noble, Mr. McCormack-Kuhman held roles in recreation, coaching, and athletic management. He served as Recreation Program Coordinator for the Town of Barrington, New Hampshire, and worked as an Athletic Game Manager at the New Hampshire Institute of Technology (NHTI), gaining valuable experience at both the community and collegiate levels.

Athletics has long been central to Mr. McCormack-Kuhman’s life, first as an athlete and then as a coach at the middle and high school levels. His ongoing involvement with student-athletes across multiple communities reflects his belief in athletics as a powerful extension of the educational experience.

“Alex McCormack-Kuhman comes to RSU 57 highly recommended,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephen Marquis. “He brings strong organizational skills, a student-first philosophy, and a thoughtful understanding of the demands facing today’s athletic programs. We are particularly encouraged by the transition plan he has already developed to support our district, our schools, and our coaches as he steps into this role.”

“We believe Alex is well positioned to lead our student-athletes and the broader community to new heights through our athletic programs, bringing insight, creativity, and energy to the role,” said Massabesic High School Principal Ty Thurlow. “Alex will be instrumental in our forward progress and we are extremely excited for him to be joining our team.”

Mr. McCormack-Kuhman expressed enthusiasm for joining RSU 57 and the Massabesic community, noting his eagerness to contribute to the growing success of the district’s athletic programs while building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community.

RSU 57 looks forward to welcoming Mr. McCormack-Kuhman and is confident that his leadership, experience, and passion for interscholastic athletics will serve students and schools well in the years ahead.

A message from RSU 57 Transportation Director, Richie Newton

Did you know, as one of Maine’s largest school districts, that RSU 57 buses drive approximately 7,000 miles per day on transportation runs? That’s a trip to California and back every single day that we operate!

School bus safety is one of our district's highest priorities, as we entrust these vehicles with our most precious cargo—our students—every single day. Our professional staff is deeply committed to maintaining the safest possible transportation environment through regular vehicle maintenance, comprehensive driver training, and strict adherence to all safety protocols.

However, we cannot ensure student safety alone. We are deeply concerned about a recent uptick in drivers illegally passing stopped school buses despite activated stop lights and extended stop-arm signage. These violations put our children at grave risk as they board and exit buses. We regularly report these violations to our partners at the York County Sheriff’s Office. We implore all motorists in our community to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and remember that a few seconds of patience can save a child's life. Together, we can create a safer environment for our students as they travel to and from school each day.

Some other ways you can help us keep students safe:

• Talk to your children about the ways they can be good bus riders. Good behavior on the bus helps reduce distractions for drivers. Our rules for transportation (School Board Policy JICC-R) can be found here. Points of emphasis:

• Riders should wait until the bus stops before leaving the bus stop to board. Riders should look for signals from the driver to indicate it is safe to cross and refrain from running alongside the bus or touching the exterior of the bus as they enter/exit.

• While on the bus, riders should stay seated, forward-facing, at all times and follow driver instructions.

• Consider ways to increase the visibility of your child at the bus stop and as they board/exit. Light-colored or reflective clothing as well as lighting can help increase visibility of students at daybreak and dusk hours.

• Accompany your children at the bus stop to ensure supervision as they wait, board, and exit the bus.

Our sincerest gratitude for your partnership in keeping our students safe. If you witness a vehicle illegally passing a stopped school bus, please report it to the York County Sheriff's Office at 207-324-3664. Together, we can protect our children and hold dangerous drivers accountable. For questions about transportation safety or our bus policies, please contact the RSU 57 Transportation Department at transportation@rsu57.org.

At Waterboro Elementary School, the 5th Grade Student Helpers are more than volunteers, they are leaders dedicated to community service and making a positive impact within and beyond the school. Selected through an application process that highlights responsibility, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others, these students assist in classrooms by reading with peers, running learning stations, supporting arrival and dismissal procedures, and forming connections with younger students.

This year, the Student Helpers have already demonstrated compassion and teamwork through meaningful community service events, setting an inspiring example for the entire school community through their dedication and thoughtful leadership.

During the recent Waterboro Elementary School (WES) Holiday Fair, thirty-five Student Helpers organized and ran a festive Bake Sale. Families generously donated cupcakes, brownies, cookies, banana bread, and attendees enjoyed a new cookie decorating station in exchange for donations. The students thoughtfully discussed where the proceeds should go, considering several worthy causes—including the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, No Bowl Left Empty 2 Pet Pantry, and the Waterboro Community Pantry—before voting to donate the funds directly to families within the WES community to help provide gifts for Christmas. Throughout the event, the Student Helpers worked in two-hour volunteer shifts, greeting customers, managing sales, and spreading holiday joy with their positive attitudes and teamwork, helping to brighten the holiday season for those in need.

Looking ahead, the Student Helpers will bring their community spirit to Atlantic Heights, a retirement community in Saco, on December 18th. Accompanied by Mrs. Rex and Mrs. Bourque, the students will spend the morning caroling and sharing holiday cheer, performing festive songs to spread music, smiles, and heartfelt moments. This visit not only brings joy to the residents but also gives the 5th graders a meaningful opportunity to connect with others, demonstrate kindness, and experience the power of giving their time and talents.

We are proud of the 5th Grade Student Helpers and grateful for the generosity, leadership, and spirit they bring to Waterboro Elementary School!

Massabesic High School & RSU 57 proudly wish to recognize Walker Vivian for his recent acceptance to the highly competitive and world-renowned Princeton University. Walker is a Senior at Massabesic HS and is the son of Theresa & William Vivian of Lyman.

Acceptance into this prestigious university is no small feat. Walker has dedicated countless hours, relentless focus, and a determination to succeed at the very highest of levels in his academics.

Additionally, Walker serves the RSU 57 School Board as a student representative. We are incredibly proud of Walker and his accomplishments. There are truly great things in store in the future for this remarkable young man.

December 24-January 2, 2026: Holiday Recess

December 24-25, 2025: District Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

January 1, 2026: District Closed: New Years Day

January 6, 2026: Finance Committee @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

January 7, 2026: Policy Committee @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

January 13, 2026: Finance Committee @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

January 15, 2026: School Board Meeting @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

January 19, 2026: District Closed: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 20, 2026: Finance Committee @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

January 21, 2026: Human Resources Committee @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center

January 27, 2026: Finance Committee @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

January 28, 2026: Early Release Day

January 28, 2026: School Board Meeting @ 6:00pm, MHS East Building Training Center Room

"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."

Phone: 207-247-3221

Website: https://www.rsu57.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsu57/

Central Office: 86 West Road, Waterboro, ME, USA