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DISTRICT UPDATE

May 7, 2025

DISTRICTUPDATEMay 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.

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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 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

EVENT DATES FOR ALL SCHOOLS
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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 Biddeford & Saco Rising Multicultural Event

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Family Nights for JFK, BPS & DCS Family Nights for JFK, BPS & DCS

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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 School Budget

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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.

  • Biddeford Feedback Form

  • Dayton Feedback Form

Welcome Center Announces Summer Operations 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.

Welcome Center/Homeless Resources

Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration

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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.

Click Here for Biddeford's Online Pre-K/K Registration

Where Your Teen Explore the World Without Leaving Maine Where Your Teen Explore the World Without Leaving Maine

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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 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

BMS Students explore “Whale of a Day” thanks to BEF BMS Students explore “Whale of a Day” thanks to BEF

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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.

Click here to read the full story.

BHS Community Service Day BHS Community Service Day

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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 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.

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Class of 2024 Inductees

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1990 Field Hockey Team

IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

Biddeford Marching Arts Named New England Champions

Biddeford Marching Arts Named New England Champions

Blackout Percussion earns first place while Blizzard Winds secures second place.

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Biddeford students named state champions in creative challenge

Biddeford students named state champions in creative challenge

Three teams will head to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Michigan next month.

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Local Spotlight: Karl Lebreux

Local Spotlight: Karl Lebreux

The MIAAA's Excellence in Middle-Level Athletic Administration Award was presented to Biddeford administrator

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Biddeford High School student receives MPA's Principal's Award

Biddeford High School student receives MPA's Principal's Award

Benjamin Descoteaux embodies the values of the award, said Martha Jacques, Biddeford High School principal.

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Girls on the Run takes off at Dayton Consolidated School, empowering young girls through movement and mentorship

Girls on the Run takes off at Dayton Consolidated School, empowering young girls through movement and mentorship

Dayton Consolidated School has joined the national movement to empower young girls with the launch of Girls on the Run

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FEATURE: Glory Days; they will pass you by

FEATURE: Glory Days; they will pass you by

Yesterday was "Career Day" at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields. I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of...

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HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS

Free Food & Clothing Resources Free Food & Clothing Resources

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Free Food Distribution

Open to All

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Free Clothing Closet

Open to All

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Free School Nutrition Free School Nutrition

BIDDEFORD: Breakfast & Lunch Menus
DAYTON: Breakfast & Lunch Menus

COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

Operation Parent Upcoming Webinars 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.

Click Here to Register

Adult Education: Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog Adult Education: Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog

Calling all Lifelong Learners! Check out the many educational opportunities to learn something new in the Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog recently released.
Click Here For More Information

Yodel Community Calendar Yodel Community Calendar

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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.

OTHER UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

DISTRICT LINKS DISTRICT LINKS

Current School Year Calendars Current School Year Calendars

BIDDEFORD: 2024-2025 DISTRICT CALENDAR
MAKE A DIFFERENCE - JOIN OUR TEAM
BIDDEFORD: 2025-2026 DISTRICT CALENDAR

Next School Year Calendars Next School Year Calendars

DAYTON: 2024-2025 DISTRICT CALENDAR
DAYTON: 2025-2026 DISTRICT CALENDAR

Choose a Career in Education Choose a Career in Education

Biddeford & Dayton School Departments
Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools
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