RSU 57 Community Newsletter

Dear RSU 57 Students, Families, Staff, and Community,

There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. Our schools once again are filled with the energy of students, the dedication of educators, the excitement of new opportunities, and the tremendous support of families and communities across our six towns.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am proud of the work taking place throughout RSU 57. From our youngest learners entering Pre-K and kindergarten to our seniors beginning their final year at Massabesic High School, our students are being welcomed into schools where they are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.

A Strong Start Across Our Elementary Schools

Our five elementary schools—Alfred, Line, Lyman, Shapleigh Memorial, and Waterboro—have each worked hard throughout the summer to prepare for a successful opening. While each school has its own traditions and personality, there are many common themes that unite our elementary teams.

Principals and staff have worked to ensure that students and families feel connected from the very beginning through Pre-K and kindergarten orientations, screenings, bus experiences, open houses, and family events. The work of preparing students for a successful year began well before the first day of school. Across our elementary schools, students participated in summer learning opportunities including Title I programming, extended school year services, summer reading, Kindergarten Letter Launch activities, and other enrichment experiences. Our staff also used the summer to collaborate, participate in professional learning, and strengthen systems of support for students.

Perhaps most importantly, our elementary teams are placing a strong emphasis on school culture, belonging, student regulation, positive behavior, and community. Staff are continuing to develop structures that help students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. From Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the Regulated Classroom to school wide assistance teams, student support systems, family events, and community-building activities, our elementary schools are intentionally creating environments where every child can thrive.

I am particularly grateful for the creativity and commitment of our elementary principals and staff. Their work reminds us that successful schools are built not only through excellent instruction, but also through relationships, belonging, and a genuine belief in every student.

Supporting Students Across RSU 57

Our commitment to students extends well beyond the traditional classroom. At Massabesic Middle School, staff have begun the year with a focus on strengthening student assistance systems, reviewing behavioral interventions, refining referral processes, and using progress monitoring to ensure that students receive the support they need.

At the East Building, our specialized programs continue to provide important opportunities and support for students, with successful summer programming serving 33 students and additional programming supporting learners across multiple grade levels.

At Massabesic High School, our theme for the year is “School – Six Towns, One Herd.” This theme captures something fundamental about who we are as a district. Our students come from six communities, but they share one school system, one set of opportunities, and one collective responsibility to support one another.

Our high school grade-level themes—Belonging & Foundations, Purpose & Identity, Grit & Impact, and Legacy & Beyond— will provide meaningful guideposts as students move through their high school experience.

A Vibrant Co-Curricular Experience

One of the great strengths of RSU 57 is the breadth of opportunities available to our students outside the classroom.

At Massabesic Middle School, participation in chorus and instrumental music has grown significantly, while fall athletics provide students with opportunities to build teamwork, confidence, and relationships. Clubs and additional co-curricular opportunities will continue to expand throughout the fall.

At Massabesic High School, students are participating in band, choir, theater, NJROTC, athletics, the Sanford Regional Technical Center, and leadership opportunities. This year, 27 students completed the Leadership Academy/Sail Training program, demonstrating the many ways our students are developing leadership, responsibility, and character.

These experiences matter. They help students discover interests, develop friendships, learn perseverance, and find a place where they belong.

One Community, One Purpose

The beginning of a school year is always an opportunity for a fresh start. It is a time to set goals, build relationships, try new things, and look ahead with optimism.

I want to thank our teachers, educational technicians, principals, support staff, transportation, food service teams, technology, facilities teams, coaches, advisors, volunteers, and administrators for the countless hours they have invested in preparing for this school year.

I also want to thank our families and communities. The partnership between our schools and the six communities we serve is one of our greatest strengths. Your encouragement, involvement, and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

Together, we remain focused on our mission of preparing students for success in an ever-changing world. Thank you for helping us make the opening of the 2026–2027 school year such a positive beginning.

Remembering September 11, 2001

As we begin this school year, we also pause to remember a day that changed our nation forever.

On September 11, 2001, our country experienced an unimaginable act of terrorism that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. We remember the passengers and crews aboard the four airplanes, the people working in and around the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the many military personnel and others whose lives were forever changed in the aftermath.

Twenty-five years later, the significance of September 11 remains deeply meaningful.

For those who experienced that day firsthand, the memories remain vivid. For many of our students, however, September 11 is history—a moment they know primarily through photographs, stories, and lessons shared by others. That makes our responsibility to remember even more important.

We remember not only the tragedy, but also the extraordinary courage, compassion, service, and resilience that emerged in its aftermath. We remember people who placed the needs of others before their own. We remember communities coming together. And we remember the enduring importance of standing together during difficult times.

As educators and as a community, we have an opportunity to help our young people understand that history is not simply something that happened in the past. It shapes who we are and reminds us of the values we must carry forward.

On September 11, may we pause to remember those we lost, honor those who served and sacrificed, and express our gratitude for the countless individuals who demonstrated courage and compassion when our nation needed it most.

With appreciation,

Dr. Stephen D. Marquis