Dear RSU 16 Families and Community Members,

I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our start to the school year and provide some updates on key happenings across our district. It’s hard to believe how quickly these first few weeks have flown by, but I’m proud of the progress our students, staff, and schools have made in such a short amount of time.

Welcoming Our Students Back We began this school year with a focus on hope and harmony, and the energy in our classrooms reflects just that. Our students have returned with enthusiasm and a commitment to learning, while our teachers and staff have created welcoming and safe environments for them to thrive. From new student activities to engaging lessons, we’re seeing positive engagement all around.

Safety Remains a Priority Student safety is always at the forefront of our planning, and I want to thank everyone for their cooperation with our safety protocols. Whether it's updating our school safety plans or working closely with local first responders, we are committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe places for everyone. Our open communication with families around safety is key to this success, and I appreciate your continued partnership.

Strategic Focus for 2024-2025 As we look ahead, our work remains grounded in the Strategic Plan. This year, we’re focusing on several community commitments identified as top priorities, including fostering lifelong learners, strengthening communication with families, and building a skilled workforce. These goals are designed to support the success of all students, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have throughout the school year.

Community Involvement One of the most exciting parts of this fall has been the re-engagement of our community in school events. Whether it’s cheering on our sports teams or attending open house events, your involvement makes a difference. Our schools thrive on the strength of these partnerships, and I encourage you to stay connected with your student’s school as the year progresses.

Looking Ahead As we move into October, we’re preparing for more learning opportunities, fall events, and celebrations of our students' achievements. Please continue to look for updates from your child’s school and district communications to stay informed about what’s happening across RSU 16.

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a strong and successful rest of the school year!

Amy
Superintendent, RSU 16

On August 26, RSU 16 proudly celebrated the outstanding dedication of our staff who reached significant service milestones. We honored employees for their 10, 20, and 30 years of committed service across our schools.

30 Years of Service to RSU 16: In the photo, we acknowledged Kellie Whitten from Poland Community School.

20 Years of Service to RSU 16: From left to right in the photo, we celebrated Liz Howe from Poland Regional High School, Shawn Vincent from Whittier Middle School, Sue Harris from Transportation, Greggory Rose from Whittier Middle School, Ell Fanus from Poland Community School and Whittier Middle School, and Pamela Tracy from Poland Regional High School and Whittier Middle School.

10 Years of Service to RSU 16: From left to right in the photo, we recognized Caitlyn Susi from Minot Consolidated School, Jo St. Peter from the District, Jamie Karaffa from Whittier Middle School, Nicole Fox from Whittier Middle School, Leetta Linscott from Elm Street School, Erin Grindle from Elm Street School, Amber Bissonnette from Elm Street School, Amy Orlando from Poland Community School, Jeri Cook from Adult Education, and Jill Mathieu from the District. (Jacque Russo from Elm Street School and Chelsey Harrison from Food Service are not pictured.)

For the 2024-25 school year, PRHS is offering students fifteen new or significantly revised courses. These new courses are being offered across the high school learning areas (academic departments) and the classes will be open to all students, with some prerequisites. Notable highlights include five upper level semester-long courses in English, two new offerings in Math: Data Science and Personal Finance courses, and a new Science course: Maine Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife. The development of these courses was a schoolwide goal during the ‘23-24 school year based on student input/feedback and faculty interest in reinvigorating the PRHS Course of Studies following the modifications to teaching and learning put in place during the restricted pandemic school years. The new course offerings meet current graduation requirements and will be offered within existing budgetary, staffing, and facility resources.

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.

Whittier Middle School's Tri-Town Family 5K will take place on Sunday, November 10th, 2024 and it is open to everyone. Join us for a fun family morning on the Minot trails and fields.

Registration is open...and it's free! Let's get the word out there and make this the biggest and best event so far.

We are seeking local sponsors to help make the big day a special one. Tell your friends. All sponsors of at least $100 by October 11 will get their logo on the back of the event shirt. Interested potential sponsors should contact Shawn Vincent (svincent@rsu16.org or 998-3462). This is a great event for students, families and all members of our communities.

Our Tip Line represents one approach our schools and communities may use to share the responsibility of school and student safety and well-being. This Tip Line provides students, staff or other members of the public with a safe and confidential way to report a threat or potential threat to student or school safety. Call 911 in cases of immediate emergency. It is located on our website: rsu16.org and scroll down.

RSU 16 Threat Assessment Management

Q: How does the school conduct a threat assessment?

A: The Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines walk team members through a

five-step decision tree as they gather and evaluate information related to the situation and the

person of concern, analyze the information to determine the correct classification for the threat,

document any actions taken in response to receiving the threat, conduct a variety of interviews to

determine the level of support needed and develop a case management plan to support the person

of interest. Not all threats are created equal and they vary in how specific or plausible they are,

and in the motivation, capacity, and intent of the person making the threat. All threats, however,

need to be assessed quickly and dealt with in a timely, appropriate manner.