It's wonderful to have our students back in the buildings, with their excitement filling the air! As we begin this new school year, the first week is always a time of adjustment as everyone settles into new routines. We appreciate your patience and understanding, especially with the mix of emotions that can come with transitions like starting kindergarten or adjusting to a new school. Our staff's professionalism, care, and flexibility continue to shine as they support our students.

I’m always amazed by the incredible amount of work accomplished by our custodial and maintenance teams, food services and transportation staff, front office personnel, teachers, educational technicians, and administrators to ensure the best possible start for our students. Please know that we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

ATTENDANCE

On behalf of our entire educational team, we want to remind parents and students about the critical importance of regular school attendance and punctuality (see start times below). Even missing just one day a month can significantly impact student’s learning. Encouraging consistent attendance is one of the most powerful ways parents can support the work we do in the classroom. When parents stress the importance of being present, it helps children develop healthy habits that will serve them well beyond graduation.

FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH

In public schools in Maine, youth will once again have access to free breakfast and lunch this year, which meet nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I encourage parents to review the menus each month on the district website (or school app) and take advantage of this program–one less thing to think about in the morning! Although there is no charge, parents will be asked to complete the economic status questions during online registration as the data provided is used to determine our school funding, including Title 1 funds for special education programs, before/after and summer school programs; discounts on laptop insurance and internet; and teacher's student loan forgiveness.

STAY INFORMED

Throughout the school year, we will strive to maintain clear and open lines of communication. Our school websites, newsletters, and mobile app will keep you informed about important dates, classroom updates, menus, and exciting happenings within our school community. If you are interested in community events endorsed by the district, they will be published in a separate Community Newsletter updated weekly, so be sure to bookmark this link.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children. As we navigate this year together, let's remember that each child's journey is unique, and growth takes time. Here's to a year filled with wonder, discovery, and endless possibilities!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Ray

Superintendent of Schools

• Thursday, September 5: First Day of PreK
  
• Monday, September 9: Dayton Community Club Meeting at 6:30pm at DCS
  
• Tuesday, September 10: Dayton’s School Committee Meeting at 6:30pm at DCS
  
• Wednesday, September 11: Our first early release day. As a reminder, the early release times are as follows:
  
• Pre-K: No school on early release days.
  
• JFK (Kindergarten only): Dismissal at 11:50am
  
• BPS & BIS: Dismissal at 12:00pm
  
• BMS: Dismissal at 12:50pm
  
• BHS & COT: Dismissal at 12:25pm
  
• Dayton Consolidated: Dismissal at 11:30am
  
• Wednesday, September 11: Biddeford’s School Committee Meeting at 5pm at BHS Little Theater
  
• Thursday, September 19: BHS & COT Open House from 4:30-6:30pm
  
• Tuesday, September 24: JFK Flu Clinic Day (see below for sign-up)
  
• Wednesday, September 25:
  
• Dayton Consolidated Early Release: Dismissal at 11:30am
  
• Dayton & BMS Flu Clinic Day (see below for sign-up)
  
• Biddeford’s School Committee Meeting at 7pm at BHS Little Theater
  
• Thursday, September 26: BPS, BIS, & BHS/APC/COT Flu Clinic Day (see below for sign-up)

It is very important for parents to complete the registration process in order to stay connected and informed about your child(ren)’s education. If you have not yet set up your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or need to make any edits to your information, please do so by clicking on the links below. Step-by-step instructions (apply to both Biddeford and Dayton) are available by clicking here.

Approximate bus stops/times have been noted in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal under the 2024/2025 School Year tab. If your child is still in need of transportation, please complete this Request Form. If you have any questions about your child(ren)’s transportation needs, please contact the Transportation Department at 282-0909 or email mike.hallett@biddefordschools.me.

Families who have signed up for transportation can download the BusRight App to follow their students' bus. For more information on BusRight, click the button below.

We are partnering with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice to provide flu clinics to our students this year. Please click on the link below specific to your child's school and complete the consent form.

• JFK - September 24 (9am-1pm)
  
• BPS - September 26 (7:30am-10am)
  
• BIS - September 26 (10:15am-12pm)
  
• BMS - September 25 (1pm-2:30pm)
  
• BHS/APC/BRCOT - September 26 (1pm-2:30pm)
• Dayton - September 25 (8am-10am)
  
  

Parents must complete all fields on the form, so please use NA if it doesn’t apply. Although the vaccine is provided at no charge, there is a cost to administer the vaccine. We appreciate it if you included accurate insurance information. There is no out-of-pocket cost; those without insurance will be vaccinated with the appropriate form completed. Children presenting with an incomplete form will not receive their vaccine.

All clinics will have injectable vaccines. In addition, FluMist (nasal spray) may be available at some clinics. We cannot guarantee it for all clinics. Unless you clearly mark which type of vaccine you prefer, and there is no contraindication to either type of vaccine, the nurse at the clinic will determine which type of vaccine to use for your child.

For information about flu and the vaccine, click here. If you need a translated form, are unable to complete an electronic form, or have specific questions about the vaccine clinic, please call the school nurse directly.

Please take the time to read the important health information update from the school nurses below to ensure your child(ren) have a smooth, healthy transition and that you have all the information you need to prevent any disruptions to starting the school year. This update addresses everything from required immunizations to medication use to head lice protocols.

The Southern Maine Elementary Cross Country program, open to Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton students in Grades 3-5 (including those who attend St. James School), will begin gearing up for this year’s season. Last year, over 300 students participated in several meets. This program offers students the opportunity to stay active in a free, after-school sport, regardless of their economic background. It not only encourages a life-long healthy habit that boosts self-esteem and academic performance, but it also promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

The season runs from September 12-October 7th, with registration forms due by Tuesday, September 11th (see below). Mark your calendars now for the meets on September 23, September 30, and October 7, starting at 3:30pm.

To further reduce barriers to participation, the districts provide transportation and snacks and partner with A Running Passion so youth have access to reduced-cost, quality running shoes and apparel through their annual Shoe Jamboree. Last year, nearly 50% of the participants received new sneakers! The Jamboree is also open to middle school students participating in a cross country program. So, be sure to register now to attend the event on Sunday, September 8th between 9am-12:45pm at Waterhouse Field (Rain location: BHS Steve White Gym).

Saturday, October 19th at 6:00 pm

The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford

Tickets: $50 each (Purchase Here)

The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Pillars of Pride Dinner and Silent Auction. This year, the guest of honor will be the Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco. This charitable organization has not only provided substantial donations for scholarships, programming, and students in need but also contributes countless volunteer hours to make our school system a better place, and we are excited to celebrate their members.

Tickets are on sale for $50 each, which includes entry to the event, hors d’ouevres, and one drink ticket. All proceeds support the needs of students that fall outside of the regular school budget. Through grant monies and fundraising efforts, the BEF is able to provide food, clothing, rent relief, and teacher mini-grants to enrich students' educational experiences. For more information, please contact skane@biddefordschools.me.

Our heartfelt thank you to Carl Goodwin Inc. for their generous contribution to refurbishing the Waterhouse Field 50/50 booth in memory of Earl Goodwin, who was a beloved figure in our community and the Captain of 50/50 in Biddeford. This act of kindness not only honors Earl’s legacy but also enhances Waterhouse Field, a vital space where our student-athletes grow, compete, and create lifelong memories. We are deeply grateful to Carl and his team for their support in preserving this important part of our community.

Stay informed by downloading the school district’s mobile app! It will allow parents to choose the school(s) they would like to get notifications from, see the dining menu quickly, access the live feed, sports schedules and scores, important documents, emergency notifications, and more! Simply download the relevant app at the link below:

• BIDDEFORD:

• Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3fu8z4q

• Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/2QFUBST

• Video - https://youtu.be/IEc79nbB43c

• DAYTON:

• Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3ubORP7

• Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/2Ps31fY

• Video: https://youtu.be/YABUu1YruGI