RSU 57 Community Newsletter
October 16, 2023
Message from the Superintendent
Dear RSU 57 Community,
I hope this newsletter finds each of you enjoying the beautiful fall weather we’ve had this past week. The change of the seasons is upon us. This time of year marks a transition from the hustle and bustle of the start of a new school year to the settling in of established routines and expectations for our students.
As I regularly visit our RSU 57 schools, I’m continually reminded of why our district is such a special place. We are fortunate to have hard-working and caring staff who connect with and serve the thousands of phenomenal students who walk through our doors each day. The best part of my day is always when I get to be in schools and in classrooms watching the partnership between our students and staff as they work together to move learning forward.
Speaking of moving learning forward, I am thrilled to share that the RSU 57 School Board has formally approved our district’s first comprehensive Strategic Plan. We are finalizing the formatting and design of the plan, but the content of the plan is set and our district and school leadership has already begun the work of planning its implementation.
As we embark on this transformative journey with our new RSU 57 Strategic Plan, I want to share the boundless optimism and excitement that lies ahead for our school district. At the heart of our plan is a profound commitment: to ensure that every student, regardless of their chosen path after graduation, is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our vision is not just about academic excellence, but about molding resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking individuals who are ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.
Our Strategic Plan also places a significant emphasis on strengthening the connections between our schools and our community. We believe that a school is not just a place for learning, but a cornerstone of the community—a place where dreams are nurtured, ambitions are fueled, and futures are forged. By deepening our community connections, we aim to create partnerships where our students benefit from real-world experiences, and our community thrives because of the contributions of our well-rounded and civic-minded graduates.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to ensuring that our graduates not only understand the tenets of American democracy but are also prepared to be its torchbearers. Our students will leave our halls as informed, engaged, and contributing citizens, ready to play their part in ensuring American democracy continues to thrive for generations to come. Together, let's embrace this promising future and work hand-in-hand to bring our district’s Strategic Plan to life.
At RSU 57, “We prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.”
Warm Regards,
Dr. Stephen D. Marquis
Return of Recycling Program at Shapleigh Memorial
After a short break, Shapleigh Memorial School has announced the return of its recycling program! Student volunteers will take the lead and each day they will pick up the recycling of all classrooms and office spaces, ensure the contents are appropriate, and provide education to the classrooms as needed. Shapleigh Memorial is honored to have Colin Dangora, Emerson Mang, Treyson McKinnon, Jack Keef, Aracely Stam, Colin O'Brien, Ali Brown, Nick Richardson and Sophia Landry taking on these leadership roles in their school community! (Pictured below)
Fire Safety Week at Alfred Elementary
Alfred Elementary students learned about fire safety as part of the National Fire Prevention Week which took place October 8 - October 14. Students participated in a hands-on smokehouse demonstration and got to explore emergency vehicles with local first responders. Thank you to all firefighters who donated their time to our students! (Pictured below)
Bagel Biz at Lyman Elementary
Lyman Elementary Fifth Graders Aubree Thayer, Issac York, Wyatt McDonald, James Pike, and Bella Boyden ran their first "Bagel Biz" on Friday, September 29. Students were tasked with preparing, packaging, charging, and delivering Panera bagels to staff members. Students hope to use their profits to go towards funding cooking sessions and an end of year field trip. Way to go, Mustangs! (Pictured below)
2nd Annual MMS Halloween Carnival
Student Success At Fryeburg Fair
Massabesic High School Student Lydia Ridley was awarded intermediate showmanship at the Fryeburg Fair for her Brown Swiss Dairy Heifer, Helen. The award follows Lydia's win for Overall Showmanship at The Big E in September, where she outperformed other 4-H members in junior, intermediate, and senior classes. Showmanship contests are evaluated based on preparation of animals for show, the apparent training, and the appearance and behavior of the exhibitor.
Lydia also placed second with her market lamb, Bacari, which sold at the Fair for $8/pound.
Great job, Lydia! (Pictured below)
Volunteers Needed for Career Days
Massabesic High School is excited to host three Career Days during the 2023-2024 school year. Our goal is to show students how education and career preparation is essential to their future jobs and careers. We are looking for working professionals to come into our classrooms and speak to students about how one, or more, of the content areas taught in high school apply to their current profession or field.
Please click on the link below if you are interested in this opportunity and are able to speak to high school students about how you use English, Math, Social Studies, Sciences, Technology, Health, Physical Education, and/or Visual and Performing Arts in your job. Selected speakers will lead five 50-minute sessions throughout the day, with the support of a classroom teacher.
Interested volunteers should complete the interest form linked below. If you have any questions, please contact Marianne Stephenson at mariannestephenson@rsu57.org.
Dates to Remember...
October 18: Early Release Day (District Wide)
October 19: Human Resources Committee Meeting @ 6pm - East Training Center or YouTube
October 24: Transportation/Security Committee Meeting @ 6pm - East Training Center or YouTube
October 25: Finance Committee Meeting @ 6pm - East Training Center or YouTube
October 25: School Board Meeting @ 7pm - East Training Center or YouTube
Regional School Unit 57
RSU 57 prepares students for success
in an ever-changing world.
Email: katherinedupuis@rsu57.org
Website: https://www.rsu57.org/
Location: 86 West Road, Waterboro, ME, USA
Phone: 207-247-3221
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsu57/