RSU 57 Community Newsletter
October 8, 2025
Dear RSU 57 Families and Community Members,
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to show their vibrant colors, I want to take a moment to connect with you and celebrate the many positive strides we’ve made together in the first weeks of the school year.
This time of year marks a natural point of reflection in our schools. With routines now well-established, October provides us the opportunity to assess student progress, revisit learning goals, and build even stronger partnerships between home and school. If you’ve noticed areas where your child may need extra academic support, or if you’d like to share a recent success, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers or building principal. Our educators are here to listen, support, and celebrate with you every step of the way.
We also have two important dates to highlight this month:
Friday, October 10th – Professional Development Day: There will be no school for students as our dedicated staff engages in a full day of professional learning. These days are invaluable in strengthening our instructional practices, reviewing data to support all learners, and collaborating across grade levels and departments to ensure a consistent, high-quality educational experience for every student.
Monday, October 13th – Indigenous Peoples Day: RSU 57 schools will be closed in observance of this important day, as we honor and recognize the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. We encourage families to take time to reflect and learn together.
We are incredibly proud of the energy and enthusiasm that students and staff have brought to the new school year. From engaging classroom projects and fall athletics to the smiles in our hallways and the curiosity alive in our classrooms, there is so much to celebrate across our district.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are shaping a strong and vibrant educational community where every learner is valued and supported.
Warm regards,
Stephen D. Marquis
October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for schools, families, and communities to come together to promote kindness, respect, and safe environments for all children.
Bullying affects too many young people across the country. It can take many forms. Whether it’s verbal, physical, social, or online it can have lasting effects on a child’s well-being and learning experience.
In our community, we’re committed to fostering an atmosphere where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to be themselves. That means encouraging empathy, teaching conflict resolution skills, and ensuring clear pathways for students to seek help.
We encourage families and community members to join us in these efforts. Simple actions like listening, speaking up against bullying, and modeling kindness can make a world of difference.
Together, we can build a community where every child feels safe, respected, and ready to thrive.
Technology is the backbone of modern education, powering everything from classroom tools to secure data systems and innovative learning platforms. Behind every smooth login, reliable Wi-Fi connection, and recovered password is a team of dedicated problem-solvers: our Information Technology (IT) professionals.
In our schools and offices, IT professionals are both the first responders when challenges arise and the steady force ensuring everything runs seamlessly. From setting up devices and launching new software, to troubleshooting technical issues, and maintaining cybersecurity, their expertise touches every corner of our district’s operations.
As the demand for reliable, secure, and forward-thinking technology continues to grow, so too have the challenges - but the accomplishments have been just as remarkable.
Today, we extend our gratitude to the IT professionals in our district. Your skill, patience, and unwavering commitment keep our schools connected, protected, and prepared for the future. Thank you for being the invisible champions of learning every single day.
In our district, custodians do much more than sweep floors and empty trash cans, they play a vital role in supporting student learning and staff well-being. They are the first to arrive, the last to leave, and often the quiet problem-solvers who fix what’s broken, prepare rooms for learning, and respond with a calm presence when things don’t go as planned.
From deep cleaning classrooms and maintaining building systems, to setting up for events and ensuring safety protocols are followed, our custodial teams are true behind-the-scenes heroes.
As we continue through the school year, we encourage our community to recognize and thank the custodians who contribute so much to the health, comfort, and care of our school environments. Their work is essential and deeply appreciated.
Alfred Elementary School recently celebrated the start of the new school year with their exciting 2nd annual Back to School Bounce and Foam Party! Students and their families enjoyed a perfect day outdoors filled with music, snacks, and plenty of bouncy house fun. The highlight of the event was the lively foam party, where kids were able to dive into clouds of bubbly foam, creating unforgettable memories.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated PTSA, generous community members, and Alfred Parks and Recreation for their invaluable support in making this event a smashing success. Their contributions truly helped bring joy and excitement to our students as they kick off the school year.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Friday, October 17th, when we will host our first-ever Trick or Treat Trail at Alfred Elementary! This festive evening event will feature creatively decorated stations along the trail for students to visit and enjoy. Families will also have the chance to participate in a contest for the best-decorated station, so start brainstorming your spookiest, most creative ideas!
Additionally, Alfred Elementary is gearing up for our Fall Scholastic Book Fair and Family Literacy Night, where students and families can celebrate the joy of reading together.
Stay tuned for more details and join us for these wonderful opportunities to connect and celebrate the Alfred Elementary community!
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