Biddeford Schools
October 23, 2019
BPS Grandparents' Day Yields Record Participation!
"Grandparents play such an important role in our students' lives," said BPS assistant principal Jeff Mears. "Although many of the students wrote about their grandparents' food or letting them stay up late, it is the true connection and unconditional love that grandparents offer which has a profound effect on their lives.
For more photos from the event, visit the BPS Facebook photo album.
COT: Increased Enrollment, Expanded Programs, and Second Floor Renovations Complete
Recently, the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT) has undergone some renovations and expanded its programming. For the 2019-2020 school year, an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program was developed, and overall, the COT has 360 students yielding a 15% growth in enrollment in the last year.
In addition to the expanded programming, renovations continued on the second floor to include new equipment, furniture, flooring, and freshly painted walls. “The renovations have provided a sharper, cleaner environment for students,” said Director Paulette Bonneau. “For students, the new more sleek design can provide fewer distractions than before, which has been beneficial. With less visual obstructions, students are able to work more efficiently.”
Farmer's Market Open to All Students at BIS
The Farmer's Market is made possible thanks to a partnership with Youth Full Maine and Good Shepherd Parish. Youth Full Maine's Executive Director Katie Brown said, "We will continue to hold these monthly to ensure Biddeford youth have access to fresh produce with a goal of expanding district-wide. It is a great opportunity to reduce the stigma around food insecurity by having it open to all."
For more photos from the event, visit the BIS Facebook photo album.
BEF Fundraiser Recognizes Ron Cote and Robert Hodge
“Together, Ron and Bob have made a significant impact on the Biddeford community--in both athletics and academics,” stated Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “Their careers mirror the extensive value they place on education and coaching having served Biddeford students for 64 combined years. Ron and Bob are a reflection on the Foundation’s goals - to maximize opportunities for our students in Biddeford - and we are fortunate to have these pillars in our community.”
Ron spent 34 years of his professional career as a Social Studies and Health/Physical Education teacher at Biddeford High School. During that time he mentored youth through coaching Varsity football for 22 years; Girls’ Middle School and Varsity basketball, Boys' Middle School, Varsity and Men’s college-level basketball for 44 years; and Freshmen and Varsity baseball for 15 years. Robert spent 30 years supporting Biddeford youth-- as Principal of Biddeford Junior High, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. Bob also coached basketball, softball, and baseball throughout his career. He was an administrator while the district enrollment exploded leading to multiple capital projects for new schools including JFK, BIS and BPS.
The proceeds from the annual event support the Biddeford Education Foundation which provides resources outside the normal school budget to augment teaching, encourage academic excellence, and maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12. For more information on the BEF, click here or call Karen Chasse at 207-391-6885.
Supporting Staff in Building Resilience Among Our Youth
"The idea that each person who interacts with our students can make a difference is quite powerful," states Zoe Harriman, a Biddeford Primary School Classroom teacher. That means a teacher, administrator, coach, food service worker, custodial staff, and the bus driver can all positively impact a student. Zoe reflects "we all have the ability to make a difference in a child's life, and it starts with us and how we communicate with and support our students."
As a district, we have a Commitment to Students where becoming trauma-informed and building resiliency is foundational to our work. We welcome your partnership in building resiliency in our youth.