Smore logo
remove_red_eye 1.8K
page background

DISTRICT UPDATE

March 5, 2025

DISTRICTUPDATEMarch 5, 2025

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,

As we step into March, a month filled with academic engagement, students have an exciting stretch of learning ahead. With hands-on Science projects, in-depth book reports, and daily interactions with their teachers, the next six weeks provide a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of key concepts. Parent-Teacher Conferences on April 9th offer an excellent chance to discuss your child’s progress and goals. Additionally, spring brings a host of school events, from dynamic drama and musical performances to thrilling athletic competitions, all showcasing the incredible talents of our students. Your support and involvement make a difference—we look forward to celebrating their achievements with you!


SCHOOL BUDGET

Planning for the 2025-2026 school year budget is well underway, and we are navigating challenges as we strive to maintain quality programming amid shifts in state and federal education funding. As home valuations rise, state subsidies decrease, impacting resources available for student programs. Balancing financial realities with our commitment to enriching student experiences requires thoughtful decision-making. As we plan next year’s school budget, a projection of our enrollment will allow us to plan more effectively. Parents can help through early registration of any child who will be entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, or moving into our community this Fall (see below). We also encourage community members to stay informed by attending upcoming School Committee/Board meetings and participating in the budget process before the June vote.

zoom_out_map

STRENGTHENING SAFETY & COMMUNITY IN OUR SCHOOLS

I am pleased to share that a School Resource Officer (SRO) will once again be serving our students and staff at Biddeford Middle School (BMS), Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS), and Biddeford Primary School (BPS). Liz Coleman, who previously served as the SRO at BMS several years ago, is returning to this vital role, bringing with her a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a strong connection to our school community.


We extend our sincere gratitude to the Biddeford Police Department for their partnership and commitment to our schools. Having an SRO in our schools provides more than just an added layer of safety—it fosters positive relationships between students and law enforcement, supports conflict resolution, and reinforces a culture of respect and responsibility. Officer Coleman will be an important resource for students, families, and staff, working proactively to create a safe and supportive environment for all.


COURSE OFFERINGS

As parents and students (grades 5-11) map out their academic courses, unified arts, and school athletic and organized club selections for next year, we encourage families to spend some time learning about the numerous opportunities available within our schools. Please contact your child’s Guidance Counselor and/or review the options available at your school.

  • Biddeford Middle School - Link to website

  • Biddeford High School - Link to Course of Studies

  • Biddeford Regional Center of Technology - Link to Course Catalog (video below)


My Best,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

UPCOMING DATES TO KNOW UPCOMING DATES TO KNOW

zoom_out_map
  • Wednesday, March 5: District-wide Art Show (4:30-7pm @ Biddeford Middle School)

  • Saturday, March 8: 6th Grade Honors Music Festival (3pm @ York High School)

  • Sunday, March 9: Daylight Savings Time - Spring Ahead One Hour

  • Tuesday, March 11: Dayton School Committee (6:30pm @ DCS)

  • Tuesday, March 11: BHS Winter Sports Banquet (6pm @ Steve White Gym)

  • Wednesday, March 12: Early Release Day, Biddeford School Committee (5pm @ BHS Little Theater), and BIS Family Night (5-6:30pm)

  • Thursday, March 13: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall)

  • Friday, March 14: Dayton’s Glow Dance (6-7:30pm @ DCS)

  • Sunday, March 16: Marching Arts Home Show (1pm @ BHS Tiger Gym)

  • Wednesday, March 19: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (10am-12pm @ Rotary Park)

  • Thursday, March 20-21: BHS Drama in Mamma Mia! (see below for more information)

  • Thursday, March 20: COT National Technical Honor Society (6pm @ Little Theater)

  • Tuesday, March 25: Parenting & The Brain (6pm via Zoom)

  • Wednesday, March 26: Biddeford School Committee (7pm @ BHS Little Theater)

  • Thursday, March 27: Youth Full Maine Food Distribution (2-3pm @ Dayton Town Hall)

EVENT DATES FOR ALL SCHOOLS
open_in_new zoom_out_map

Marching Arts Home Show

March 16 at 1:00 PM

BHS Tiger Gym

Click Image to Enlarge

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Mamma Mia!: Mar 20-22

March 20 & 21 at 7:00pm

March 22 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm

BMS Performing Arts Center

Click Image to Enlarge

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Dayton School's Glow Dance

March 14 from 6:00-7:30pm

Dayton Consolidated School

Click Image to Enlarge

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Comedy Show

March 21 at 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:45pm)

Biddeford High School Little Theater

Click Image to Enlarge

open_in_new zoom_out_map

PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

open_in_new zoom_out_map

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, 2054, please pre-register them as soon as possible via this link [Biddeford or Dayton] 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 will be open in early August.

Click Here for Biddeford's Online Pre-K/K Registration

CENTER OF TECHNOLOGY - ENROLL NOW! CENTER OF TECHNOLOGY - ENROLL NOW!

open_in_new zoom_out_map

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT) is now accepting applications for Fall 2025 so apply today! Classes in trades, engineering, CNA, EMT, athletic training, business, computer science, culinary, and hospitality management are available, with many offering dual enrollment for college credit. Visit us online at the COT website or schedule a tour through your high school guidance counselor to learn more. The BRCOT services students from BHS, TA, OOBHS, KHS, and MHS, and spaces fill up fast. Step-by-step directions on how to apply are linked here.

BRCOT: A Comprehensive Overview of Programs
Click Here for the BRCOT Course Catalog

TALENTED STUDENTS PERFORM AT MUSIC FESTIVALS TALENTED STUDENTS PERFORM AT MUSIC FESTIVALS

Congratulations to the talented student musicians of Biddeford Middle School (BMS) and Biddeford High School (BHS) who dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation and performed at the prestigious District 1 Honors Music Festival and the York County Junior High Music Festival. Both festivals included exceptional musicians who participated in band or chorus.

zoom_out_map

Band Director Mike Murphy had the following students performing in the honors band:

  • BHS Instrumental Music: Six BHS Instrumental students performed three pieces in the Nomination Band under the direction of Lyndsay Boysen. Congratulations to Cody Robinson (Percussion), Jude Leaver (Trombone), Elliot Nash (Baritone Sax), Isaac Beaulieu (Alto Sax), Caiden Charland (Alto Sax), and Ariel Cote (Flute).

zoom_out_map

Choral Director Ellie Joseph had the following students performing in the honors chorus:

  • BHS Vocal Music: BHS vocal music students Brittany Hamilton and Colin McKague auditioned and earned placements in the District Honors Choirs. Colin performed with the Mixed Choir under the direction of Virgil Bozemen, receiving commendations for his vocal tone and professionalism. Brittany represented us in the Treble Choir under Emily Isaacson’s direction and was selected to perform in a solo or small group based on her high score!

zoom_out_map

Band Directors David Stebbins, Mike Murphy, and Grace Murphy had the following students performing in the festival band:

  • BHS 8th graders: Emily Donovan (flute), Carson Katon (clarinet), Michelle Le (clarinet), Ciara Perry (clarinet), Lily Santiago (clarinet), and Bailey Betters (percussion).

  • BMS 7th graders: Ava Sayer (flute), Allan Martin (percussion), and Jackson Hicks (percussion).

zoom_out_map

Choral Director Ann Guiney had the following students performing in the festival chorus:

  • BMS 7th graders: Charlotte Aberle (soprano), Milania Jackson (soprano), Milan Vire (soprano), Jade Weeks (soprano) Zariah Zompa (soprano), Mikayla Wilson (soprano), Bella Cain (alto), Layla McDonough (alto), Payton Russo (alto), Osmany Cru Carrasquillo (baritone), Beckett Jacques (baritone), Maddox Jolly (baritone), Jack Jones (baritone), Elijah McLean (baritone), and Eric Ramirez Jr., (baritone).


Students have committed to hours of practice and rehearsals. Please join me in congratulating these students for their outstanding achievements. Their success is a testament to the incredible support of our music educators, families, and community. Biddeford Music continues to grow, and we couldn't be more proud of the time and energy these students have dedicated! Bravo to all!

TEACHERS GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AT BRCOT TEACHERS GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AT BRCOT

zoom_out_map

This month, Biddeford High School (BHS) teachers stepped into the world of career and technical education during a hands-on professional development session at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT). They had the opportunity to experience three different programs, gaining insight into the skills and career pathways available to our students. Teachers had the opportunity to try activities like gearing up for welding and learning to take blood pressure readings—just a small sample of the hands-on training BRCOT offers.


“It’s essential that our teachers understand the hands-on learning and career-focused education we offer here at BRCOT,” said Paulette Bonneau, Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. “By experiencing these programs firsthand, they can better support students in discovering career paths that align with their interests and strengths. The trades are a vital part of our workforce, and events like this help bridge the gap between traditional academics and technical education.”


This collaboration between BHS and BRCOT highlights the importance of career and technical education in preparing students for success beyond high school, whether they choose to enter the workforce directly, pursue further training, or continue their education.

zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map
zoom_out_map

IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS

BHS 2nd quarter honor roll

BHS 2nd quarter honor roll

Grade 12 High Honors: Eva Aranovitch, Kayla Arsenault, Andrea Clarke, Margaret Curry, Nikolai Davidenko, Benjamin Descoteaux, Eliza Doyon, Travis Edgerton, Joseph Elliott, Emily Frechette, Eva Fleurent, Jacob Golden, Taylor Gonneville, Gavin Hayford, Ella Ireland, Layla Keddy, Wyatt Labonte, Ayla Lagasse, Glen LaRoche, Noah Laverriere, Maria Lembissa, Ahlany Martinez, Samson Milliken, Willy Mpemba, Guydranie Nkouka, Teresa Pedro, [...]

launch pressherald.com
Ingwersen welcomes Biddeford High School Marching Band to Maine Senate

Ingwersen welcomes Biddeford High School Marching Band to Maine Senate

The Biddeford High School Marching Band competed in New England Scholastic Band Association Championship in November of 2024

launch sacobaynews.com
Igniting student passions: Unique school event helps students explore interests and build connections

Igniting student passions: Unique school event helps students explore interests and build connections

Passion Classes create opportunities for Biddeford students to connect with teachers in new ways

launch sacobaynews.com
Community Champion: Biddeford student athletes take part in community service

Community Champion: Biddeford student athletes take part in community service

Biddeford studen athletes donate time to community service during the season.

launch wmtw.com
Saco, Biddeford students shine at York County Spelling Bee

Saco, Biddeford students shine at York County Spelling Bee

Local students demonstrated their spelling prowess at the York County Spelling Bee, held earlier this month at Massabesic Middle School. Twelve talented spellers in grades five through eight from schools across southern Maine, including Biddeford, Saco, Bonny Eagle, and Wells, competed for the county title in a contest that came down to an intense tie-breaking [...]

launch pressherald.com
BHS Drama Club presents 'Mamma Mia!' this month

BHS Drama Club presents 'Mamma Mia!' this month

The Biddeford High School (BHS) Drama Club will be bringing the musical "Mamma Mia!" to the stage later this month. Performances will take place at the Biddeford Middle School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m., Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 22, at 2 p.m.

launch pressherald.com
State Rep. Archer proposes bill to provide schools funding for homeless students

State Rep. Archer proposes bill to provide schools funding for homeless students

The number of homeless students in Maine has increased

launch sacobaynews.com
Scholar athlete of the week: Gabby Smith

Scholar athlete of the week: Gabby Smith

Gabby Smith of Biddeford high school is the scholar athlete of the week.

launch wmtw.com
Biddeford girls basketball takes down Oceanside to win Class B South

Biddeford girls basketball takes down Oceanside to win Class B South

Ayla Lagasse scores 15 points to lead the Tigers over the defending champion Mariners and into their first state championship game.

launch sunjournal.com
Biddeford girls basketball manages expectations while pursuing gold

Biddeford girls basketball manages expectations while pursuing gold

A heralded freshman class had the Tigers in the spotlight, and they've lived up to the hype and attention.

launch pressherald.com
Biddeford out to make more school history in state game

HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS

Free Food & Clothing Resources Free Food & Clothing Resources

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Free Food Distribution

Open to All

Click on Image to Enlarge

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Free Clothing Closet

Open to All

Click on Image to Enlarge

Free School Nutrition Free School Nutrition

BIDDEFORD: Breakfast & Lunch Menus
DAYTON: Breakfast & Lunch Menus

COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS

FYOOD Cooking Competition to Support COT FYOOD Cooking Competition to Support COT

zoom_out_map


Wednesday, March 19, 2025

5:00-7:30 PM

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology


Get ready for a culinary showdown! FYOOD (pronounced "feud") is an exciting, fast-paced cooking competition where amateur home chefs go head-to-head in a battle of creativity, skill, and flavor. Taking place during Biddeford & Saco Restaurant Week, this event will highlight the passion for food in our community while supporting the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology’s (BRCOT) Culinary Program.


Competitors will face two mystery ingredient challenges: a Savory Round and a Sweets Round. Their final dishes will be judged by a panel of professional chefs, local celebrities, and BRCOT Culinary Program Director Chef Steve. Only two teams will emerge victorious, winning a trophy and serious bragging rights!


Audience Tickets—Watch the Action Live!

For just $15, you can be part of the FYOOD experience!

  • Enjoy a live cooking competition with front-row views from the BRCOT dining room.

  • Watch the chefs in action through kitchen windows and a live video feed.

  • See students in the culinary program showcase their skills through special demos.

  • Ticket includes a meal from the made-to-order pasta station and other refreshments.

  • Cheer for your favorite team and witness the judges’ final tasting and award presentation!

Spots are limited - Secure Your Tickets Now!

Adult Education: Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog Adult Education: Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog

Calling all Lifelong Learners! Check out the many educational opportunities to learn something new in the Spring/Summer 2025 Catalog recently released.
Click Here For More Information
OTHER UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

DISTRICT LINKS DISTRICT LINKS

WELCOME CENTER / HOMELESS RESOURCES
MAKE A DIFFERENCE - JOIN OUR TEAM
BIDDEFORD: 2024-2025 DISTRICT CALENDAR
DAYTON: 2024-2025 DISTRICT CALENDAR
Biddeford & Dayton School Departments
Jeremy Ray, Superintendent of Schools
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter