DISTRICT UPDATE
May 7, 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
As we celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (May 5–9), I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible individuals who make our schools welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environments for all students. From classroom teachers and educational technicians to bus drivers, nurses, administrative assistants, custodians, food service workers, and so many others—their dedication and teamwork are essential to everything we do.
Our staff’s ability to adapt, stay positive, and continue to give their all does not go unnoticed. Whether it's finding creative ways to meet students' needs, offering a steady presence, or simply showing up with a smile, their commitment and attitude set a powerful example for our students and our greater community. The School Committee and our entire Administrative Team value and acknowledge the foundational role our staff plays in the future success of our community's youth.
As we begin our slide into home plate, Spring yields many end-of-the-year events (see below and be sure to pay close attention to information sent home in the coming weeks). This is a hectic yet exciting time of year for our students and their families, and we look forward to celebrating the many achievements ahead. All events listed by school are linked here (scroll to the bottom of spreadsheet for Dayton Consolidated School).
My Best,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
UPCOMING DATES TO KNOW
May 7: BMS Band Spring Concert (6:30pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center)
May 8: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall), BHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony (6:30pm @ BHS Little Theater), & BHS Band and Chorus Spring Concert (6:30pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center)
- May 9: York County Special Olympics @ Noble High School & BHS Jazz Band with Alumni Band (6:30pm @ BHS Steve White Gym)
- May 12: Biddeford & Saco Rising Multicultural Event (5-7pm @ BMS)
May 13: Dayton School Committee (6:30pm @ DCS) & Jazz a la mode (6:30pm @ BMS Cafe)
- May 14: Early Release, PreK-2 Family Fun Night (4:30-6pm @ JFK), Biddeford School Committee Meeting (5pm @ BHS Little Theater), & PBIS Family Night (6-7pm @ DCS)
- May 17: Be The Change Craft Fair (9am-3pm @ BHS Tiger Gym)
May 20: BIS Band Concert (6pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center)
May 21: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (10am-12pm @ Rotary Park), BHS Underclassmen Awards (6pm @ BHS), & BIS Music Fundraiser @ Pizza by Alex
May 22: BHS Band & Chorus Pops Concert & Senior Recognition Night (6:30pm @ BHS Little Theater)
May 26: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day (Cheer on BMS & BHS Band in the Parade!)
May 28: Early Release (Dayton only), COT End-of-Year ceremony (6pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center), & Biddeford School Committee Meeting (7pm) @ BHS Little Theater
May 29: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall) & Dayton’s End-of-Year Music Concert (6pm @ DCS)
May 30: BHS Seniors' Last Official Day of School and Dayton’s Movie Night & Food Trucks (5:30pm @ DCS)
* Watch Principal's Newsletters for Field Day and End-of-Year Celebration Info
BHS Jazz Band with Alumni Band
May 9th at 6:30pm
BHS Steve White Gym
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Dayton's Movie Night & Food Trucks
May 30th at 5:30pm
Dayton Consolidated School
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Biddeford & Saco Rising Multicultural Event
Family Nights for JFK, BPS & DCS
JFK & BPS Family Fun Night
May 14th from 4:30-6pm
JFK Playground
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Dayton's PBIS Family Night
May 14th from 6-7pm
Dayton Consolidated School
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School Budget
Public Vote
Please mark your calendar to vote for the 2025-2026 School Budget on Tuesday, June 10th (7am-8pm) in Biddeford and Thursday, June 12th (6pm) in Dayton). Although it’s a challenging year, we continue to seek innovative ways to meet the budget constraints, and with your support, we can continue making a positive difference for students. The proposed budgets are available online at these links: Biddeford and Dayton.
ESEA Federal Funding
Each year, the Biddeford and Dayton School Departments apply for federal funding through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA) to support students in meeting academic standards, particularly those from low-income families. The grant application includes goals and accountability measures, and we invite input from educators, families, and community members. If you're interested in participating in the process, please contact the Superintendent’s Office, complete the form below, or offer feedback during public comment at the upcoming School Committee meeting. As part of the grant application process, we must complete a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) which will be posted on our website shortly.
Welcome Center Announces Summer Operations
The Biddeford-Saco-Dayton Welcome Center will assist families who need extra assistance navigating school registration and accessing community services, including housing navigation, beginning July 7. The Welcome Center is located at the John F Kennedy School on West Street in Biddeford, but staff maintain a satellite office at Young School on North Street in Saco, and can meet families there if transportation is a barrier.
Telephonic translation in person or remotely is available in more than 100 languages. In most weeks, hours of operation are 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Email welcome@bdsschools.me, or call 207-282-4134.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration
New Students Only
If you have a child turning the age of four (4) for Pre-K or five (5) for Kindergarten before October 15, 2054, please pre-register them as soon as possible via this link [Biddeford or Dayton] to ensure screening is completed prior to Fall. Tours will be made available in the coming months, and additional paperwork may be required. Please note returning student registration will be open in early August.
Where Your Teen Explore the World Without Leaving Maine
Is your teen excited about food and travel, or discovering new places? If so, there’s an incredible opportunity waiting at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT)! The new Travel, Tourism & Hospitality program is more than just a class—it’s a gateway into Maine’s #1 industry. From hotels and restaurants to local attractions and events, tourism powers our state’s economy. This program gives students the chance to dive in, explore real-world careers, and gain valuable life skills along the way.
Students learn about exciting travel destinations, customer service, and how to communicate like a pro—all while taking part in hands-on experiences that make learning fun and meaningful. This year, students toured behind the scenes of The Lincoln Hotel and were able to job shadow hospitality professionals in action!
Even better? The program includes frequent field trips, inspiring guest speakers, and collaboration with BRCOT’s brand-new Culinary program. Plus, students can earn free college credit while still in high school and gain some valuable skills for event planning. If your teen is curious, energetic, and ready to learn in a whole new way, this program is worth exploring. Check out this link to learn more and encourage them to sign up for a future that’s full of possibility. Let’s help our students turn their interests into a career they’ll love!
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
BMS Students explore “Whale of a Day” thanks to BEF
Thanks to an $800 grant from the Biddeford Education Foundation, Biddeford Middle School sixth-graders recently had an unforgettable science experience through the “Whale of a Day” project. Students explored marine ecosystems in a hands-on way by stepping inside Chunk the Whale—a life-sized, 70’ inflatable baleen whale—where they learned about whale anatomy, behavior, adaptations, and their role in maintaining ocean health. This immersive experience, led by marine educator Jessica Woodend, connected seamlessly with a prior field trip to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. We’re grateful to the Foundation for supporting innovative learning opportunities that make science come alive for our students.
BHS Community Service Day
Hats off to the Biddeford High School staff and students for their participation in their Annual Community Service Day on April 16th. Our Biddeford Tigers recognize the support they receive from neighbors, local businesses, and volunteers, and are proud to give back. They cleaned up parks and trails, helped at the food pantry, engaged with senior citizens, mentored younger students, and more. A special thanks to Poland Spring Hollis, the Biddeford Education Foundation, and our parent volunteers for providing water and snacks for the day! Click here to read the full story.
BHS Athletics Hall of Honor Inducts Class of 2024
Biddeford High School celebrated its rich athletic tradition with the induction of six exceptional individuals and one legendary team into the Biddeford High School Athletics Hall of Honor this past weekend. The Class of 2024 includes standout athletes, coaches, and community contributors whose achievements span multiple decades, from state championships and record-breaking performances to meaningful contributions beyond the field. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the pride and legacy that define Biddeford athletics.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 inductees: Robert Cote ’12, Dennis “Duke” Dutremble ’65, Debra Lebel ’75, Richard “Dick” Lemay ’69, Grace Martin ’19, Steven Simensky ’84, and the 1990 State Champion Field Hockey Team. Click here to read their full bios.
Class of 2024 Inductees
1990 Field Hockey Team
IN THE NEWS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Free Food & Clothing Resources
Free Food Distribution
Open to All
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Free Clothing Closet
Open to All
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Free School Nutrition
Operation Parent Upcoming Webinars
Beyond 'Don't' Do It: Real Talk about Youth Substance Use & Intervention
Tuesday, June 3rd at 12:30pm
Why do kids take risks, even when they “know better”? Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from Stanford’s REACH Lab will share research-backed insights into what really influences youth behavior—and how we can support healthier choices without relying on fear or punishment.
Helping Youth Heal: Support Through Family Addiction, Trauma, & Stress
Tuesday, July 8th at 1:00pm
When kids experience trauma—like addiction in the family—it can affect their emotional development and behavior. But healing is possible. Author Trish Luna will introduce gentle, evidence-based tools that help children build resilience, manage big feelings, and move forward with strength.
Adult Education: Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog
Yodel Community Calendar
Check out all the upcoming events in Biddeford! The Yodel community calendar compiles activities from across the City of Biddeford to help you find family fun, live music, art events, outdoor adventures, and more! Anyone can download the Yodel app, and any organization can set up a Yodel login to add their event.
Yodel is brought to you by your friends at the City of Biddeford, Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce, Biddeford Schools, and Heart of Biddeford.





