Wednesday, November 1: Early Release Day (No Pre-K) & Parent Teacher Conferences from 3:30-7pm
November 3-4: BHS Thespian Troup #7972 in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at 7pm, BMS Performing Arts Center
Sunday, November 5: Daylight Savings Time Ends - Set clocks back 1 hour
Tuesday, November 7: Election Day (School Bond Vote in Biddeford & Asynchronous Learning for BHS/COT Students) & Dayton School Committee at 6:30pm, Dayton Consolidated School
Wednesday, November 8: Biddeford School Committee at 5pm, BHS Little Theater
Friday, November 10: No School - Veteran’s Day Observed
Monday, November 13: Fall Sports Awards Night at 6pm, BHS Steve White Gym
Tuesday, November 21: Early Release Day (No Pre-K)
November 22-24: No School - Thanksgiving Break
On October 6th, the Biddeford, Dayton and Saco School Districts hosted a tri-district professional development and wellness day. Over 65 professional development sessions were offered in which staff could choose a wide range of educational opportunities and visit a variety of vendors promoting health and wellness. A total of 597 staff members attended.
The wellness portion of the day featured an array of 20 local vendors. Each vendor provided valuable insights, guidance, and even on-site demonstrations for interested staff members. The diverse range of wellness services allowed our employees to explore various modalities and find options that suited their individual needs.
We extend our appreciation to the local wellness vendors for their expertise and contributions:
Alternative Wellness Center, Baystate Financial, Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition, Common Beet, Corebridge Financial, FAME/Next Gen, Horace Mann, ISS Financial Services (MetLife),
MaineHealth/5210, Mission Square Retirement, Optima Dermatology, Paquin & Carroll Insurance
Saco Bay Trails, Southern Maine Healthcare WorkWell, Southern Maine Healthcare Sports Performance Center, and Spectrum Orthopaedics.
International Speaker and “America’s Got Talent” contestant Alex Boyé came to Biddeford Middle and High Schools last week to inspire students during Red Ribbon Week and Suicide Prevention Month. From homeless and eating out of garbage cans at 16 to a coveted international speaker, Boyé tailors his message around the importance of an individual’s mindset, which directly impacts their physical and mental well-being. In essence, “change your words, change your life” is the key to building positivity, resilience, and a successful future.
“There will always be people that can’t see your greatness, but when things don’t go your way, remember that you are a 10,” exclaimed Boyé with charismatic energy. Boyé spoke to the students about the importance of their self-worth and valuing themselves as no less than a ten on a 1-10 scale while sharing inspirational songs. In a remarkable journey, the British native became a singer, songwriter, actor, and author who captivates audiences with his extraordinary talent and versatility. Boyé reiterates the significance of positive self-talk to the power of healing and determining greatness.
“Having seen Alex Boyé’s keynote speech at the Annual School Superintendents Association (AASA) conference this year, I was excited when Biddeford was chosen among his limited 100 schools to visit,” said Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools. “Through our longstanding partnership with the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club’s Red Ribbon Committee, we continually strive to bring inspirational– and relevant– speakers to engage youth in forming healthy lifelong habits. Alex Boyé’s message is right on target as how we speak to ourselves has significant implications on regulating our emotions and mental stress.”
This presentation was made possible thanks to a grant partnership with the Gorham School Department, the Red Ribbon Committee of the Biddeford Saco Rotary Club, and Project Alliance-Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition’s drug-free communities grant.
For more information about Alex Boyé and his book, “I am a 10: Rediscover Thine Inner Greatness,” visit https://alexboye.com/you-are-a-10.
For many decades, the John F. Kennedy School has held a central place within our community. As Biddeford's oldest public school building, JFK's proximity to St. Louis and Waterhouse fields has made it a notable landmark for spectators. Over the years, students aged 5 to 14 have walked through its doors, creating cherished memories for generations of Tigers. However, despite its rich history spanning seven decades, the school now finds itself in a dire state of disrepair. While it once adequately met the needs of Biddeford's educators and students, this is no longer the case.
From its outdated and unreliable 10-ton oil burners to its failure to comply with fire safety regulations and disability codes, the School Committee has concluded that the cost of revitalizing the building is excessively high.
In recent times, we've collaborated closely with engineering firms, contractors, and architectural experts to evaluate the costs associated with renovation and replacement. Unfortunately, these expenses have risen significantly, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. The projected costs for renovating JFK's current structure have now escalated to an astonishing 25 million dollars.
However, we view challenges as opportunities, and we are excited about the potential that lies ahead. With the evolving student population and the School Committee's implementation of grade-level changes in Biddeford Middle School and Biddeford High School, we find ourselves in a unique position. Through careful budgeting and the infusion of federal funds, we have a rare chance to enhance our facilities and improve academic programs. This, in turn, will lead to substantial long-term savings for taxpayers and fewer transitions for increased stability for students. In fact, the construction bond vote in November for $9,000,000 to expand BPS yields 9-16 million in savings versus a JFK renovation and will have a near-neutral impact on the budget.
Our plan is straightforward: We intend to construct an additional wing onto the Biddeford Primary School, simultaneously addressing deferred maintenance issues in this 30+ year-old institution while discontinuing operations at JFK. By allowing natural attrition and facilitating transfers, no employees will face job losses, and students will no longer have to contend with substandard facilities.
Together, we can shape the future of our schools for the betterment of our community and our children's education. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the future of Biddeford's education system.
On October 28th, the Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) held its 6th Annual Pillars of Pride event to honor two generous community partners and longtime contributors to learning, Roger Raymond, and the late Joe Fairfield. The dinner and silent auction raised almost $20,000 for the Foundation. The Foundation provides resources not afforded through the general school budget, enhancing learning opportunities, providing assistance to students in need of food, clothing, and shelter, as well as supporting teacher initiatives in the form of mini-grants in an effort to maximize educational opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12.
Roger Raymond was Biddeford's first Special Education Director in 1973 blazing a path for students with disabilities everywhere. In his first year, he established three new classrooms to bring these students into the public school setting, creating an opportunity for them to be included with their age-like peers for the very first time. Whether holidays or vacations, Roger completed the paperwork necessary to move programs forward for students. His passion for inclusion drove his work in Biddeford for 23 years, and we are grateful for his commitment, dedication, and vision for improving programming for Biddeford students.
The late Joe Fairfield was among the biggest supporters of BHS students during his employ of 23 years as the Maintenance Supervisor. Joe had a big heart which simply couldn't say no to a student in need. He faithfully announced in the press box every football game, ran the clock and announced at basketball games, and became the emergency bus driver to ensure athletes could attend away contests. Joe was the epitome of giving and kindness in every aspect of his life, and athletes are humbled when they are nominated for the volunteer achievement award named in his honor.
Greg Lusk, R.N. Clinical Instructor, Molly Davis, Gloria Prophet, Rebecka Boothby, Sandra Wise, Nicole Parsons, and Margy Gambell, R.N. Instructor. Missing from photo: Heather Beach.
