RSU 21 Community News 03-20-26
Message from the Superintendent
March 20, 2026 - Cornerstones of Effective Organizations
Dear RSU 21 Community,
What makes an organization effective? How can you tell when an educational organization is operating at its best? When I try to answer these questions I keep coming back to these four cornerstones: efficiency, collaboration, communication, and vision. If you’re successful in these areas, then you’re bound for greatness. So, let’s explore what these cornerstones look like at RSU 21.
Efficiency is about using our time, energy, and resources wisely. In a school setting, this means creating systems that support teaching and learning without unnecessary barriers. When we are efficient, we create more space for what matters most: supporting students, fostering growth, and building relationships.
Collaboration is the recognition that our best work happens together. No single individual holds all the answers, but collectively, we bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective. When we collaborate effectively, we strengthen our decisions, support one another, and create a shared sense of ownership in our work.
Communication is the thread that connects everything we do. Clear, consistent, and thoughtful communication builds trust and ensures that everyone feels informed and included. It allows us to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and remain aligned in our efforts.
Vision gives our work direction and meaning. It reminds us why we do what we do and where we are headed. A strong, shared vision helps guide decisions, inspire effort, and keep us focused on long-term goals, even in the midst of daily demands.
I think it is incredibly important to note that these functions are all interconnected. Strong communication enhances collaboration. A clear vision sharpens efficiency. Collaboration strengthens our ability to bring that vision to life. Together, they form the foundation of an organization that is responsive, resilient, and centered on students.
As we continue our work together, I encourage each of us to reflect on how we contribute to these cornerstones in our daily roles. By doing so, we not only improve how we function as an organization, but also model for our students the skills and values that will serve them well beyond our schools.
Best,
Martin Grimm
Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight - Michelle, Our Bell
This week we go to Bus 13 for a submission that is guaranteed to melt your heart. This is what a parent had to say:
"Michelle consistently goes above and beyond to make sure the kids start their day feeling supported and cared for. Last week, my kindergartner got on the bus in tears because she didn’t have a hair tie to do a pony tail. Michelle immediately took the one off her own wrist and even asked a 5th grader to help — which absolutely made my daughter’s day. Then that afternoon, the bus pulled up and Michelle had brought an entire new package of hair ties for her.
It was such a small gesture, but it meant the world to my child — and to me. We are so lucky to have Michelle!"
Who is cutting onions in here? 🥲
*In our newest segment, The RSU 21 Community News will be highlighting anyone in our community (employee, student, or volunteer) that YOU think has done or consistently does something spectacular. To make a submission, please fill out this very brief form. *
Around the District - RSU 21 Highlights
Kennebunk Elementary School- Leprechauns and Four Leaf Clover were visible all around KES this week in honor of St. Patrick's Day!
Mildred L. Day School- Mildred L. Day Elementary School was buzzing with energy last Friday evening as students, families, and staff turned back the clock for our annual Sock Hop! Poodle skirts, leather jackets, and saddle shoes filled the building as the MLD community came together for a night of great music, dancing, and plenty of smiles. The energy in the room was contagious — it was exactly the kind of evening that reminds us why community events like this are so important.
A heartfelt thank you to Jon Woodcock and our incredible Best Buddies team for pouring their hearts into planning such a wonderful event. From the decorations to the music to every behind-the-scenes detail, their dedication and enthusiasm made the night truly special. Events like the Sock Hop don't happen without people who care deeply about our students and our community — and we are so grateful to have them at MLD.
Kennebunkport Consolidated School- Consolidated students are taking their education into the wild, thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT). With the recent arrival of warmer weather, nearly every student has participated in a field trip this past week. From exploring animal adaptations and seasonal patterns to hands-on owl pellet dissections, these trips provide place-based learning that enriches our students' understanding of the natural world.
We are incredibly grateful to enhance our science and social studies curriculum by using the Trust as an extension of our classroom.These experiences allow students to apply academic concepts to the local landscape, fostering critical thinking. Our trips do more than just teach science and social studies, they connect our students to the rich history and geography of Kennebunkport. Visiting KCT’s diverse properties allows our students to see themselves as an important part of a larger community story.
Sea Road School- Sea Road School is celebrating Women’s History Month by sharing the stories of the incredible women who work with our students each and every day! We are so fortunate to have these outstanding educators serving as such powerful role models for our students.
Each morning, students are given clues about one of our staff members and invited to guess the “mystery teacher.” The big reveal happens at the end of the day, making it a fun and engaging way to learn more about the amazing women in our school community!
Middle School of the Kennebunks- We are thrilled to announce that our talented 8th Grader, Cash Fowler, had his artwork selected for an upcoming fundraiser by WMPG (90.9), USM's local community radio station. His design, featuring a robot, will not only be printed on t-shirts but has also inspired the entire event theme, which has been rebranded as Beg-a-Tron. We are immensely proud of Cash for this outstanding achievement and the creativity he has brought to our school!
Kennebunk High School- Congratulations to the Sophomore Class - Class of 2028 for winning Spirit Week this year. Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences were held on Wednesday evening. In-person conferences will be on Tuesday, March 24th. Spring sports will be starting soon! That is a sure sign of warmer weather.
We also sent five of our SRTC students to Bangor to participate in this year's SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference. They brought back three bronze medals in sports medicine and a fourth bronze medal in health occupations. You can read about the event here. Well done everyone!
Fundraisers
Public Service Announcements and News
Quinn Wherley - 2026 Maine Journalist of the Year
Kennebunk High School senior Quinn Wherley has been named the Maine High School Journalist of the Year and a member of the All New England High School Journalism Staff, the New England Scholastic Press Association (NESPA) announced.
The Journalist of the Year contest, sponsored by the national Journalism Education Association (JEA), names a state winner in all 50 states, who then compete for national honors and scholarships. JEA will announce the national Journalist of the Year and runners up at its spring convention in Minneapolis in April.
Wherley, is the editor-in-chief and social media chair for The Herd, the school's student newspaper, and becomes the only member from Maine on the 17-member All New England Staff.
NESPA's All New England High School Journalism Staff recognizes the top high school journalists working on newspapers, yearbooks, broadcasts, or literary magazines throughout the six New England states.
Beth Carlson advises the journalism program at Kennebunk.
To enter the contest, Wherley submitted a portfolio of her work, a resume of her journalism experience, and a reflective essay.
KHS Drama Takes First Place in Regionals and Advances to States!
This past weekend, the Kennebunk High School actors and crew took first place at the Maine One Act Regional competition at Noble High School for their production of Antigone in Munich. They will be advancing to States at Windham High School March 20-21.
Awards that were given out included:
All Festival Cast (Excellence in Acting):
Adrianne Parent
Cavin Eon
Estelle Wackman
Outstanding Set and Scenery:
Ella Stackhouse's Design executed by:
Ella Stackhouse, Max Bishop, Michael Hall, Jay Longmire, Jay Goodson, Ari Wardwell, Iauna Whithouse, Robbie Currie, Brayden Laferte, Wes Washburn, Addie Leclerc, Remmie Lesko, Kai Bebris-Kinney, Margriet Van Hemel, Maya Bear, Estelle Wackman, Cameron Cross, and Foundations of Theater class
Thank you to Tim Leclerc, Christina Leclerc, Teacher Finn, and Ms. Farber for chaperoning this past weekend! (We'll need a few chaperones in two weeks, if you're interested!) Thank you to the KHS admin team, the office secretaries, and Bruce Lewia for their support, help, and guidance!
RSU 21 Athletics
Live Stream the games!
Shop KHS gear
GO RAMS!
School Board Calendar
School Board Meeting - First Read
Monday, March 23
6:00 p.m.
Facilities
Thursday, March 26
8:15 a.m.
Approved 2026-2027 Instructional Calendar
Weekly Attendance
Helpful Links
Community Resources
1-844-5-SAY-NOW
24/7 Hotline
Maine Crisis Hotline
Call or Text 988 or 1-888-568-1112
General Assistance Support
Kris Fogg
207-604-1394
Wendy Lank
207-985-4201 ext. 113
207-967-4401
Laura Dolce
207-967-0857