DISTRICT UPDATE

As we recognize Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (May 4–8), I want to pause and reflect on what truly makes our schools special, our extraordinary people. From classrooms to cafeterias, front offices to bus routes, our staff shows up with intent, compassion, and a belief in every child’s potential. It’s not just in the big moments, but in the quiet, consistent ones– checking in, encouraging, noticing, and responding– that their impact is most deeply felt. They ensure students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

What stands out most is the collective commitment behind the scenes. Education is a team effort, and in our schools, that teamwork is evident everywhere. Whether supporting a student through a challenge, celebrating a success, or stepping in to help a colleague, there is a shared sense of purpose that defines our school community. That sense of belonging doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built, day by day, by people who believe in the work and in each other.

To our teachers, educational technicians, bus drivers, custodians, nurses, food service teams, administrative assistants, and every member of our staff: thank you. Your work matters in ways that extend far beyond the school day, shaping not only learning, but confidence, connection, and opportunity for the young people we serve.

Beginning August 1, 2026, all public schools across Maine must adopt and enforce a new “bell-to-bell” cell phone policy in accordance with recently updated state law (LD 2212 - Committee Amendment A; Part GG). This means students in grades K–12 will be required to keep personal devices, including cell phones, smart watches, and other devices with internet or cellular capabilities, stored away for the entire school day–from the first bell to dismissal. The goal of this statewide effort is to reduce distractions, support student mental health, and limit opportunities for cyberbullying during the school day.

Our district has already taken important steps in this direction with our current cell phone policy JICJ; however, this will be more restrictive and include smart watches.. Over the past year, high school students have surrendered their phones upon entering their classrooms, with limited use during lunch, while elementary and middle school students have kept devices in lockers or at home. These efforts have provided a strong foundation, and we have seen firsthand how reducing phone access can positively impact focus, engagement, and school culture.

As we align with the new state law, we are in the process of finalizing a consistent, district-wide approach. One option under consideration is the use of secure, magnetically locked pouches, often referred to as “Yondr pouches,” that students would use to store their devices upon entering school and unlock at dismissal. Clear expectations and consistent consequences will be in place to support the new policy, along with limited exceptions as outlined in the law.

We understand that this change may prompt questions, particularly around communication during the school day. Families can be assured that our schools will continue to prioritize student safety and communication. Staff will be available to assist students in contacting home when needed, and coaches and advisors will have systems in place to communicate any last-minute schedule changes.

This new law reflects a growing understanding nationwide that minimizing cell phone use during the school day supports stronger learning environments and healthier social interactions for students. We are committed to implementing this transition thoughtfully and will continue to share updates, including the final policy, procedures and expectations, as we prepare for the upcoming school year.

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, the calendar fills quickly with concerts, celebrations, competitions, and milestones. It’s a busy and meaningful time, and we look forward to celebrating the many achievements ahead with our students and their families. All events listed by school are linked here (scroll to the bottom of spreadsheet for Dayton Consolidated School).

Warm regards,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• May 7: BHS Band/Chorus Concert (6:30pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center)

• May 8: York County Special Olympics @ Noble High School

• May 12: Dayton School Committee (6:30pm @ DCS) & Jazz a la Mode (6:30pm @ BMS Cafe)

• May 13: Biddeford School Committee Meeting (5pm @ BHS Little Theater)

• May 19: BIS Band/Chorus Concert (6pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center) & The Alumni Band’s Marcel Drapeau Scholarship Concert (6:30pm @ First Parish Church in Saco)

• May 20: Early Release (Dayton only)

• May 21: BMS Talent Show (6:30pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center) & BHS Underclassmen Awards (7pm @ BHS Steve White Gym)

• May 25: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day (Cheer on BMS & BHS Band in the Parade!)

• May 27: Biddeford School Committee Meeting (7pm @ BHS Little Theater)

• May 28: COT End-of-Year Ceremony (6-8pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center)

• May 29: BHS Seniors' Last Official Day of School

• May 29: Dayton’s Food Trucks & Outdoor Movie Night (5:30pm @ DCS)

* Watch Principal's Newsletters for Field Day and End-of-Year Celebration Info

Please mark your calendar to vote for the 2026-2027 School Budget on Tuesday, June 9th (7am-8pm) in Biddeford and Thursday, June 11th (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- Biddeford linked here and Dayton linked here.

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

Congratulations to Maxwell House, a computer technology student at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, for earning first place in the 2026 Maine App Challenge. Maxwell’s innovative app, RunUp, stood out among a record 151 submissions from across the state, showcasing the creativity and technical skills developed through BRCOT’s Computer Technology program. Notably, BRCOT stood out among participating schools, with seven students placing in the competition’s Top 25, more than any other school represented!

Hosted by Tyler Technologies in partnership with the University of Maine, the annual Maine App Challenge invites students across the state to design and develop original mobile applications, blending creativity with real-world technical skills. Maxwell’s work earned him the competition’s top prize, including a $6,000 scholarship, an internship opportunity at Tyler Technologies, and recognition as one of Maine’s top student developers. To read the full story, click here.

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Electrical students recently competed in the ABC Wiring Competition in Augusta! While there, they also attended the Associated Builders & Contractors trade show, where they connected with industry professionals, explored career pathways, and discovered exciting opportunities in the electrical field. Congratulations to Jaden Sterns for earning 2nd place, and to Evan Hutchings for competing and successfully completing his project. We’re proud of your hard work and dedication!

Mother Goose Preschool at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) is now enrolling for the fall season. This affordable, play-based program is designed for children ages 3 and 4 and provides a nurturing environment that supports early learning and development.

• Play-based learning

• Just $40/month

• Mid-October – Mid-May

• Tues–Fri | 12:30–2:15 PM

Located at BRCOT, this unique program is led by Teaching & Early Education students under the guidance of instructor Deborah Newman. For more information or to enroll, scan the QR code or contact us at 207-282-1501 or via email at dnewman@biddefordschools.me . Limited spots are available.

Biddeford High School celebrated its rich athletic tradition by inducting six exceptional individuals and one legendary team into the Biddeford High School Athletics Hall of Honor this past weekend. The Class of 2025 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. To read the full story, click here.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 inductees: Gerry Berthiaume ’73, Carrie (Binette) LeGrow ‘03, Brian Curit ‘82, Benjamin Gosselin ‘96, Liz LaBelle, Raymond “Babe” Loranger ‘47, and the 1984 State Champion Baseball Team.

On the eve of the Biddeford High School Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony, it was especially meaningful to bring together members of the 1984 and 2025 Baseball State Championship teams during last Friday's BHS baseball home game. These two teams, separated by more than 40 years, shared the field for a memorable “Champions Reunion,” celebrating a legacy of excellence, pride, and tradition. Moments like this remind us of the enduring connections our schools create and the powerful sense of community that spans generations.

Biddeford’s Marching Arts program is celebrating a historic season, with BlackOut Percussion, Blizzard Winds, and Blaze Color Guard each earning first place at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Championships, completing an extraordinary sweep and bringing home gold for our community. Earlier in the season, BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds earned Gold Medals at the Maine Band Directors Winter Finals, while Blaze Color Guard and BlackOut B Percussion (our middle school ensemble) brought home Silver. Notably, the newly formed Blaze Color Guard performance earned a score that surpassed the top-ranked Scholastic A Winds group in the nation in their very first season! We are proud of our students’ talent, dedication, and teamwork across all levels. To read the full story, click below.

Congratulations to all of our Odyssey of the Mind Teams that competed in the State Finals this past weekend. Both the BIS Performance Team and the BMS Technical Team were named World Finalists after placing Second at the State Tournament and will move on to compete at the World Finals in Iowa in May. In addition to the World Finalist teams, the BIS Classics Team placed fifth and the BMS Classics Team placed seventh in their respective divisions. The two BPS teams were not eligible to place but did a stellar job! To read the full story, click below.

Congratulations to Dayton Consolidated School’s 5th Grade Math Team, who achieved a perfect score of 36 points on the team round at their Math Meet, an accomplishment reached by only five teams overall! This impressive achievement reflects not only their strong math skills, but also their teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they support one another as learners.

Pictured above (L-R): James Ferguson, Camden Belanger (4th grader), Taylor Philbrick, Lyric Lamon, and Grady Blake.

Hats off to the Biddeford High School staff and students for their participation in their Annual Community Service Day on April 17th. 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. To read the full story, click below.

Children today are more "connected" than ever, yet many are still feeling lonely. Digital media can play a complex role, sometimes soothing feelings of isolation, other times contributing to social disconnection. What do parents and caregivers need to know to spot and support lonely children and teens in today’s screen-filled world? Click the Tip Sheet above to read more!

How is digital media use rewiring children’s brains — and how can these impacts be measured? In this episode of Screen Deep, Dr. Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus provides an overview of how the brain processes language and reading, what her brain imaging research shows about how these processes and related cognitive skills work differently with digital media, as well as how the presence of mobile phones and other technology can disrupt attention.

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.

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.

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: Biddeford (website | iPhone Download | Android Download) and Dayton (website | 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: Biddeford & Dayton.

• 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.