RSU 16 Spotlight

August 23, 2024

As summer draws to a close, I am excited to share some of the achievements and contributions from this past summer.

Successful Summer Learning Programs

Our summer learning programs were a tremendous success, offering enriching experiences to students across various age groups. These programs are vital in preventing the "summer slide" and ensuring that students return to school ready to succeed. I am incredibly proud of the progress our students made and the enthusiasm staff brought to their programs.

Dedicated Staff

None of this would have been possible without our dedicated staff. From teachers who crafted engaging and effective lessons, to support staff who ensured every need was met, and transportation teams who safely transported students to and from their programs—your commitment and hard work have been exemplary. Your dedication to our students’ success does not go unnoticed, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.

Outstanding Food Service Department

Our Food Service Department deserves special recognition. In July alone, they served an impressive 3,576 breakfast meals and 3,919 lunch meals. Their commitment to providing nutritious and delicious meals helps fuel our students' minds and bodies, enabling them to focus on their learning and play. Thank you to the entire food service team for your outstanding efforts.

Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds Crew

Finally, our Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds Crew have been hard at work all summer, ensuring that our facilities and grounds are in great condition for the new school year. Their dedication to creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our students and staff is truly appreciated. The care and attention they have given to our schools are evident, and we are all grateful for their hard work.

As we look forward to the new school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for our community. Together, we have created a nurturing and dynamic environment that supports the growth and success of every student.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I am confident that with our collective efforts, we will make this school year our best one yet.

The PRHS fall '24 athletics season is underway! Let's go Knights!

School Meals

Why are we asking all families to complete the Meal Application Form if meals are no charge?

In the coming SY 2024-2025, school meals will be provided to your children at no charge. I’m writing to let you know how important it is to fill out the school meal application form even though meals are free for the next year. https://www.nlappscloud.com/

We understand concerns about listing income amounts and social security numbers on the application. Any personal information you provide will not be shared. Along with the paper application, we now have an online application, please access it at www.nlappscloud.com. Free and reduced price meal applications are confidential. Your information will only be used to determine your child’s eligibility for the school meal programs. We cannot share your information without your written permission.

There are a few important reasons to fill out this form:

• If your child qualifies for free or reduced price lunches you may qualify for Pandemic-EBT benefits

• Your child may receive other school benefits. The number of applications that are returned and approved can affect how much funding our school gets to help students meet academic benchmarks, including materials like books and computers. These numbers are the percent of free and reduced, no one is individually identified

• Another benefit is after school and summer meal programs. Local summer programs can benefit by having meals provided to them at no cost to the parents.

The forms will be sent home on the first day of school.

Sincerely,

Ellen Dore, Food Service Director-RSU 16

edore@rsu16.org

207-998-5400 ext 107

School Lunch App

Now you can apply for free or reduced school meals online! The process is quick easy and FREE, and in a few short steps you'll be done! Since the information you're providing is electronic we'll be able to review your application faster than ever before.

nlappscloud.com

Sharing Information with You

In RSU 16, we have regular communication systems we use. Those are:

- Website: www.rsu16.org

- School Newsletters: Each school shares a newsletter with their families

- Social Media Site: The district has a Facebook page and ESS, WMS, Adult Education, PRHS and MCS have official school Facebook pages

- RSU 16 Spotlight: Twice a month the Superintendent will share a district newsletter

- "Robo Call/Email/Text": This is used for general and emergency communications via email, text and/or voice message across the district and by each school. (We have moved from School Messenger to Reach My Teach)

- Individual emails and phone calls: You may hear directly from a staff member via email or phone

- Regular mail: While we still occasionally send physical letters through traditional mail, it's less common in our modern, digital-centric world. This practice is primarily reserved for special education purposes.

Sharing Information with Us

Your initial and primary point of contact for any matters concerning your child is the school's office. Our dedicated team is available during school hours to answer your phone calls, address your inquiries, and furnish you with essential information as a parent or guardian. If you ever encounter an urgent situation, initiating contact with the school office is your most effective starting point, and our capable staff will guide you from there. You can locate the school's phone numbers on our website, accessible through the link provided above.

We also strongly encourage families to directly connect with your child's teachers if you have inquiries about the curriculum, your child's progress, or if you wish to share pertinent information regarding your child's education. Both email and phone calls are convenient means of communication. However, please bear in mind that teachers are engaged with students throughout the school day, so they may not have the opportunity to respond immediately. Our objective is to endeavor to respond to communications within 24 hours, but please understand that there might be instances when responses could take longer, depending on the demands of teachers' schedules. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

If you have any concerns, we strongly encourage families to first share them at the most immediate level. Our experience has shown that the most effective solutions to any issues are often found at these initial stages. For instance, if you have a concern related to your child's math class, we recommend addressing it with your child's math teacher first to explore potential resolutions at that level. Should you find that your concerns were not adequately addressed after communicating with the math teacher, you can then elevate the matter to the assistant principal or dean of students.

If you have already conveyed your concerns to the assistant principal/dean of students and feel that they remain unaddressed, you are welcome to bring the issue to the building principal, and if needed, further up the chain to the Superintendent and ultimately to the School Board. It's worth noting that concerns typically find satisfactory resolutions at the initial levels. However, as a parent or guardian, it is important for you to know that there are multiple channels available should the need arise. We are here to provide you with support.

Welcome back from SRO Berni Westleigh

Welcome back!

As we step into a new year together, I am filled with HOPE for each of you—hope for

your success, growth, and happiness. Let's work together in HARMONY, supporting

one another with kindness. Embracing unique perspectives, talents, and experiences

that make our community vibrant and strong. Embracing our differences is not just an

ideal, but a practice that enriches us all and fosters a deeper sense of connection and

understanding. Last year, I asked that you do one act of kindness. You floored me with

daily waves and smiles. This caused my day to start with a smile!

This year let's commit to showing one another kindness in every interaction. Small acts

of compassion and respect can create a ripple effect, transforming our environment into

one where everyone feels valued and supported. By lifting each other up and

celebrating our diverse strengths, we can achieve remarkable things.

Together, let us make this year tremendous. Let's dream big, support one another, and

build a community where everyone can thrive. Here's to a year of growth, unity, and

shared success.

Welcome back RSU 16! As always, I am here if you need me.

Warm regards,

SRO Berni Westleigh

Welcome Back RSU 16 Staff!

School Calendar

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.

Tip Line

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.