DISTRICT UPDATE

As we close out 2025, I am reminded once again of the extraordinary generosity that defines our school communities. Our recent Spare Change Fills Plates campaign was a powerful example of what happens when students, families, and local businesses unite for a common purpose. Thanks to the kindness of so many donors, we were able to provide immediate food support to families across Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton. Your contributions made a real difference, and we are deeply grateful.

I also want to extend heartfelt appreciation to the Biddeford High School’s Student Council for their incredible work preparing Thanksgiving meal baskets for families in Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton. With support from students, staff, the Aid for Saco Kids Foundation (ASK) and community partners, they assembled and staff delivered 103 meals that brought comfort and tradition to students and their families. Their leadership continues to be a shining example of service in action.

Looking ahead, our commitment to supporting families remains strong. In partnership with the Biddeford–Saco Rotary Club and generous local businesses, our three districts have already committed to adopt 198 children this holiday season—ensuring each receives gifts, essentials, and the joy every child deserves.

Thank you for the countless ways you lift up our students and one another. Wishing you a season filled with peace, connection, and warmth.

Happy Holidays!

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• December 5: Tree Lighting at 5:30pm, SMS

• December 5-7: Twin City Theater’s “Dare to Dream”, BMS Performing Arts Center

• December 8: Wreaths Across America Convoy

• December 10: Early Release Day & School Board at 7pm, Saco City Hall

• December 10: SMS Concert (Band at 5:30pm; Chorus at 6:15pm; Orchestra at 7pm), SMS Gym

• December 11 & 12: SMS Bobcat Players in The Wizard of Oz at 7pm, SMS Cafeteria

• December 22-January 2: No School - Holiday Break

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Culinary Arts students launched their first-ever holiday pie fundraiser this season—and it was a tremendous success. To ensure the highest quality, the class limited the number of orders, then spent the week skillfully preparing every crust, filling, and topping with care. The students also assembled 81 pie boxes in advance, creating an impressive (and photo-worthy!) display of teamwork and pride. As families picked up their pies ahead of the Thanksgiving break, the project not only supported the Culinary program but also showcased the talent, dedication, and real-world learning happening in our kitchens every day.

The Welcome Center is now fully staffed! The Biddeford, Saco and Dayton School Departments are thrilled to welcome Tara Rivera as the Director of Family Engagement. She joins Renata O'Donnell at the Biddeford Middle School after working for the Opportunity Alliance and working several years in the South Portland schools. Tara and Renata will assist families needing extra time and support in registering students to schools, screening ML eligibility, and making best interest determinations for McKinney-Vento (homeless) students. Welcome, Tara!

Biddeford School Department is proud to be chosen as a convoy stop for this year’s annual Wreaths Across America “Escort to Arlington” – known as the world’s largest veterans parade. The official presentation will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Biddeford Middle School, offering students a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from veterans and community leaders about service, sacrifice, and the importance of remembrance.

As the convoy passes through Saco and Biddeford, students from area schools will line the streets waving flags and cheering on the participants—including Gold Star and Blue Star families, veterans, and first responders—on their journey to Arlington National Cemetery. View the route here.

To learn more about Wreaths Across America or to find a local ceremony on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 13th, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

A child’s first smartphone is a modern “rite of passage” and today’s parents face a challenging decision – when is the right time? Peer pressure and fear of missing out loom heavily, yet there are significant risks to introducing a smart device before a child is ready. On this episode of Screen Deep, psychologist and creator of iParent101, Dr. Adam Pletter, describes the signs parents can look for to determine whether a child is ready for a smart device, the benefits of parental controls and family communication, and what to do if a child was given access before they were ready.

Listen to Screen Deep on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, or iHeartRadio. Each 30-to 40-minute episode offers fresh perspectives, cutting-edge research, and practical advice for raising children in the digital age.

Throughout the school year, we will strive to maintain clear and open lines of communication. Our school websites, newsletters, mobile app, and social media will keep you informed about important dates, achievements, menus, and exciting happenings within our school community.

• Newsletters: Superintendent Newsletters will be sent the first Wednesday of each month and Principal Newsletters will be sent the third Wednesday of each month via email. They will also be posted on the website, social media, and mobile app.

• ReachMyTeach: This two-way communication platform makes it easy to connect families through the languages they speak and the devices they use every day. This platform allows families to communicate directly with classroom teachers effortlessly through text, email, or WhatsApp, on-demand video interpreters, and scheduled conferences. There is no need to download an app and families can learn more by clicking here.

• Website & Mobile App: Our website platform syncs directly to a mobile app! The mobile app will feature important news, a live feed for updates, daily menu, and more. Parents also have the option to choose the district and specific schools to stay updated and receive notifications directly to their phone: iPhone Download | Android Download.

• Social Media: We encourage parents and guardians to follow the District's social media page, as well as their child's school Facebook page.

• Emergency Text Alerts: District-related text alerts are sent from the number 98900, and while families are legally allowed to opt out of receiving these messages, doing so means you will no longer receive emergency updates via text—only by email. If you’ve previously opted out and would like to start receiving text alerts again, simply text START to 98900. Please note that it can take up to 48 business hours for the change to take effect.