RSU 57 Community Newsletter
October 23, 2025
Message from the Superintendent
As the fall season comes to a close, our schools are alive with activity and excitement. Over the next few weeks, there are countless opportunities for our community to come together—whether it’s cheering on our student-athletes in their final competitions, browsing the tables at a local book fair, joining a PTSA event, or honoring our veterans during upcoming school ceremonies and community gatherings.
Each of these moments—large and small—reflects the heart of who we are as a district. When families, neighbors, and educators come together in support of our students, we create experiences that go far beyond the classroom. These shared experiences strengthen our collective effort to prepare every learner for success in an ever-changing world.
I encourage all members of our RSU 57 community to take part in the many upcoming events across our schools. Your presence and engagement send a powerful message to our students: that their hard work, curiosity, and growth matter deeply to all of us.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools. Together, we make RSU 57 a place where learning, community, and pride thrive.
Warm regards,
Stephen D. Marquis
Update for Families: Federal Shutdown May Affect SNAP Benefits
We want to share an important update that may affect some members of our school community.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued for November unless the shutdown ends or new federal guidance is provided.
What This Means:
SNAP benefits already on EBT cards remain usable.
No new SNAP benefits can be issued for November until the shutdown is resolved.
Maine families will still be able to apply for and renew SNAP benefits, but funding is paused at the federal level.
This impacts all SNAP recipients nationwide, including the more than 169,000 individuals in Maine who rely on this vital food assistance.
In Maine, SNAP supports working families, older adults, children, people with disabilities, and others experiencing food insecurity. This disruption could place additional strain on households, local food pantries, and community resources.
What You Can Do:
Check your SNAP balance and use existing benefits wisely.
Ensure your contact information is current by visiting My Maine Connection to receive updates and notices quickly.
For support finding local food resources, call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211Maine.org.
We understand this news may be stressful, and we are here to support our students and families however we can. RSU 57 will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available from Maine DHHS and federal agencies.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s social worker or administrative office if you need help connecting to local resources. Our school district offers a Backpack Program to supplement your cabinets. Below you will find a link to food & nutrition support, as well as other resources in York County.
Massabesic Middle School Launches “Field of Flags” Fundraiser Honoring Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, the Massabesic Middle School (MMS) Student Council is proud to launch a heartfelt community fundraiser, Field of Flags, in support of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization.
This meaningful initiative invites our community to create a powerful visual tribute: a field of American flags, each one representing a veteran and symbolizing our collective gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Every donation raised through this campaign will directly benefit DAV programs that support ill and injured veterans and their families.
To help reach our fundraising goal of $1,000, MMS students will participate in a school-wide Penny War from October 20–24, where every coin brings us closer to our goal. In addition, community members are invited to contribute online via the donation link or QR code provided below.
Once our goal is met, MMS will plant a Field of Flags on November 10th in front of the school. Each flag will represent a veteran, a small but powerful symbol of courage, freedom, and sacrifice.
Together, we can support those who have given so much for our country while creating a tribute that reflects the strength and gratitude of our entire community.
Thank you for your support!
The Everyday Heroes Behind the Wheel and Beyond
We’re proud to recognize the entire transportation team, including our dedicated bus drivers, mechanics, and support staff, for the essential role they play in keeping our schools running smoothly and our students safe.
Every day, our bus drivers greet students with a smile and provide safe, reliable transportation to and from school. Their patience, professionalism, and positive presence help set the tone for a successful day of learning.
Behind the scenes, our mechanics and transportation support staff work just as hard, ensuring our buses are well-maintained, safe, and ready to roll. From early morning inspections to managing routes and schedules, their attention to detail and commitment to safety make it all possible.
Together, this team keeps everything moving, rain, snow, or shine, with care and consistency. Whether it's a smooth ride to school, a quick mechanical fix, or behind-the-scenes coordination, their contributions make a lasting impact on our students and school community.
To every member of our transportation team: Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and the vital role you play in supporting student success. We appreciate you today and every day!
Family Math Night Adds Up to Fun and Learning at Waterboro Elementary School
Earlier this month, Waterboro Elementary School hosted our annual Family Math Night. It was heartwarming to see so many families come together for this fun and educational fall event! The evening’s theme centered around geometry. Families had the opportunity to explore a variety of hands-on stations that made math both interactive and exciting.
A highlight of the night was our collaboration with the Maine Department of Education (MDOE), who provided a special geometry station that sparked curiosity and creativity among students and parents alike. Attendees enjoyed working together to solve problems, discover new math concepts, and take home math manipulatives and books to keep the learning going at home.
The celebration of math continued the next day as Sue Cavanaugh, MDOE Math Specialist, visited several Waterboro Elementary School classrooms. She modeled high-quality math instruction and shared effective strategies with teachers to further support student learning and engagement.
A big thank you to all the families, staff, and community partners who helped make Family Math Night such a success. We look forward to more opportunities to learn and grow together!
Family Math Night
Family Math Night
RSU 57 Director of Adult Education Named MAEA Administrator of the Year
The Maine Adult Education Association has awarded Mr. Adam Goad, Director of Massabesic Adult and Community Education, the Administrator of the Year Award for 2025. This honor recognizes the exceptional leadership of an adult education program in the state of Maine, as well as an unwavering commitment to adult learners and the broader community.
Mr. Goad took the reins of leadership of RSU 57’s adult education program in July 2021. Since his arrival, transformative change has resulted in the form of increased graduation rates, program expansion, and greater participation in a wide variety of academic and enrichment offerings for the community.
Eleanor Chow, Student Advisor for Massabesic Adult and Community Education, introduced Goad at the awards ceremony, emphasizing his deep belief in the mission of adult education.
“Adam truly believes in the mission of adult education, and one of his greatest strengths is that he puts our students and local community at the heart of all of his decisions—from creating the Massabesic Driving School, to expanding the education program at the York County Jail, to addressing barriers that our academic students face in accessing adult education,” she noted.
Under Mr. Goad’s leadership, the program’s academic graduation rate has steadily improved, with 32 graduates in the Class of 2025. He has also launched new workforce training opportunities that directly address community needs, including a CDL Class B course that has helped train new bus drivers for the RSU 57 district. In addition, he has expanded community enrichment programs to include new and relevant courses for residents, including daytime offerings across the district.
“His mission for our program is simple but effective: to give every learner a positive experience, whether that is through finally conquering algebra, making a mosaic art piece, learning to drive, or meeting a new friend at a coffee hour,” Chow added. “Adam has made a significant impact on the community that we serve, and his commitment to our learners is an inspiration to all of us who work with him.”
RSU 57 Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stephen Marquis, praised Mr. Goad’s dedication and leadership:
“Adam’s work embodies what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. Every day, he invests himself fully in the success of others—our students, our families, and our greater community. His vision for adult education extends far beyond classrooms; it’s about empowerment, opportunity, and belonging. We are incredibly proud of the passionate and transformative work Adam continues to do on behalf of RSU 57 and the people we serve. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Goad and his team on this well deserved honor.”
Pictured: Mrs. Eleanor Chow, Mr. Adam Goad, and Dr. Joshua McNaughton, President of the Maine Adult Education Association
Thank a Teacher and Buy a Book!
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Sherman’s Bookstore in Saco to celebrate our amazing educators and foster a love of reading in our classrooms!
As part of this special event, our teachers are creating Wish Lists of books they’d love to add to their classroom libraries. These titles will be available both at the Saco store and online, making it easy for families to help fill our classrooms with fresh stories and learning adventures!
During the first two weeks of November, Massabesic students and families can enjoy a 25% discount on Wish List book purchases made in person at the Saco Sherman’s location or online at Sherman’s website.
When shopping online, please remember to:
Use the code MASS25 at checkout.
Include a note in the comments field that your order is part of the Massabesic fundraiser.
Thank you for helping us “Thank a Teacher and Buy a Book!” Every purchase brings new books, new ideas, and new excitement for reading to our students.
Maine Youth Thriving: Resilience Training for RSU 57 Educators & Caregivers
In partnership with Maine DOE and the Office of Family and Child Services
Are you an early childhood educator or caregiver working with children ages 0-8? Join Maine Youth Thriving for a free training series designed to help build resilience in both children and caring adults. These sessions offer CEU credits and are open to RSU 57 community members. Childcare support is available upon request.
Thu, Nov 6, 2025 | 6–7:30 PM
Youth Mattering Practices
Dive into relational strategies that strengthen bonds with youth, reducing risks like suicide and substance use while promoting lifelong well-being.
About the Facilitators:
Julie Schmidt, M.Ed – With 25+ years in education and SEL, Julie leads impactful training programs focused on resilience and trauma-informed care.
Meg LeMay, PhD – An award-winning educator and community leader specializing in trauma-informed practices and building social connectedness.
Interested in Getting Involved?
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
Dates to Remember
October 29, 2025: School Board Meeting @ 6:00pm - East Training Center or on YouTube
November 5, 2025: Policy Committee @ 6:00pm - East Training Center or on YouTube
November 11, 2025: District Closed: Veteran's Day
November 12, 2025: Early Release Day
November 12, 2025: School Board Meeting @ 6:00pm - East Training Center or on YouTube
November 19, 2025: Human Resources Committee @ 6:00pm - East Training Center or on YouTube
November 25, 2025: Finance Committee @ 6:00pm - East Training Center or on YouTube
November 26-28, 2025: Holiday Recess
Stay in Touch...
"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."
Phone: 207-247-3221
Website: https://www.rsu57.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsu57/
Central Office: 86 West Road, Waterboro, ME, USA