DISTRICT UPDATE

The new school year is upon us, with staff returning next week to set up their classrooms and new staff attending orientation. We are looking forward to students returning and all the energy they bring with them. Our first official day of school is Wednesday, August 27th, for Grades 1-8 (see below for all grades and start dates).

To ensure a smoother first day of school, we recommend a few tips:

• Begin an early-to-bed, “school night” routine a week prior to the first day.

• Communicate any changes with the school prior to the first day.

• Dress for the weather! It is still summer, and the schools can get hot, so those new jeans may not be the best option if we return on an 80-degree day.

• Assure your child they can enjoy free breakfast and lunch at school but please pack a water bottle!

• Be extra aware of your surroundings as kids begin gathering (and playing) at bus stops.

• Plan ahead for traffic as bus drivers and students learn their new routine.

• Greet your kids at the bus stop at the end of the day, if possible (older children really appreciate this one!).
  
  

• Newsletters: I will continue to send monthly newsletters via email, which will also be posted on the website, social media, and mobile app. Please take the time to thoroughly read through these newsletters for important information on upcoming events, transportation, parent portal registration, medication usage, food services, achievements, and more.

• ReachMyTeach: We have transitioned from Talking Points to ReachMyTeach as a two-way communication platform that makes it easy to connect families through the languages they speak and the devices they use every day. This platform will also allow 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 now 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 (see below for exact links).

• 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 encourage parents and guardians to follow the school and district social media pages, read the newsletters to stay informed, and ask questions for clarification.

• District website

• District Facebook Page

• District Mobile App: iPhone Download & Android Download

Sincerely,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

Please refer to the updated 2025-2026 School Calendar below for school times and important dates, including early release, vacations, etc. The first day of school will be based on your child(ren)’s grade:

• PreK: First Day is September 4th

• Kindergarten: First Day is September 2nd

• Grades 1-8: First Day is August 27th

If you have not yet registered your child(ren) for Pre-K or Kindergarten, please register them as soon as possible via this link. To attend, they must be turning the age of four (4) for Pre-K or five (5) for Kindergarten before October 15, 2025.

We understand that starting at a new school can be anxiety-provoking for many students and their parents, so we want to ease those fears and minimize any barriers to a successful return to school. Therefore, all schools have set up open houses to give families and students a chance to meet their teacher(s) and hear some basic information about what to expect as we head into a new school year. If you are unable to attend the open house, please contact the principal directly.

• Fairfield School - Grades K-2:

• August 25th from 4:30-6:30pm

• Young School - Grades K-2:

• August 25th from 4:30-6:30pm

• CK Burns School - Grades 3-5:

• August 21st from 4:30-6:30pm

• Saco Middle School - Grades 6-8:

• August 26th from 4:30-6:30pm

• Pre-K Visit Day:

• August 28th

In public schools in Maine, youth will again have access to free breakfast and lunch this year, which meet nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although there is no charge, parents will be 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, aid packages via the FAFSA for rising seniors, and teachers' student loan forgiveness.

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.

Stay informed by downloading the school district’s mobile app! It will allow parents to choose the school(s) they would like to get notifications from, see the dining menu quickly, access the live feed, sports schedules and scores, important documents, emergency notifications, and more! Simply download the relevant app:

• Download for iPhone: https://aptg.co/Tly4Kp
• Download for Android: https://aptg.co/kx9G4g

The Saco School Department is embarking on a comprehensive revision of our strategic plan, and we need your voice to help shape the future of education in our community. We invite all community members, parents, and stakeholders to participate in our initial survey.

Strategic planning committee meetings will be held twice monthly on Mondays from 4:30-5:30pm. 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 pleased to welcome Ben Fogg as the new Assistant Principal of Saco Middle School. Mr. Fogg brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including a decade focused on middle-level instruction. His background includes teaching 6th grade social studies, ELA, and science, as well as 8th grade history and economics for the past five years. With a B.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Adult and Higher Education, and a C.A.S. in Educational Leadership, Mr. Fogg looks forward to drawing on his experiences to support both students and teachers in meaningful ways—encouraging students to embrace challenges, take thoughtful risks, and grow academically and socially, while empowering teachers to innovate and enhance engagement.

At the heart of Mr. Fogg’s leadership is a commitment to building strong relationships and fostering a positive school culture where students and staff feel supported, heard, and valued. Whether collaborating with teachers, cheering on students at events, or partnering with families to nurture resilience, Mr. Fogg believes trust and collaboration are key to student success. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Portland with their two beloved rescue dogs, Gigi and Mia. He invites families to stop by, say hello, and join him in creating an exciting year of learning and growth at Saco Middle School.