DISTRICT UPDATE

Great news (or bad news if you are an avid ski-lover in Maine): Punxsutawney Phil says Spring is coming early after his famous Groundhog Day reveal. Rooted in superstition, this annual February 2nd tradition believes if Punxsutawney Phil emerges and sees his shadow, he will retreat to his den, indicating six more weeks of winter. Conversely, if Punxsutawney Phil doesn't spot his shadow, then an early arrival of spring is anticipated. Let’s hope his prediction is correct, so we don’t have to consider making up snow days if we use them all.

Biddeford Middle School will be hosting the York County Spelling Bee on Monday, February 12th at 3:30pm with students from Saco, Wells, Massabesic, and Bonny Eagle competing. I encourage parents and students to come cheer on BMS finalists Andrew LeBlond-Sturdivant and Brycen Drake. A special thanks to Biddeford High School’s Assistant Principal Adam Flynn, who will be the "Bee Master" and judges Liz Leblanc (BMS), Tara DiVencenzo (BMS), and Noelle Gallant (SMS).

Now is the time to consider enrolling your child in the various programs at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT). If your child is interested in career and technical education opportunities, the COT is now scheduling program visits and accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Year. Space is limited, so I encourage you to talk with your child about the options available and have them schedule an appointment with their guidance counselor before Winter Break: February 19-23.

My Best,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

The Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (COT) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 School Year. If you’d like to learn more about the various programs offered or your child is interested in taking classes at COT, please contact their guidance counselor to schedule a program visit and then apply online via the COT website. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

Scan the QR code to apply today or view the Course Catalog below.

The Unified Sports Club, under the guidance of the Maine Principals’ Association and the Special Olympics of Maine, will play their first competition at the end of this month. Unified Sports partners students with developmental disabilities with students without developmental disabilities to help promote physical activity, teamwork, sportsmanship, and social inclusion.

This year, Biddeford High School’s Unified Basketball Team has 23 students, two coaches, and a cheering squad. The team drew crowds of spectators who left with big smiles as they watched the athletes compete. Please join us in celebrating these fantastic athletes by attending a future game (schedule included below or listed on the BHS Athletics page/mobile app.)

Congratulations to the recent CNA and CNA-Med graduates from Biddeford Adult Education! The Maine State Approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course prepares students to become CNA certified, requiring 70 classroom hours, 20 lab hours, and 40 clinical hours with a focus on personal nursing care.

The Certified Nursing Assistant-Med (CNA-Med) Course follows a standardized medication course utilizing a curriculum prescribed by the Maine State Board of Nursing requiring 60 classroom hours, 20 lab hours, and 40 clinical hours. The CNA-Med Certificate holds the following limitations: elected non-injectable medication, patients 4 years or older, under the on-site supervision of a licensed nurse, only in long-term care, assistive living state mental institutions, county jails, and state correctional facilities.

This month, we encourage the community to join our district in the Read to ME Challenge by reading to/with a child for at least 15 minutes. Reading aloud to children not only provides a bonding experience with caring adults, but the simple act of reading aloud to a child 15 minutes a day for five years results in 27,375 minutes of language exposure which can put children on the path to high literacy achievement. Reading also builds attention span and emotional development, improves concentration and focus, reduces stress and anxiety, and stimulates creativity and imagination.

Snap a photo or short video (15-30 seconds) and post it with your challenge to others to read aloud for 15 minutes to a child they know.

Use hashtag #ReadtoME and tag others.

Biddeford High School's Tiger Gym holds a special place in our community’s heart. The gym is a hub for various events, including sports competitions, pep rallies, graduation, community gatherings, and more! As part of our deep commitment to providing students with both exceptional educational opportunities and diverse extracurriculars, we are looking to acquire a new digital scorer’s table to enhance the experience at Tiger Gym. A new score table will not only improve the functionality of the gym but also contribute to the aesthetics and professionalism of events.

Secure Your Row

To fund this special initiative, we are launching a new fundraiser that we know Tiger fans will get behind! We will be selling bleacher seats in Tiger Gym. You can buy a row of six or 16 seats! With two unique options to choose from, you can make a direct and impactful contribution to our school's athletic and extracurricular programs while showcasing your family's support for the school. All purchasers will have their names listed on their designated row(s). To purchase a bleacher row or inquire about this exclusive opportunity, please click on the form to the left or contact Shelley Kane at skane@biddefordschools.me.

Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT are changing the nature of online communications, work, creativity, and learning. What are the impacts to children’s social and cognitive development in this new, turbocharged Internet? Check out the below “Ask the Experts” webinar from Children and Screens.

It is no secret that bus drivers are in high demand. To assist in meeting the needs of our students, Biddeford Adult Education is offering a Bus Driver CDL Class B Permit Prep class to prepare potential drivers to pass the permit exam, followed by Biddeford’s Transportation Department providing the hands-on training. Bus drivers’ starting pay is $24-$28 per hour with a 5-hour work day and full-time benefits, including health insurance. For more information, call Anne Beaulieu at 282-3883 or email abeaulieu@biddefordschools.me. To sign-up for the class, click on the image below.