RSU 57 Community Newsletter

Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,

As we celebrate School Transportation Week, I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our transportation staff for the important work they do each day to ensure our students travel to and from school safely. Our bus drivers and transportation team members play an essential role in the daily lives of our students and families. Their dedication, professionalism, patience, and commitment to student safety provide a positive start and finish to each school day. Thank you for the care you demonstrate and for the important service you provide to our school community.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our school staff and students for a wonderful start to the school year. Across our district, we have already witnessed many successes in the classroom, on the playing field, and through celebrations of student learning. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students, the commitment and expertise of our educators and support staff, and the many opportunities we strive to create for every student to learn, grow, and thrive. I am equally grateful to our caregivers, community leaders, and volunteers for their continued stewardship of our school district. Your partnership, encouragement, and support help strengthen our schools and enrich the educational experiences we provide. It is somewhat difficult to comprehend that we are already nearing the completion of the first quarter of the school year. The time has passed quickly, and I am proud of the many positive experiences and accomplishments that have marked these first several weeks.

As we reflect on our progress, I want to recognize and thank our students and families for making daily school attendance a priority. Consistent attendance is an important predictor of student achievement, academic growth, and overall enjoyment of the school experience. When students are present each day, they have more opportunities to build relationships, engage in meaningful learning, participate in classroom activities, and experience the connections that make school such an important part of their lives.

I am pleased to share that our district continues to make meaningful progress in this area. Daily attendance has improved each year over the past four school years, demonstrating the collective commitment of our students, families, staff, and community. Through the first 37 days of this school year, our daily attendance rate stands at 95.1%, an encouraging increase from 93.7% at the start of the 2023–2024 school year. We have also seen a significant decline in chronic absenteeism, which is now 14.4%, compared with 19.7% at the start of the 2024–2025 school year.

These improvements are worth acknowledging. They represent more students in classrooms, more opportunities for learning, and a shared understanding of the importance of being present. At the same time, we recognize that every day matters and that there is still work to do. We will continue partnering with families to identify and address barriers to attendance, support student well-being, and reinforce the importance of arriving at school regularly and on time. Thank you for the efforts you make each day to help students attend school consistently and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

As we approach the end of the first quarter, I am grateful for the collective effort, generosity, and commitment that make our school district such a special place. Whether you are transporting students, teaching a lesson, cheering from the sidelines, volunteering your time, supporting a child at home, or helping guide our district forward, your contributions make a difference.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support. I look forward to building on the positive momentum of this school year and celebrating the many accomplishments still ahead.

With appreciation and gratitude,

Stephen D. Marquis
Superintendent of Schools
RSU 57

October was all about bringing awareness to fire safety. Local fire departments have been visiting our schools and teaching our students about what to do in case of an emergency.

At Alfred Elementary, Pre-K through first grade students experienced an interactive smokehouse simulation while second and third graders took a field trip to the Alfred Fire Station!

Line Elementary will be hosting the fire and rescue department from Limerick and Newfield at the end of the month where there will be an assembly and fire trucks!

Students will have the opportunity to receive dental care right at school through a local dental clinic! Mainely Teeth believes that quality oral health care is a basic human right and aims to break down barriers to provide access to dental care regardless of ability to pay.

Mainely Teeth is planned to visit a number of our schools through November and December. Click here to register and reserve a spot for your child! Clinic dates will be scheduled based on registrations. WES clinic date is for November 24th so please complete the registration form by November 3rd if that is your child’s school!