Another two weeks have passed, and April vacation is already upon us! When we return from the April break, we will have just a little over 7 weeks of school left! How did this happen? We are all so very excited that spring break is here. There’s something about this time of year that feels a little lighter in the air, in our days, and even across our schools. As the snow gives way to patches of green and the sun lingers just a bit longer each evening, there’s a renewed sense of energy and optimism all around us. In our classrooms, that same spirit is alive as students continue to grow, create, and connect in meaningful ways. Spring always serves as a gentle reminder that progress doesn’t always happen all at once. It unfolds over time, often in small, steady moments that lead to something truly special. Check out some of the pictures of this learning below, and then on to the information!
The Draft Student and Family Handbook is nearly complete, but we want to gather one more round of feedback from students and families before finalizing. Please take a few moments to review the draft handbook and participate in a BRIEF Survey that will help provide feedback for the final revision of this handbook. The survey should take between 8 and 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is very important as we take this first step in shaping how we prepare and inspire our students for the future, one that very much will include the use of A.I. We would greatly value your voice as we continue to refine this important work together. The survey is open to all staff, students, and families.
Survey Deadline is Monday, April 27. Link and QR code are below.
Survey Link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/257803934
Survey QR Code:
There has been a great deal of conversation recently about cell phones in schools—and understandably so. As part of the recently approved state budget, the Governor and Legislature have enacted a statewide “bell-to-bell” restriction on student use of personal electronic devices in all public schools. This new requirement will take effect for the 2026–2027 school year and requires all districts to adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of cell phones and similar devices from the start of the school day through dismissal, with limited exceptions (such as IEPs, 504 plans, medical needs, or language supports). You can see the detailed language from the budget bill below for reference:
23-A. Cellular telephone policy. By August 1, 2026, a school board shall adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell. The policy must restrict student use of cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network capabilities. The Department of Education, in coordination with Maine School Management Association and other relevant stakeholders, shall make available a model policy for school boards. The model policy must include exceptions for compliance with a student's individualized education program, a documented Section 504 accommodation plan, the delivery of prescribed medical care as outlined in a student's individualized healthcare plan and language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is available.
So what does this mean for us in Gorham?
For our PK–8 schools, this represents very little change. In Gorham, we have long held the expectation that cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not part of the school day. Students who bring devices to school are expected to keep them in their backpacks or lockers and not use them until the school day has ended. That expectation will remain consistent moving forward.
The more notable shift will occur at Gorham High School. In recent years, GHS has allowed limited use of cell phones during non-instructional times such as lunch, study halls, and passing periods. Beginning in 2026–2027, that will no longer be the case. Instead, GHS will align with our middle school expectations: students may bring their devices to school, but they must keep them put away and unused throughout the school day—from the first bell to the last bell.
As we consider implementation, we are also being thoughtful about how best to enforce these expectations. Some districts have explored the use of tools such as locking pouches; however, these approaches come with high cost and logistical considerations. At this time, we do not plan to pursue those options. Instead, we will rely on clear expectations, consistent practices, and the shared understanding that following school rules is part of being a responsible member of our learning community.
What happens next?
First, it is important to know that we will finish out the 2025-2026 school year under our existing policies. Changes based on the bell-to-bell ban will NOT take effect until the 2026-2027 school year. If our GHS students want to get a head start on practicing, they can certainly feel free! ☺
Over the coming months, we will closely review the model policy to be released by the state and work collaboratively with the School Committee to develop a Gorham-specific policy aligned with both the law and our local values. We anticipate bringing a draft forward for a first reading in June, with final adoption by the end of the month to meet the state’s August 1 deadline. As that work progresses, we will continue to communicate clearly with students, staff, and families to ensure a smooth and consistent transition into the new school year.
ASPIRE GORHAM - WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT IN ALLOWING OUR STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN THE "NEW BASICS"
Way back in the 1900's when public schools referred to a focus on "the basics" that always used to refer to the three R's - Reading, WRiting (Literacy), and ARithmetic (Math), and for more than 100 years that definition of the basics served us relatively well. The reality today, however, is that these are no longer the ONLY basic skills our students need to be successful in the world after high school.
In today's world, not only do students need to be able to read, write, and calculate, but they also need to learn financial and digital literacy as part of the core curriculum. Our students need to ensure they graduate from our schools with strong skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, networking, time management, goal-setting, and self-regulation.
In Gorham, we are working to update our "Portrait of a Graduate" to outline and define these critical new "basics" for our schools. Here is what that draft looks like for our new 5 essential skills:
One of the key vehicles we have right now to ensure these skills are being taught across all grade levels in Gorham is our Aspire program.
You can learn more about the Aspire program by clicking the link provided, but in essence, it embeds discussions of student aspirations into everything we do across all grade levels, from birth to adulthood. We have created a continuum of learning that we share as "Expose, Explore, and Experience," ensuring our students understand the connections between what they are learning in our classrooms and WHY they need to learn it as it relates to their futures!
It's always hard to talk about these programs and what they do - but much easier to listen to stories about the impact of this work on our students. So, for today's blog, I really want you to take 15 minutes to LISTEN to OUR STUDENTS tell their stories about their Aspire experiences. By doing so, I hope you can see how this program aligns with our Portrait of a Graduate and the "New Basics" that our students NEED to be successful in the complex world they will enter once they graduate from our schools.
Check it out - and reach out with questions! CLICK HERE to view the presentation to the School Committee on April 8. You should go to the 12-minute and 10-second mark. Our students really do represent us so very well. They are articulate and they are proud to show off what they have learned. These are the students our school system produces. Enjoy listening!
As we head into April break, I’m reminded of just how much energy, creativity, and connection fill our schools each day. While I can’t possibly capture it all here, I encourage you to stay connected by visiting your school’s website, checking event calendars, and reading weekly updates—you’ll see firsthand the incredible experiences happening for our students. Before we pause, I hope you’ll take a moment to check out the upcoming GMS STEAM Night—it’s a great example of the engaging, hands-on learning our students are experiencing every day.
I hope the break provides each of you with time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with those who matter most. When we return, we’ll be ready for a strong and focused “sprint to the finish"! A finish grounded in purpose, relationships, and the shared commitment to “Prepare and Inspire” every learner. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the weeks ahead.
And one final note—due to the break, my next blog post will be shared on May 8. Until then, enjoy the well-deserved pause!
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