DISTRICT UPDATE
May 7, 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
As we celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (May 5–9), I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible individuals who make our schools welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environments for all students. From classroom teachers and educational technicians to bus drivers, nurses, administrative assistants, custodians, food service workers, and so many others—their dedication and teamwork are essential to everything we do.
Our staff’s ability to adapt, stay positive, and continue to give their all does not go unnoticed. Whether it's finding creative ways to meet students' needs, offering a steady presence, or simply showing up with a smile, their commitment and attitude set a powerful example for our students and our greater community. The School Board and our entire Administrative Team value and acknowledge the foundational role our staff plays in the future success of our community's youth.
As we begin our slide into home plate, Spring yields many end-of-the-year events (see below and be sure to pay close attention to information sent home in the coming weeks). This is a hectic yet exciting time of year for our students and their families, and we look forward to celebrating the many achievements ahead. All events listed by school are linked here.
My Best,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
UPCOMING DATES TO KNOW
May 8: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall)
May 9: York County Special Olympics @ Noble High School (Rain Date: May 16)
May 10: SMS Music Mattress Fundraiser (10am-4pm @ SMS)
May 12: Biddeford & Saco Rising Multicultural Event (5-7pm @ Biddeford Middle School)
May 13: Beyond the Buzzword: A Forum on Bullying, Behavior & Belonging (5-6pm @ SMS)
May 14: Early Release & School Board Meeting (7pm @ Saco City Hall)
May 21: Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night (5:30 - 6:30pm @ SMS) & Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (10am-12pm @ Rotary Park)
:May 23: CK Burns Community Celebration (5:30-7:30pm @ CK Burns)
May 26: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day (Cheer on SMS Band in the Parade!)
May 28: Early Release, School Board Meeting (5pm @ Saco City Hall), & COT End-of-Year Ceremony (6pm @ BMS Performing Arts Center)
May 29: Incoming Kindergarten Parent Info Night (5:30-6:15pm @ Fairfield and Young Schools) & Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall)
May 30: Step-Up Day for Incoming Kindergarteners (9:15am @ Fairfield and Young Schools) and Chorus, Jazz & Showtunes Concert (6-7:30pm @ SMS)
* Watch Principal's Newsletters for Field Day and End-of-Year Celebration Info
Biddeford & Saco Rising Multicultural Event
A Forum on Bullying, Behavior & Belonging
Aid for Saco Kids (ASK) Mini-Golf Fundraiser
DISTRICT UPDATES
School Budget
Public Vote
Please mark your calendar to vote for the 2025-2026 School Budget on Tuesday, June 10th. Although it’s a challenging year, we continue to seek innovative ways to meet budget constraints, and with your support, we can continue making a positive difference for students.The proposed budget is available online (Linked here).
ESEA Federal Funding
Each year, the Saco School Department applies for federal funding through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA) to support students in meeting academic standards, particularly those from low-income families. The grant application includes goals and accountability measures, and we invite input from educators, families, and community members. If you're interested in participating in the process, please contact the Superintendent’s Office, complete the form linked here, or offer feedback during public comment at the upcoming School Board meeting. As part of the grant application process, we must complete a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA), which will be posted on our website shortly.
Welcome Center Announces Summer Operations
The Biddeford-Saco-Dayton Welcome Center will assist families who need extra assistance navigating school registration and accessing community services, including housing navigation, beginning July 7. The Welcome Center is located at the John F Kennedy School on West Street in Biddeford, but staff maintain a satellite office at Young School on North Street in Saco, and can meet families there if transportation is a barrier.
Telephonic translation in person or remotely is available in more than 100 languages. In most weeks, hours of operation are 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Email welcome@bdsschools.me, or call 207-282-4134.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration
New Students Only
If you have a child turning the age of four (4) for Pre-K or five (5) for Kindergarten before October 15, 2025, please pre-register them as soon as possible via this link to ensure screening is completed prior to Fall. Tours will be made available in the coming months, and additional paperwork may be required. Please note returning student registration for current Pre-K-7th grade students will be open in early August. Parents will receive a SnapCode to the email address on file.
Where Your Teen Explore the World Without Leaving Maine
Is your teen excited about food and travel, or discovering new places? If so, there’s an incredible opportunity waiting at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT)! The new Travel, Tourism & Hospitality program is more than just a class—it’s a gateway into Maine’s #1 industry. From hotels and restaurants to local attractions and events, tourism powers our state’s economy. This program gives students the chance to dive in, explore real-world careers, and gain valuable life skills along the way.
Students learn about exciting travel destinations, customer service, and how to communicate like a pro—all while taking part in hands-on experiences that make learning fun and meaningful. This year, students toured behind the scenes of The Lincoln Hotel and were able to job shadow hospitality professionals in action!
Even better? The program includes frequent field trips, inspiring guest speakers, and collaboration with BRCOT’s brand-new Culinary program. Plus, students can earn free college credit while still in high school and gain some valuable skills for event planning. If your teen is curious, energetic, and ready to learn in a whole new way, this program is worth exploring. Check out this link to learn more and encourage them to sign up for a future that’s full of possibility. Let’s help our students turn their interests into a career they’ll love!
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
3rd Annual All City Saco String Extravaganza
Two-hundred sixty-five Saco string players celebrated at their 3rd Annual All City Saco String Extravaganza on April 30th at Thornton Academy. The concert has become a favorite for all involved and begins with the oldest students of the TA Orchestra giving a performance led by orchestra director Rosemary Crimp. SMS and TAMS orchestras then join the TA Orchestra for a performance led by Sarah Hoag, SMS orchestra director. Finally, 5th, 4th and 3rd grade from C.K. Burns and Dayton Consolidated led by Megan Grassi, join in with music that is familiar to all. The finale was 3rd grade - high school all performing a favorite fiddle tune - Bile 'Em Cabbage Down!
SMS Students Shine at District 2 Elementary Festival
Last month, four talented sixth-grade orchestra students from Saco Middle School participated in the District 2 Elementary Festival after being nominated in November and selected for the prestigious Honors Orchestra. Under the guidance of SMS Orchestra Director Sarah Hoag, students Lucien Posey (viola), William Balfour (violin), Elliot Dodge (cello), and Aliya Campbell (violin) dedicated the past few months to preparing their music and honing their skills. At the festival, they had a wonderful experience rehearsing and performing under the direction of guest conductor Hanna Flewelling. We’re proud of their hard work and musical accomplishments!
SMS Music Program Holds Annual Mattress Fundraiser
CK Burns Fifth Grader Leads School-Wide Cleanup Effort
As part of our “Someday’s” initiative, fifth-grade student Luke Choquette recently inspired his entire school community by leading a school-wide cleanup day! Students worked together, inside and outside the building, on the lookout for anything that could be cleaned up to help their school look its best. Luke’s "Someday" project was perfectly timed, coinciding with the celebration of Earth Day and supporting the school-wide theme of citizenship during April. We are proud of Luke’s leadership and the positive impact it had on our school community!
CK Burns Community Celebration
Young School's Wild Side Event
Fairfield School
Congratulations to Fairfield School for being selected to host a special author visit as part of the Maine DOE’s 10th anniversary of the Read to ME Challenge! Thanks to Mrs. Marshall and her class for helping us earn this opportunity. On Thursday, May 1st, Maine Author Mary Cerullo visited Fairfield to share her book Sharks at Your Service with students. Mary, an ocean science expert and author, brought the wonders of the sea to life in a fun and engaging way.
Pre-K Book Fair and Art Show a Wonderful Success!
Saco's Pre-K was thrilled to host another successful Pre-K Book Fair and Art Show. Families turned out in large numbers to support their young learners. Students proudly showed off their displayed artwork and enjoyed an art-themed scavenger hunt that added an extra layer of fun to the evening. As always, their Book Fair drew great participation, and they're grateful to our families for their continued enthusiasm and support.
NEW SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The site for our two new schools: Saco Primary School (Pre-K/K) and Saco Elementary School (grades 1-5) continues to make progress. The initial clearing of trees is underway, with all trees slated to be off of the property in the next few weeks. Thank you to our drone club advisors for providing this video of the site clearing in action. We are currently working with the School Board and our architects to set a date for a land visit to invite the community to see the progress and learn about the project.
To provide additional feedback related to the building project, please complete this feedback form.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Free Food & Clothing Resources
Free Food Distribution
Open to All
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Free Clothing Closet
Open to All
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Free School Nutrition
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Operation Parent Upcoming Webinars
Beyond 'Don't' Do It: Real Talk about Youth Substance Use & Intervention
Tuesday, June 3rd at 12:30pm
Why do kids take risks, even when they “know better”? Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from Stanford’s REACH Lab will share research-backed insights into what really influences youth behavior—and how we can support healthier choices without relying on fear or punishment.
Helping Youth Heal: Support Through Family Addiction, Trauma, & Stress
Tuesday, July 8th at 1:00pm
When kids experience trauma—like addiction in the family—it can affect their emotional development and behavior. But healing is possible. Author Trish Luna will introduce gentle, evidence-based tools that help children build resilience, manage big feelings, and move forward with strength.