Biddeford Schools
November 6, 2019
BEF Teacher Mini-Grant Creates Sensory Path at BPS
Occupational Therapist Laureen Sirois (JFK/BPS) applied and received a mini-grant from the Biddeford Education Foundation this year for a "Krazy Maze" sensory path. This maze gives students the opportunity to take a brain break so they are able to go back to class refocused and ready to learn. Sensory paths allow students the ability to equalize their energy levels for optimal learning. It is also a great way for students to develop motor skills like balance, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.
"I want to thank the Biddeford Education Foundation and all the supporters and donors for making opportunities like this possible for the students of Biddeford," added Sirois.
BIS Students Transform Literacy Lesson to Goodwill to Animal Welfare Society
The class ultimately raised $150.41 in monetary donations and a box of supplies during their pet drive. Brie from the Animal Welfare Society visited their classroom to personally thank the students and she brought one of the cats, Mickey, with her to teach them more about animal rescue. It was a creative way to transform their lesson in literacy to goodwill in our community.
BMS Grants Yield Water Bottle Filling Stations
Thanks to two significant donations from Maine Water Company and Let’s Go! York County, Biddeford Middle School (BMS) students and staff now have access to water bottle filling stations. Over the summer, the units were purchased at cost and installed in-kind by Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating.
“These units are quite costly,” said Director of Community Outreach and Development Karen Chasse. “We are extremely grateful for the donors’ contributions and the BMS Wellness Team for leading this effort to improve healthy choices among our students and staff.”
At an all-school assembly on October 21st, the water bottle filling stations were highlighted at a special event with the donors. Maine Water Company discussed the National “Imagine a Day without Water” Day and distributed over 600 reusable aluminum water bottles for all the students and staff. Following the event, one student exclaimed, “this is so much better than drinking straight from the fountain!”
Adult Education Allows Student to Succeed
Jaime Moran entered the Adult Education program in September 2015 with a goal to complete her high school diploma by May 2016. Not only did she exceed the required credits she needed to graduate but she did so with an A- average. She then enrolled at YCCC as a full-time student majoring in Psychology and completed her Associate’s degree this past summer. As part of her internship at the Center for Grieving Children, Jaime conducted a parent group in Sanford and a teen group at Biddeford High School for six months.
Jaime will continue to attend YCCC to complete her second major in Criminal Justice and take part in the May 2020 graduation. From there, she would like to enroll in New Hampshire University to work towards her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensics. She hopes to do an internship at Biddeford Adult Education to pay it forward. In addition to a full-time job, Jaime would like to teach a Psychology class at night for Biddeford Adult Education once she graduates. She would like to give back to the program that helped start her journey to success.
Jaime gave a speech at her Biddeford Adult Education graduation. Her words resonate as we see her accomplishment. “We may not have the power to inspire the entire world for success, but we do have the power to achieve it ourselves...Your individual successes benefit the world because when you succeed, you are in a position to give rather than take. No matter what, try to excel in everything you do; strive for excellence in every task, large or small although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment you achieve is added to the world.” Congratulations, Jaime!
Biddeford Rising: Bringing Schools and “New Mainers” Together
Immigrant Families and Native Mainers Welcome!
- Conversation sharing your experiences in our schools and community. How can we improve?
- Community Resources
- Translation Services Available
- Free Community Meal
FREE TRANSPORTATION - Call Kerrie Edgerton at 282-8280.
Telephonic translation services available.