DISTRICT UPDATE
March 25, 2022
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
According to Maine Law LD 153, statewide testing for lead in all school water sources will occur by May 31, 2022 thanks to a federal grant. As with most schools in Maine constructed decades ago, pipes, solder, and brass fixtures can be a potential source of lead so any water used for drinking or cooking purposes will be sampled. Maine's drinking water threshold is no more than 4 parts per billion (ppb); whereas the federal threshold is 15 ppb. Any fixtures exceeding the Maine threshold for lead must be reported to the public within five (5) days of the findings.
As we currently undergo testing at our schools, we were not surprised to learn from a recent Press Herald article that approximately one-third of the Maine schools already tested have come back positive. Fortunately (ironic to see a positive outcome from the pandemic), all our school water fountains were closed the last two years and were only recently flushed and opened during the last six weeks. Any water sources above the threshold will immediately be removed from service, flushed for mitigation, and resampled to determine the source of the lead–fixtures versus pipes–to perform remediation.
This week we received the results for most of our schools with the exception of John F. Kennedy School (JFK) and Biddeford High School (BHS). We are relieved that our preliminary results are better than expected with 82% of our fixtures below the threshold and 18% (equivalent to eight out of 97 fixtures) taken out of service until remediation. The complete results are listed below and once we receive the JFK and BHS reports, we will notify families and staff and link them to the district website. Please review the Maine CDC Information Sheet and the EPA Flyer to learn steps to protect yourself in your home as well.
John F. Kennedy School (JFK) Results - not yet available
Biddeford High School (BHS) Results - not yet available
STUDENTS PreK-4
The Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is April 2-8, 2022. This week is designed to focus public attention on the needs of young children birth through age 8, and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Celebrations to recognize the Week of the Young Child are planned throughout Maine and the entire country. Learn more at the MaineAEYC website or watch for more information in Principal newsletters.
STUDENTS GRADES 5-11
As parents and students 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 public schools. We will continue to have smaller class sizes, allowing for increased personal attention, fostering cooperative learning, and addressing students’ social-emotional needs. Please reach out to your child’s Guidance Counselor and/or review the options available at your school.
Biddeford Middle School (for Biddeford and Dayton Students) - Link to website
Biddeford High School - Link to Course of Studies
Biddeford Regional Center of Technology - Link to Course Catalog
Saco Middle School (for Dayton Students) - Link to website
Also included in this newsletter is an exciting youth leadership opportunity, PreK and Kindergarten Registration information and upcoming events, and additional access to free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests from the state and federal government.
Stay Well,
Jeremy Ray
Superintendent of Schools
Packed House for Willy Wonka Jr. - Don’t Miss Tonight!
The show's second performance will be held this evening, Friday, March 25, in the Performing Arts Center at 6:30 pm at Biddeford Middle School. There is no cost for admission, but donations are welcomed at the door. All proceeds support the BMS Drama Club.
Pre-K and Kindergarten - Register Early for Fall Screening!
Tiger Pride in Action
"I have always told my children, 'Litter is just never ok, ever'," said Missy. "This past Sunday he asked me if he could choose the place and said the school so we spent the day at BMS collecting three and a half bags of trash. I never thought I would create such a compassionate little boy around this, but I am glad I did as it brings me joy that he cares about this stuff as much as I do. He is a wonderful young man as it is, and this just makes it better."
To kick off the Spring season, Rocky plans to spend some time at the schools in the coming weeks to beautify all Biddeford Schools. We are very proud of our students, especially Rocky for showing his Tiger Pride by giving back to his community and taking care of the surrounding nature we are so lucky to have in Biddeford.
Open to All Families
Great Job Opportunity Feeding Students!
The School Nutrition Program needs Food Service Assistants to join our team for preparing and serving students nutritious, appealing meals! Assist with light cooking, preparing fruit and veggies, and serving meals.
Perfect hours for parents/guardians; work only when children are in school 4-5 hours/day and no later than 1:00 p.m.
Work daily, work a few days a week, or be a substitute and work occasionally
Fun, rewarding work environment
Weekends, holidays, school vacations off! Summer hours available, if interested.
If interested in joining our great team, call Director of School Nutrition Sue Morrell at 207-409-3749 or email smorrell@biddefordschools.me.
Best of Broadway Musical
Friday, April 29 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, April 30 @ 2:00pm or 7:30pm
BMS Performing Arts Center
Cost: TBD
Biddeford High School students will be participating in this high-energy, fun, entertaining production featuring some of Broadway's favorite song-and-dance numbers. Directed and choreographed by Deb Lombard, this production features 18 cast members, a student crew, over 300 costumes, and a 16-number show. Parent volunteers are needed to assist with the show. If you are interested in helping, please email skane@biddefordschools.me.
Come out and support our performing arts students!
Official Links/Contact Information
Email: supt@biddefordschools.me
Website: www.biddefordschools.me
Location: 18 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME, USA
Phone: 207-282-8280
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biddefordschooldepartment/
Twitter: @BiddefordSchDpt