No community should have to endure the hardships that Lewiston and its neighboring communities have faced in the past week. While words may fail to capture the gravity of this tragedy, what we've witnessed since that day reflects some of the finest qualities of Maine. Communities uniting, individuals helping one another, and organizations joining forces with a common purpose to support those affected.

There have been tears, anger, hugs, and an outpouring of support. We've sadly witnessed how swiftly a community can be torn apart, but in a short time, we've also had the privilege of observing how Maine communities come together to support one another, rolling up their sleeves to heal and rebuild.

As we continue to extend our support to the Lewiston community and as people seek specific ways to assist, we wanted to share an informational link created by Governor Mills. This link provides ideas for individuals on how they can contribute to the recovery efforts.

Warm Regards,

Todd and Amy

Local law enforcement officials form several different agencies conducted the coin flip prior to the first ever play-off football game held in Poland, on October 31st.

We will highlight the accomplishments and milestones achieved by our staff and students over the past month. From academic achievements to artistic endeavors and athletic successes, we take immense pride in the diverse talents of our students.

Elm Street School’s Girls on the Run team has been working so hard throughout their season! The girls have completed lessons on inner beauty, choosing friends, expressing emotions, and standing up for others. In order to prepare for their upcoming celebratory 5k on Sunday, November 12th, they completed a practice 5k! A big thank you to the members of the ESS staff and Amy Hediger who braved the cold to cheer on the girls as they completed this goal!

Mrs. Patenaude’s Science Class modeled the water cycle using a dice game outdoors. There was a fierce competition to move away from the ocean, which is where most students ended up. It was a great outdoor learning experience focusing on where our water comes from and where it goes.

From Ellen Dore, Food Service Director:

With the Thanksgiving holiday soon to be upon us. I couldn’t think of a better time to be thankful for staff of the Food Service Department of RSU 16. Over the events of the past 4 years they have shown a dedication and strength to be proud of. When Covid hit in 2020 and schools closed down for we thought to be just 2 weeks, we developed a plan to feed the students. When it turned into a couple of months we revised the plan, then when we found out it was to be much longer than that we again came up with, along with transportation a long-term solution to reach as many students as possible. Along that path the staff’s attitude was “okay how can we make this work to feed the kiddos”. When we finally returned we also went through multiple scenarios to make the new Hybrid model feeding work.

In the past few days I have had to change direction with them a few times and once again they rolled with it and said whatever needs to be done, all while dealing with their own feelings of anxiety and loss in the aftermath of the recent events in Lewiston.

Whenever I get complimented about the Food Service Department, I think to myself I may be the Captain, but it’s my staff that truly runs the ship. Since the beginning of Covid, both breakfast and lunch have been at no charge and more students than ever are eating-which absolutely thrills the staff, but it also makes for more work. Which they do willingly for the students of the district. They don’t just serve the students they talk with them, get to know them-help when someone may be having a bad day. They are also another set of eyes for any student that may need some extra attention.

As I’m writing it’s Monday, our first day back together after an uneasy past few days and I can hear my HS/MS staff talking, laughing and comforting each other. I am proud and thankful for all these wonderful people that I work with

Poland Regional/Bruce Whittier

Cecile Martin-Manager

Judy Green

Lisa Rowe

Lucinda Boutilier

Cathy Ayotte

Sue Weeks

Elm Street School

Chelsey Harrison- Manager/Co-Manager Minot

Peter Green

Cheyenne Rowe

Minot Consolidated School

Chris O’ Donnell Co- Manager

Shayna Gayton

Alli Pratt

Poland Community School

Melinda Whittier -Manager

Shirley Meserve

Karen Thurston

Everette McNally

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Veterans Day weekend. We thank all veterans for their service to our communities, state, and country.