RSU 57 Community Newsletter

Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the RSU 57 community. This season reminds us of the importance of reflection, appreciation, and togetherness, values that are at the core of our district’s mission to nurture and support one another as we prepare students for success in an ever changing world.

To our students, thank you for the energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm you bring to your learning each day. Your dedication and drive inspire us all to work harder and dream bigger.

To our families, your partnership is vital to the success of our schools. Your support and encouragement ensure that our students feel empowered to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

To our incredible staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and community. Your hard work and passion make RSU 57 a place where excellence and growth flourish.

As you enjoy this well-deserved break, I hope you find time to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether through gathering around the table, sharing laughter, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of this season, may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, gratitude and maybe some great football or holiday movie.

On behalf of RSU 57, I wish you all a safe, happy, and enjoyable holiday. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community, and I look forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for the exciting months ahead.

With warmest regards,

Stephen D. Marquis, PhD.

Seventh-graders at Massabesic Middle School recently showcased their research and debate skills in an interdisciplinary project on renewable energy. Guided by their Interdisciplinary Studies teachers, Michelle Turner and Bailey Daigle, students explored sustainable energy solutions that could power their school, such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal energy, and biomass. This project is part of the new Interdisciplinary Studies program at MMS inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, where teachers have transitioned from traditional subjects to leading student-centered, inquiry-based learning. The debates, judged by Maine DOE’s Glenn Cummings and ReVision Energy’s Phil Coupe, highlighted the students’ innovative thinking and research. Read more about the event by checking out the Maine DOE Newsroom article HERE!

MHS sophomores Connor Remillard and Brielle Densmore along with MHS junior, Walker Vivian, received an all-expenses-paid trip to Valley Forge, PA, for the 2024 Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference. Each student wrote an essay that advanced from regionals to win the "National Americanism Contest". The conference took place from November 7th to 10th, 2024 and was sponsored by the AMVETS and the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. Brielle was unable to go this year as she had a previously scheduled commitment. Connor attended the conference and gave a speech at Independence Hall (pictured), and Walker returned to the conference for his second year in a leadership role as a student ambassador (pictured here at Benjamin Franklin's gravesite).

Tuesday in the Trees with pre-k is a magical outdoor learning experience where our learners engage with nature to spark curiosity and foster early literacy skills. As they explore the woods, children practice observational skills and engage in hands-on learning activities. By connecting language development with the wonders of the natural world, Tuesday in the Trees becomes a vibrant classroom where children learn, play, and grow together. Please see the video that highlights this outdoor learning time.

This month for our Harvest of the Month, we did a "DISTRICT WIDE " presentation! Instead of being in one school with our HotM recipe demo, we sent it out district wide and ALL 7 SCHOOLS got to try our Garlic Parmesan Maine Broccoli recipe at some point this month during their lunch time (*check school lunch menus to see when it was served)! Click the link below to view the slideshow presentation given to students!

It is with great excitement and pride that we announce the recipients of the Model Mustang Staff Award for the month of October! This award is a tribute to those outstanding individuals who embody the qualities of a true “Model Mustang”; they inspire, lead, foster positivity, persevere, and excel in all that they do. Each Model Mustang was nominated by colleagues who took the time to acknowledge and celebrate their coworkers’ exceptional contributions to our district. Their hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for the positive impact they have within RSU 57! This month's raffle winner is Phil Gibson from our RSU 57 Operations department!

"Phil has jumped into his new role as the Building Maintenance Coordinator with a high level of customer service, eagerness to learn and a level of care that is second to none. We are incredibly lucky to have him here!"

Click the button below to view the full list of Model Mustang recipients. Congratulations, all!

Thank you to our 5th graders and their families for supporting our RSU 57 Outreach Community Closet during the month of "Socktober"!

Massabesic High School's National Honor Society is sponsoring its fourth annual Ugly Sweater 5K! ALL the proceeds of the event will be used to purchase holiday gifts from the giving trees in RSU 57's schools, libraries, and town halls. Never run/walked/crawled a 5K before? No worries. We've got you covered!

The event starts at Massabesic High School's track on December 1, 2024, at 9:00 am (check-in starts at 8:30 am) and takes you through the back roads nearby. Be sure to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater!

If you're not able to participate but would like to donate, visit the DONATE section on our website! Sponsors (individuals, families, and businesses) will be mentioned on the back of the shirts as well.

Thank you for making holiday wishes come true for the kids in our community.

Massabesic High School's National Honor Society

SIGN UP LINK: https://bit.ly/uglysweater5k2024

November 27-December 1: Thanksgiving Break

November 28-29: District Closed

December 3: Policy Committee Meeting @ 6pm - East Training Center or YouTube

December 10: Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 6pm - East Training Center or YouTube

December 11: Early Release Day

December 11: Finance Committee Meeting @ 5:30pm - East Training Center or YouTube

December 11: School Board Meeting @ 7pm - East Training Center or YouTube

"Preparing students for success in an ever-changing world."

Phone: 207-247-3221

Website: https://www.rsu57.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsu57/

Central Office: 86 West Road, Waterboro, ME, USA