Biddeford Schools
September 25, 2019
Stay Connected!
I am pleased to share this new bi-monthly newsletter about relevant information for the Biddeford School Department. My goal is to keep you informed at a district level, showcase academics and innovative classroom lessons, and spotlight accomplishments. This newsletter will be a supplement to the communications you receive directly from your child's school. To stay engaged of timely news and events, I encourage you to "like" the Biddeford School Department and individual school Facebook pages.
I look forward to a great school year with all our students Pre-K through Adult Education!
Sincerely,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
In Biddeford, we're fortunate to have a stable and forward-looking School Committee and a leadership team whose complexion has remained consistent for the last five years. With public input and thoughtful consideration from our district's leadership team, we are pleased to share our 5-year "commitment to students." This commitment contains three pillars. Briefly:
- We redouble our commitment to making strides in a shift toward student-centered instruction, curriculum, and assessment in the last five years.
- We believe that all employees--whether they teach algebra, drive a bus, or feed our student body--must better understand the impacts of trauma, mental health, and substance use on learning.
- We must improve our early interventions to ensure that no student falls through the cracks, and students who struggle are better supported earlier in their academic lives.
Each of the three pillars undergirds a 5-year strategic plan for academics. Our extraordinary faculty and staff dedicate themselves to the service of students in every corner of the district each and every day; through 2024, our school department will measure budget priorities, professional development, curriculum planning, staffing, and deployment of resources against each of these pillars.
Please join us in being part of Biddeford’s ever-improving academic offerings and resultant outcomes. We can’t do it without you!
BHS: Creative Learning in Science
Cell compatibility could be a dry topic to teach kids. Yet, in the AP Biology class at Biddeford High School, students are learning about cell compatibility through Speed Dating for Lonely Organelles (cell parts). Innovative educator, Victoria Salo, decorated the classroom with placemats, candles, and flowers to set the mood for speed dating. Students created a profile for their organelle including the function and disease they may cause. Students created hashtags and favorite movies, etc. to add to their profiles.
"This was a fun way to learn which cells are compatible with other cells," said Senior Megan Mourmourus. "I appreciate our teachers thinking outside the box when it comes to learning. It was way more fun than listening to a lecture."
BPS Hosts Community BBQ
Biddeford Primary School held its Second Annual Community BBQ last week with close to 400 parents and students attending to interact with teachers and staff in a fun, informal manner. This community event brings families and educators together to enjoy food, face-painting, and games on the playground while providing the opportunity for authentic engagement.
According to the National Education Association, family engagement improves student achievement, including higher grades and test scores, increased social skills, overall behavior, and also reduces absenteeism. Our goal is to encourage family involvement at each school. If you have a suggestion on how to improve engagement, please feel comfortable sharing them with the school Principal.
Marching Band is Back!
We welcome the community to support our musicians and attend their upcoming performances. They will be playing at half-time during home football games, including Homecoming on Friday, October 11th at Waterhouse Field. For their full schedule, click on the link below.
Biddeford Education Foundation Pillars of Pride Dinner & Silent Auction
Join the Biddeford Education Foundation at the Fourth Annual Pillars of Pride Dinner and Silent Auction to honor two generous community partners and longtime contributors to learning, Ron Cote and Robert Hodge.
RSVP is required by October 1st. Tickets are $50.00 per person and can be purchased online at https://biddefordschools.me/biddeford-education-foundation/ or by calling Development Director Karen Chasse at 207-391-6885.
Thursday, Oct 10, 2019, 05:30 PM
Duffy's Tavern & Grill OOB, Saco Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, ME, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Contact Us
Email: superintendent@biddefordschools.me
Website: www.biddefordschools.me
Location: 18 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-282-8280
Facebook: facebook.com/biddefordschooldepartment
Twitter: @BiddefordSchDpt