RSU 16 Spotlight

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to share how truly grateful I am for our RSU 16 community. Whether it’s reading stories to our youngest learners in PreK-3 classrooms or hearing your thoughtful perspectives during the Vision of the Graduate Community Forum, I am constantly reminded of the heart and dedication that make our district special.

I am deeply thankful for a School Board that works tirelessly to improve student outcomes, always showing up and focusing on solutions. And to our incredible employees—you stay the course, even on the hardest days, because you know how much our kids matter. Your resilience and care make all the difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for all you do to make our schools a place where students thrive. I hope this Thanksgiving brings you time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the company of loved ones.

Sincerely,

Amy

Thank you PRHS students and staff for hosting the Vision of a Graduate Community Forum! The conversation was thoughtful and inspiring, filled with diverse perspectives that reflect our shared commitment to preparing students for a bright future.

We’d like to give a huge shout out to Pam Ashby, owner/publisher of Lydia Media LLC/LA Metro Magazine/Uncle Andy’s Digest and a former Wildcat, for volunteering her time to talk to ESS 5th graders about her work in culmination with their current journalism writing unit. The students asked some great questions and were very appreciative of Pam’s time!

The Poland Players with advisor Mrs. Robinson presented a high-energy retrospective show of twenty-five years of PRHS musicals.

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.

Fifth grade students from PCS had their LabVenture! field trip at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Students worked in teams to gather evidence about the Gulf of Maine through hands-on and high-tech research. Students examined plankton under the microscope, measured live lobsters, analyzed data displayed on cutting edge digital technology platforms and other activities. Students learned how living and nonliving things interact in an ecosystem. They also explored how the flow of energy can travel through an ecosystem and determine how Earth's resources can be used responsibly. Thank you to GMRI, our lead sponsor Poland Spring, and our other Androscoggin sponsors: The Alfred M. Senter Fund, Clark Insurance, Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation, Norway Savings Bank, The Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation. We appreciate you! -PCS Fifth Grade Team

PRHS students with advisor Mrs. Fryda participating in a Can We? workshop on civic engagement and community conversation.

Congratulations to the following students who earned acceptance into the 2025 MMEA District II Honors Festivals:

Take a moment to pause and appreciate this! 🌟 Our students matter to all of us, and every connection counts. In this heartwarming snapshot, our amazing custodial staff is out front, warmly greeting students as they step off the bus and enter MCS. It's these small, meaningful gestures that make our schools a welcoming place for everyone.

October 2, 2024

Dear RSU 16,

As much as we all love a good snow day, I wanted to share how we make the tough call on whether it’s time to break out the sleds or bundle up for the school bus!

For closings and delays due to weather or other emergencies, families will receive a notification via phone message, text, and/or email around 5:30am. Closings and delays will be posted on Regional School Unit 16 Facebook and local news stations.

You will receive voice, text, and/or email notifications via our ReachMyTeach message system. ReachMyTeach uses your contact information in Infinite Campus. Contact your child’s school Administrative Assistant if any of your contact information needs to be updated.

It is necessary that the school office, in the building where your child attends, is notified of the alternative childcare arrangements that you have made for your child(ren) so that we have the necessary and/or updated information before our first storm.

In certain circumstances, we may delay the opening of school to allow the town crews to plow, sand and salt the roads.

• If school is delayed in the morning on a Wednesday, there will be no early release. Students stay until regular release times.

• If school is delayed on any morning, there will be NO morning PreK.

• We serve breakfast on one hour delays at all schools. We only serve breakfast to HS/MS on a two hour delay.

These are not always easy calls to make due to the timing and unpredictable effect of some storms. We will make every attempt to hold school as scheduled as our facilities and transportation employees work diligently to provide a safe commute for students. Still, there may be days when you disagree with the decision that is made. If school is in session on a day when you question your child’s safety, please use your own best judgment when deciding whether or not to send your child to school.

As of now, the final day of the school year is scheduled for Monday, June 9th, assuming no snow days are needed. If we do have to utilize a snow day, it will extend the school calendar, pushing the last day of school ahead by one day for each snow day used.

Sincerely,

Amy