RSU 16 Spotlight

As we head into April vacation, I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, and families for the hard work, care, and commitment you've shown throughout this busy spring season. Whether you're traveling, relaxing at home, or catching up on a good book, I hope this break offers you a chance to recharge and spend time with the people who matter most.

Wishing you all a safe and restful week—we'll see you soon!

Amy

Mrs. Meader and PRHS Class of 2025 Western Maine Conference Citizenship Award winners Autumn Demelia and Olivia Austin.

Mabel Tyler is the 2025 PRHS recipient of the Maine Principals Association Principal’s Award for academic excellence and citizenship.

First and fifth grade book buddies at PCS used their GEO bags from the MEEA grant to make connections between literacy and their environment. Students also practiced phonic skills, reading, and decoding shapes. Mrs. Fuller and Ms. Ferland are grateful for the incredible support from Mrs. Mathieu and the GEO bags. Thank you Maine Environmental Education Association!!!

Minot Consolidated School sends a huge THANK YOU to our amazing Community Club for sponsoring our recent author visit! The students had a fantastic time with the incredibly creative, funny, and engaging Chris Van Dusen. Every student had the special opportunity to get a book signed by the author to take home!

We truly appreciate your continued support. Thank you again, Community Club!

Juliette Szantyr and Annabelle Whitten represented Whittier Middle School at the Girls' Day at the State House event last Monday. The girls participated in a number of online meetings and leadership training prior to the event at the State House.

At the event, the girls met Matthea Elisabeth Larsen Daughtry, President of the Maine Senate, Shana Bellows, Secretary of State and Governor Janet Mills and lots of other girls from around the state. They also got to cast a vote in the House of Representatives. Annabelle said her favorite part was casting the vote.

The Women’s Lobby Education Fund reached out to all girls in the program to say they were honored to get to know them and learn from them over this past month. Since Monday they have heard from many of their speakers, volunteers, and State House staff members, who all said that you were one of the best youth groups they have seen.

Jack Rozos, President of the Poland Historical Society, stopped by Central Office today to pick up old Board meeting notebooks. Tracy Watson discovered the documents tucked away in a file cabinet, and now they’ll be preserved as part of our community’s history.

Thanks to Jack and the Poland Historical Society for helping keep our story alive!

Elm Street School was thrilled to take part in the Maine DOE’s Week of the Young Child, a special week dedicated to celebrating the whole child and the incredible learning that happens every day in early childhood education.

Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of hands-on, joyful activities that highlighted creativity, collaboration, and exploration. They cooked delicious treats, made music using Boomwhackers during lively performances, and expressed themselves through art by painting with brushes—and even feathers!

The celebration concluded with Family Friday, a heartwarming event where students invited special family members into their classroom. Children proudly shared their favorite parts of school, showing off their work and giving families a glimpse into their world of learning and fun.

It was a week full of laughter, discovery, and connection—one that truly honored the spirit of early childhood education.

Here’s to the bus drivers, van drivers, mechanics, monitors, and everyone who helps get students to and from school safely every single day. Your work often starts before sunrise and ends well after the final bell—and we are so grateful for the care, patience, and dedication you show our kids.

Thank you for keeping the wheels turning and the smiles rolling!

Each year, RSU 16 must share with families, under the Title I statute, our dashboard distributed by the Maine Department of Education. To access the dashboard, go to https://www.maine.gov/doe/dashboard

Access the full school calendar on our website to stay informed and organized. We appreciate your partnership in creating a successful and well-prepared school year for your child.

RSU 16 has decided not to continue offering COVID test kits to families. Our current supply will expire at the end of the month, and due to the limited number of kits distributed this year, we encourage families to take advantage of the free test kits available for order online. You can find more information and request kits at COVIDtests.gov.