RSU 57 Community Newsletter

October 2, 2024

Message from the Superintendent

Dear RSU 57 Community,

As we begin the month of October, I would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for our custodial staff. Today is Custodial Worker Appreciation Day, and we are deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of these employees. Their tireless efforts ensure our schools and grounds remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all, creating an environment where students can thrive.

In the spirit of supporting our students, many have begun their NWEA testing this past week. We are proud of their efforts and encourage families to continue providing support and encouragement as they navigate this important part of their educational journey.

Addressing the well-being of our students is a priority, and I want to personally invite you to join us for the Massabesic High School Community Forum on Thursday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Massabesic High School Gym. The forum, titled "Addressing Student Mental Health and Social-Emotional Well-Being," will include a presentation from school administration, followed by breakout discussions, feedback sessions, and a concluding Q&A. This is an important opportunity for the community to come together, share insights, and help shape the strategies that will support our students' mental health and emotional development. We hope you can attend and take part in this critical conversation. Refreshments will be provided.

On the topic of transportation, I’d like to inform you of a few changes. Bus cancellation notifications will now be sent directly to the families of students affected by route changes. For those who wish to stay updated on all cancellations, this information will still be available on the district’s Facebook page and in the Live Feed section of the RSU 57 website. Additionally, principals have recently reinforced behavior expectations for students while riding the bus. Your continued support in emphasizing proper conduct is crucial to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students during their daily travels. As we approach National School Bus Safety Week from October 21-25, we look forward to recognizing the essential role our transportation staff plays in student safety and thanking them for their dedication.

Finally, I am excited to share a significant professional development opportunity that took place at Massabesic High School on September 19. Our staff participated in a NAMI Sources of Strength presentation, which provided valuable tools and resources to support students struggling with mental health and social-emotional challenges. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for all students, equipping them with the resilience and strength they need to succeed.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making RSU 57 a community where students feel supported both academically and emotionally. Together, we can make a lasting, positive impact on their educational experience.

Sincerely,

Stephen D. Marquis, PhD.

Community Forum: Addressing Student Mental Health & Social-Emotional Well-Being

Harvest of the Month: Tomatoes!

Students at Waterboro Elementary enjoyed a virtual presentation by our Nutrition Department that featured our Harvest of Month; Tomatoes! They were able to learn fun and nutritional facts regarding locally grown Maine tomatoes, as well as sample some delicious Classic Bruschetta made directly in their school kitchen.

MHS Career Fair

Calling All Businesses, Industries & Community Partners!

Massabesic High School is hosting an Annual Career Fair on October 23, 2024, from 7:30-11:30 am in the school’s gymnasium.

Our goal is to inspire the youth in our community to be Career and College ready. It is important for students to explore different career fields in a variety of interest areas or even explore options they have not yet considered. The Annual Career Fair enables students to connect with local companies and helps spread the word about your company and job openings.

We cordially invite you to be a part of this great event. If you are able to join us, you will be responsible for running a booth and discussing with students your workday and the skills and education needed to be successful in your particular career field. If you have any flyers or job postings available, ‌this would be a great opportunity to bring them.

If you are interested in representing your business, please complete the form linked here.

Please feel free to email Marianne Stephenson if you have any questions mariannestephenson@rsu57.org.

Mustang Monster Dash 5K & Fun Run

Are you a runner? Or really good at walking? Do you like to dress up in costume? Or participate in events with people who dress in costume?

If your answer to any (or all) of these questions is yes you should definitely sign up to participate in our Mustang Monster Dash 5K and Fun Run!!

This race is for students, adults, Mustang community members. Invite your friends in other schools, invite your friends in other towns! The more the merrier. You can run or walk this race and strollers are more than welcome! Registration is $25 per person.

Click here to register today!