One more week and this full “normal” school year is coming to an end! It has been so nice to see students interacting in groups, volunteers back in schools to assist, and hosting assemblies, clubs, and activities, and field trips as we did pre-pandemic. From the Special Olympics to the Retirement Party, it has been rejuvenating to see the smiles and camaraderie of students and staff alike enjoying their time together. I commend every parent, teacher, employee, board member, childcare provider, volunteer, and community member on their role--big or small--in helping our students navigate the transition and build positive childhood experiences.

EXPANDING CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Yesterday, an official Groundbreaking Ceremony took place for the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT)’s $7 million expansion project, funded by the Maine Department of Education. The new build will address much-needed improvements and allow the COT to expand and offer new Career and Technical Education programming, including the creation of a Culinary Arts and Hospitality program, an Athletic Training program, and expanding the EMT and Plumbing and Heating programs. See the full article and photos included in this newsletter.

DEVICE RETURN

As the school year comes to an end, it is important all borrowed devices are returned to ensure we have time to clean, repair, and reassign them for use in the fall. Please return any devices to the school from which it was assigned no later than the last day of school, June 16th.

SUMMER PROGRAMMING

Our last day of school for students is Friday, June 16th (half day). The school department runs several programs in the summer, ranging from an academic program for English Language Learners to BLAST! Each individual program will reach out to participants with details. If your student will participate in any summer program (including Jumpstart, ELL, or ESY), they still need to return their device to the school.

FOOD ACCESS THROUGHOUT SUMMER

As school lets out for the summer, food access is often a concern for many families. Included in this newsletter is a list of resources to assist those in need. If there are any changes, we will post them on our social media platforms and website.

WORK PERMITS

Work permits can still be obtained. If your child is 14 years old (or turning 14 soon) and interested in getting a job this summer, please complete this form, save and email it to Kerrie Edgerton at kedgerton@biddefordschools.me . A copy of your child’s birth certificate will also need to be attached to the email. It can be sent as a photo or scanned from your phone. Permits can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks to process through the State. For additional questions, call 282-8280 ext 5.

I hope you all have a safe and happy summer enjoying time with family and friends. Throughout the coming months, I will continue to post updates on our website and social media platforms as I have relevant information to share with parents.

My Best,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

Don’t forget to vote next week for the 2023-2024 School Budget on Tuesday, June 13th for Biddeford and Thursday, June 15th for Dayton. Although it’s a challenging year, we continue to seek innovative ways to meet the budget constraints, and with your support, we can continue making a positive difference for students. The proposed budgets are linked here: Biddeford / Dayton.

(L-R): The Honorable Ryan Fecteau, Former Speaker of the House and Current Senior Advisor for Community Development and Strategic Initiatives in the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future; Dwight Littlefield, Maine State Director for Career and Technical Education; The Honorable Janet Mills, Governor of Maine; Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Biddeford, Saco & Dayton School Departments; and Paulette Bonneau, Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and Member of the Maine State Board of Education.

Over 100 community members and State representatives gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT) expansion. This $7 million project, funded by the Maine Department of Education, will increase Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming beginning with building a wing onto Biddeford High School behind the Center of Technology. The expansion will allow students increased choice in career pathways, such as the newly-created Culinary, Hospitality, and Athletic Training programs, along with adding more space to accommodate an increased enrollment of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Plumbing and Heating programs.

"CTE programs equip students with the skills and hands-on experiences they need to secure good paying jobs and to have rewarding lifelong careers in the trades,” said Maine State Governor Janet Mills. “For decades, Maine has not done nearly enough to invest in modernizing or expanding this effective model of education. Two years ago, the Legislature approved my Maine Jobs in Recovery Plan, which invested $20 million in Maine CTEs, including equipment. Biddeford’s CTE will create a culinary arts and hospitality program and the State’s very first Athletic Training Program. Since I have taken office, CTE enrollment state-wide has grown by nearly 11%, with an almost 300% increase in exploratory programs. Today, 27 CTE programs in regional centers enroll nearly 10,000 students in 85 different programs. Many of these students will achieve industry accreditation, earn college credit, and graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to continue in the job market or in higher education. That’s good for Maine students; it’s good for our economy."

The expansion will also have the capacity for future middle school programming to explore students’ interests and provide space for workforce training and skill enrichment classes through Biddeford Adult Education. All programs in the new addition will offer certifications such as ServSafe, OSHA 10, NCCER Plumbing Certifications, EMT Basic Licensure, CPR & First Aid, Athletic Training, dual enrollment opportunities, and post-graduate Apprenticeship opportunities.

“Today is a remarkable day in our history as we begin a transformative journey that will empower our students, provide more opportunities, and shape the future of our community,” said Paulette Bonneau, Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. “This groundbreaking ceremony signifies more than just the construction of a building; it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and practical skills. This new wing represents a bold step forward in fulfilling our responsibility to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world, a hub where students can explore a wide range of career pathways to discover their passion and prepare them for success in the workforce. The impact of this endeavor will shape the lives of generations to come and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.”

Construction of the expansion is expected to be completed by July 2024.

Congratulations to the 170 students who graduated from Biddeford High School and the Alternative Pathways Center last week. Thank you to Maureen Grandmaison Photography for taking photos of all the festivities which family members can access via the School Department's Facebook Page (Linked Here).

Thank you to our families who came out to join staff at Biddeford's Family Fun Night on June 1st. Students and their families enjoyed a BBQ, face painting, basketball, bubbles, and many other fun games. The weather was beautiful, and we enjoyed seeing students from our elementary schools all coming together to share some smiles.

Congratulations to the Biddeford and Dayton School Department staff who retired this year. We appreciate their years of service and educating the youth in our communities.