DISTRICT UPDATE

It’s a joy to welcome students back into our schools and see their energy bring our buildings to life once again! The first days of the year are always filled with excitement, a few nerves, and the process of settling into new routines. Whether it’s a kindergartener beginning their very first school experience or an older student adjusting to new teachers and classes, these transitions can bring big emotions. We truly appreciate the patience and support of families as we ease into the year together.

I continue to be impressed by the behind-the-scenes work of our custodial and maintenance crews, food service and transportation teams, front office staff, teachers, educational technicians, and administrators. Their preparation and dedication make it possible for students to start the year in a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. Our collective goal remains the same: to ensure every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

ATTENDANCE

On behalf of our entire educational team, we want to remind parents and students about the critical importance of regular school attendance and punctuality. Even missing just one day a month can significantly impact students' learning. Encouraging consistent attendance is one of the most powerful ways parents can support the work we do in the classroom. When parents stress the importance of being present, it helps children develop healthy habits that will serve them well beyond graduation.

FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH

In public schools in Maine, youth have access to free breakfast and lunch which meet nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I encourage families to take advantage of this program—it’s a great way to ensure students are fueled for learning each day. Although there is no charge, parents are asked to complete the economic status questions during online registration as the data provided is used to determine our school funding, including Title 1 funds for special education programs, before/after and summer school programs, discounts on laptop insurance and internet, and teachers' student loan forgiveness.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children. We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to a school year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful experiences for every student.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• Thursday, September 4: First Day of PreK

• September 10: School Board Meeting at 7pm at Saco City Hall

• Wednesday, September 10: Early Release Days. As a reminder, the early release times are as follows:

• Pre-K AM: Dismissal at 10:45am

• Pre-K PM: No School

• Pre-K Full Day: Dismissal at 12:15pm

• Fairfield and CK Burns: Dismissal at 12:15pm

• Young School: Dismissal at 12:25pm

• SMS: Dismissal at 1:15pm

• September 18: Biddeford & Saco Rising Family Engagement Event from 4:30-6:30pm at Biddeford High School’s Cafeteria

• September 24: Early Release & School Board Meeting at 5pm at Saco City Hall

Every year families are asked to complete the registration process through the InfoSnap Portal. All families were sent a snapcode email at the start of August. We thank the majority of parents who have taken the time to complete this process. If you have not completed the process please do so as soon as possible as this impacts your child's ability to:

• Receive transportation services

• Attend field trips

• Receive medication from the nurse

If you are in need of the registration information again, please reach out to your student's school as soon as possible.

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: 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.

• 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.

We recognize that mistakes may happen and delays may occur as we work out the kinks at the start of the year, especially with ongoing construction. Approximate bus stops/times have been added in BusRight and on the Saco Website Transportation page and linked here. If your child is still in need of transportation or any changes need to be made, please contact the Transportation Department at 207-494-9631 or email Director Jeanne Anderson at janderson@sacoschools.org.

If you haven’t completed our Strategic Plan initial survey, please do so soon! The survey closes on September 15th. If you would like to participate as a standing member of our strategic planning committee, please email maparkhurst@sacoschools.org. Your participation is essential to ensuring our schools continue to embrace, engage, and empower every student while meeting the evolving needs of our Saco community.

We are partnering with MaineHealth to provide flu vaccine clinics to our students this year (see the dates/times for your child’s school). Please print the consent form (linked here) and return the completed form to the School Nurse as soon as possible. If you need a copy sent home, please contact the school nurse directly.

• Pre-K - November 5 (8am-10:30 am)

• Young School - October 6 (8am-10:30am)

• Fairfield School - November 5 (11:30am-2pm)

• CK Burns School - November 10 (8am-10:30am)

• Saco Middle School - October 6 (11:30am-3pm)

Parents must complete all fields on the form, so please use NA if it doesn’t apply. Although the vaccine is provided at no charge for children under the age of 18, there is a cost to administer the vaccine so please include accurate insurance information if available. There is no out-of-pocket cost for children; those without insurance will be vaccinated with the appropriate form completed. Children presenting with an incomplete form will not receive their vaccine.

Print & Complete the Consent Form:

• English | Arabic | French | Portuguese | Somali | Spanish

Please take the time to read the important health information update from the school nurses below to ensure your child(ren) have a smooth, healthy transition and that you have all the information you need to prevent any disruptions to starting the school year. This update addresses everything from required immunizations to medication use to head lice protocols.

The Southern Maine Elementary Cross Country program, open to Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton students in Grades 3-5 (including those who attend St. James School), has begun gearing up for this year’s season. Last year, over 300 students participated in several meets. This program offers students the opportunity to stay active in a free, after-school sport, regardless of their economic background. It not only encourages a life-long healthy habit that boosts self-esteem and academic performance, but it also promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

The season runs from September 8-October 9, with registration forms due by September 3rd. Mark your calendars now for the meets on:

• Monday, September 22, 2025 @ CK Burns in Saco (Starting at 3:30pm)

• Monday, September 29, 2025 @ BIS/BMS in Biddeford (Starting at 3:30pm)

• Monday, October 6, 2025 @ CK Burns in Saco (Starting at 3:30pm)

To further reduce barriers to participation, the districts provide transportation and snacks and partners with A Running Passion so youth have access to reduced-cost, quality running shoes and apparel through their annual Shoe Jamboree. The Jamboree is also open to middle school students participating in a cross-country program. So, be sure to register now to attend the event on Sunday, September 14th between 9am-12:45pm at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford (Rain location: Biddeford High School's Steve White Gym).

Our projects for the Saco Primary School (PK-K) and the Saco Elementary School (Grades 1-5) are officially out to bid. During the last week of August, Superintendent Ray had an opportunity to complete a site walk with interested contractors and Oak Point Associates. Look for details about a ground-breaking ceremony in mid-fall. Our project continues to be on track for welcoming students from PreKindergarten through 5th grade to our new buildings in Fall 2028.

Kids are spending, clicking, and being targeted online more than ever. From influencer advertising, manipulative persuasive design, video game loot boxes, and even illegal financial extortion – children face a digital minefield designed to capture their money and their trust.

Join Children and Screens’ #AskTheExperts webinar, “Hidden Costs: Protecting Kids from Online Financial Exploitation,” on Wednesday, September 10th at 12 PM. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll leave with tools to guide youth through today’s complex digital economy and gain actionable insights from leading experts.

Mental health concerns can arise even in preschool-aged children, including anxiety and depression. On this episode of Screen Deep, Professor of Child Psychiatry Joan Luby shares research-backed guidance on how to recognize signs of concern in young children, the impact of screen use, and the five essential ingredients young children need to thrive. Parents will also learn how improved diagnostic tools and awareness of environmental factors are helping identify and support children’s mental health earlier than ever.

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.