RSU 57 Community Newsletter
September 24, 2025
Dear RSU 57 Families, Staff, and Community Members,
We have had a fantastic start to the 2025-2026 school year. The energy in each of our schools has been nothing short of inspiring. From smiling students stepping off buses to classrooms filled with learning, laughter, and discovery, the opening days have set a positive tone for a successful year ahead.
At the September 10, 2025 School Board Meeting, each of our building principals and our director of special services shared highlights and key data to help shape our shared vision for the year aligned with the RSU 57 Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 which is linked here. You can view the full presentation here.
Current Enrollment: Each school provided an update on current enrollment figures, showing strong and steady attendance across all grade levels.
Student Achievement and Growth: Principals presented results from the Spring 2025 NWEA Assessments in Reading and Mathematics and measurable goals for improvement for the 2025-2026 school year. The data showed promising trends, including areas of strong growth and opportunities for targeted improvement.
2025–2026 Achievement Goals: Schools have set clear and measurable goals for student achievement and growth this year. These goals are rooted in data and designed to support continuous improvement for all learners. When comparing achievement results from the spring of 2024 with the spring of 2025, RSU 57 schools experienced gains in the overall percentage of students meeting grade level expectations.
Abigail Gilley, a sophomore, had an outstanding performance in cross country during the September 13, 2025 Cross Country Meet. Abbey won the Freshman/Sophomore Southern Maine Classic Cross Country race by over a minute, placing first out of 159 girls and 12th overall among 304 high school girls. Maine Milesplit noted, "Abigail Gilley went straight to the front and never let go."
She completed the course in 19:38, achieving a 30-second personal best. Abbey's dedication, talent, and strategic mindset are truly admirable. She inspires her teammates with her sportsmanship, leadership, and positive attitude.
In addition to her remarkable achievements in Cross Country, Abbey shares her talent and passion for the sport as a volunteer Indoor track coach at the middle school and during the summer with the Trailblazers USATF team. Her dedication to coaching and mentoring young athletes is truly commendable.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements and embodiment of perseverance and excellence, Abbey is this weeks Athlete of the Week!
Check out the Interview with Abbey!
Congratulations to MHS senior Brigham McCann, who was recently honored with the Maine Out of School Time Rising Star Award for her exceptional work with the WES Learning Works after-school program.
In her two years with the program, Brigham has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership, and a genuine connection with the students she serves. The Learning Works Waterboro Director praised her, saying:
"In just two years, Brigham has made a significant impact in the Out of School Time field through her unmatched dedication, leadership, and connection with youth. At only 18 years old, she shows up every day consistently with reliability, energy, and professionalism that exceeds expectations. Her presence brings consistency and stability to our program, which the students deeply appreciate. She has built strong, meaningful relationships with the children, who look up to her as a role model. Her natural ability to connect, guide, and inspire our students reflects the best of what OST programs aim to offer. In addition to her daily work, she contributes thoughtful ideas to improve programming and is always the first to step up when help is needed. Her work ethic, maturity, and heart for youth truly set her apart."
We’re incredibly proud of Brigham and all she’s accomplished. Her dedication is a shining example of the positive impact young leaders can have in our community.
We are thrilled to announce that Waterboro Elementary School has been selected to participate in the prestigious Math4ME program, a whole-school initiative in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (MDOE). Over the next three years, Waterboro Elementary School will engage deeply with Math4ME to enhance mathematics instruction and support the success of every student.
What is Math4ME?
Math4ME (“Mathematics for Maine”) is a free, comprehensive, three-year program designed to support educators across all roles — classroom teachers, special educators, educational technicians, and interventionists. The program offers professional development, coaching, and inclusive instructional strategies aimed at:
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Improving math proficiency for all students, with a special focus on those with math IEP goals.
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Fostering positive beliefs and attitudes about mathematics among students and educators.
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Building a strong school culture around math through routines, hands-on experiences, and accessible strategies.
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Providing tools for formative assessment, diagnostic probes, and varied representations of mathematical ideas to deepen understanding.
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Supporting inclusive practices to ensure students with exceptionalities learn within general education settings whenever possible.
How Does the Program Work?
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Teachers of Influence (TOIs) collaborate with MDOE Math4ME Coaches.
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The program includes in-person trainings, site visits, and virtual meetings to build educator capacity.
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It emphasizes hands-on learning, sustained support, and ongoing professional growth—not just one-time workshops.
We are excited to embark on this journey with Math4ME to create a vibrant and inclusive math learning environment for every student at Waterboro Elementary School!
Stay in Touch...
"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