05.16.25 - Community Newsletter
For the eighth year in a row, Brunswick has been named one of NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education!
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement to provide music access and education to all students.
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
Of the honor, Phil Potenziano, Superintendent shares, "In Brunswick, we believe music education isn't just an activity—it's a fundamental pillar of a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, discipline, and collaboration. This recognition affirms our commitment to ensuring every student has access to quality music instruction. When students experience the power of musical expression, they develop skills that resonate far beyond the classroom, enriching both their academic journey and their capacity to connect with the world around them. Music education doesn't just create musicians—it creates confident, creative individuals ready to harmonize with life's opportunities."
Brandon Duras, Director of Instrumental Music at Brunswick High School echos, "We’re incredibly proud of our amazing music educators, dedicated students, and supportive community. Huge thanks to our awesome administrators for their help with the survey, and a massive shoutout to our passionate team of teachers, your commitment to music education makes this honor possible year after year!"
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Brunswick answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit nammfoundation.org.
From the State School Nutrition Office and USDA:
All schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) must promote the availability of free summer meals for children. Sponsors that do not participate in summer meals must notify families of meals available in the community by providing the following information: USDA Site Finder Map Hunger Hotline USDA Site Finder Map. While the BSD does not participate in the summer feeding program, Midcoast Hunger has sites throughout the town and local area.
Families seeking food assistance for their children can contact the USDA National Hunger Hotline, operated by Hunger Free America. The hotline can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET !!
SUN Bucks letters for families that are automatically enrolled will be going out next week. Please be sure to share this with school staff, as questions may be coming in. Thank you! SUN Bucks provide a $120 EBT benefit for each child who qualifies to spend on groceries while school is out. Most eligible kids will be automatically enrolled in the program and don’t have to apply. Families should keep an eye out for a letter in the mail with notice of automatic enrollment.
Questions? Visit Maine’s SUN Bucks page SUN Bucks page
Open Employment Positions:
- IEP Coordinator - Special Education Districtwide
- Fall Coaching Positions
- Anticipated Math Interventionist - Brunswick Jr High School
- Special Education Functional Life Skills Education Technician - Brunswick High School
- Special Education Pre-K Educational Technician - Kate Furbish School
- Substitute Social Worker - Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- 25-26 Special Education Educational Technician - Harriet Beecher Stowe School
- 24/25 Extended School Year Education Technicians - District
- 24/25 Extended School Year Teachers - District
- 24/25 Extended School Year Subs - District
- 24/25 Extended School Year Speech Pathologist - District
- Lunch Aides - Kate Furbish Elementary School
- Mechanic
- School Bus Drivers - 2 Positions Open!
- Apprentice/Ed Tech I & Bus Aides
- Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers, Van Drivers, & Custodians
- ...And MORE!
We're hiring for multiple positions. Visit our website to view
all current employment opportunities!
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