RSU 57 & Massabesic High School

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

Hello Mustang Nation,

Just over three weeks of school left for our Grade 9-11 students, and just over a week of school for our soon-to-be graduates! From my vantage point this school year has flown by - these last few weeks will also go quickly. We are finalizing our end-of-semester 'Finals Week' and will publish that in next week's newsletter. With so few days left in this campaign it is more important than ever for students to stay on top of their academic responsibilities. I am confident our students can finish the school year on a high note.

There are two prospective changes to the upcoming school year that are of particular importance that I will mention here. Please know that we will be hosting conversations with students, parents, and other stakeholders in the coming weeks and months to better understand how these changes can be implemented into our school.

1. Percentage-Based Grading System: following several months of discussions with the school board Curriculum Committee, internal work with the MHS Leadership Team, and research of regional schools, we have moved toward changing our 1-4 grading system to a percentage-based system (aligned with a traditional 0-100 system). There are still details to work out, but we believe this shift reflects a greater opportunity for our staff and students to understand student performance and achievement. Additionally, after receiving feedback from parents and students regarding accountability, the MHS Leadership Team has been discussing systems related to redoing work and late work that will help students better understand and appreciate deadlines and responsibility.

2. Banning Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices During the School Day: The school board Policy Committee has recently reviewed our current policy that governs cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day. The current proposal aims to remove cell phones/other electronic devices for the entire school day (between 7:45 am and 1:50 pm). There is further discussion that will be held at an upcoming committee meeting in June, and in the weeks following. I recognize the anxiety and concerns that may come from these types of discussions, however, I also believe it is important to address the reality of distraction and drama that is associated with these devices in the school environment.

As I stated previously, further conversations with stakeholders will be held so that we can all work together toward a successful and meaningful product in terms of our school operation. I will be updating the MHS community on these topics weekly in this newsletter and through other letters/communication as needed.

As a reminder, our upcoming week will follow the Green/White color rotation schedule below:

Monday 05/26 - Memorial Day (No School)

Tuesday 05/27 - GREEN DAY

Wednesday 05/28 - WHITE DAY (Early Release Day)

Thursday 05/29 - GREEN DAY

Friday 05/30 - WHITE DAY

Take care,

-Mr. Thurlow

This Week, Deputy Cummer spent time running traffic in the school zone. He stopped 10 vehicles throughout the week, including a few students. No tickets were given out, but please note that the speed limit during the school zone hours is 15mph, and fines can range from $120 to $350 in a school zone.

As a reminder to students who are stopped to have their license, registration, and proof of insurance ready for the Law Enforcement.

Graduate Yard Signs

Don't delay in ordering your yard sign to celebrate your Graduate. We have teamed up with RSD Graphics, to bring these amazing signs your way. What a way to show your neighbors and community your Mustang Senior Pride!

https://www.rsdgraphicsonline.com/mhs-project-graduation-yard-signs

Is it too late to buy a yearbook?

No. it is not too late.

Yearbooks can be purchased on jostens.com. This online opportunity will remain open until approximately June 5th; follow the path for Massabesic, Waterboro, High school, yearbook.

After this date I can accept money (cash or check) and place the order for anyone who would like to still order a book. The money goes right into the MHS Yearbook account and goes to covering the cost of producing/printing the book. Signature booklets are avail for those who have purchased a yearbook. I am able to check a purchase list if anyone is not sure. Just see me. The yearbooks are $90, even.

Will books arrive before school ends?

No, they will arrive at the High School, by the first week of August.

Traditionally, the yearbooks have come out about late May, and students could go home for the summer with their book. However, that book would only include Sept - Mar ... of that school year, and the rest of the school year photos and events would be pulled from previous year's images, etc.... This creates a book that is incomplete, and the buyer/student must buy the following year’s book in order to get a full picture of the previous year… this especially affects their senior year, having to buy the following year in order to get Prom/spring sports/graduation photos of their last year- even tho they are no longer at the school.

For the past 3 years, our yearbooks have covered the entire year, for the whole school; including all 3 sport seasons, events, academics, etc. through graduation. The last pages are finished over the weekend, after the graduation ceremonies, and the book goes off to the printers. The Book usually arrives, at the High school, the first full week of August. They are then inspected, counted, and sorted before being picked up by families/students.

Expected dates and time for pick-up:

August 8th, 9th and 10th

Friday, 8th: 3pm-7pm

Saturday, 9th: 10am-2pm

Sunday, 10th: 1pm-5pm

*Please contact for questions or issues: heidifryzlewicz@rsu57.org

Thank you for your purchase!

*Once you've received your book, in August, if you are not satisfied we can only refund money for a returned, undamaged/unmarked book.

MHS is proud to expand our partnership with Josten's (think letterman jackets, graduation gear, etc.) to offer an MHS Mascot Shop for lots of great MHS Gear. Please check out the shop using the link below. This site will be available all year long.

Are you interested in traveling with the Culture Club abroad? We have two trips planned in 2026. February Vacation we are traveling to England and France through Normandy and in April vacation we will be traveling to Peru. From now until April 30th there will be a $100 discount available to anyone that signs up from now until then. More information is available about each trip at the following links:

WWII in England and France

Peru: Land of the Inca

Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day (No School)

Wednesday, May 28 - Early Release Day

Wednesday, June 4 - Class Night

Thursday, June 5 - Graduation

Monday, June 16 - Last Day of School

You are always welcome to call our Maine Office at (207) 247-3141, schedule a meeting, or email members of our administrative team members directly (emails listed below):