It is hard to believe that we have just a few days left of school next week, and then the 2025-2026 school year in Gorham will come to an end. The year has been full of challenges and accomplishments at the individual student and staff levels, the school level, and the district and community levels. We certainly have much to be proud of in the Gorham Schools! Check out the pictures below from the past few weeks, and then it's on to the information!
The Gorham School Department would like to thank all residents who participated in the recent budget validation referendum. We are grateful for the time, deep thought, and civic engagement demonstrated by our community throughout this year's budget process.
The approval of the FY27 budget allows us to move forward with the plans developed over the past several months through public meetings, workshops, and discussions with community members, the School Committee, and the Town Council. This budget was designed to balance fiscal responsibility with our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities and support services for Gorham students.
Throughout the budget development process, community members asked thoughtful questions, shared perspectives, and helped shape the final proposal. Whether you voted for or against the budget, your participation reflects a shared commitment to the future of our schools and our community. Gorham is a stronger community for it.
As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, our focus remains unchanged: preparing and inspiring every student for future success while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. We look forward to continuing our work in partnership with families, staff, students, and the broader Gorham community.
On behalf of the Gorham School Department, thank you for your engagement and your continued investment in the students of Gorham.
NEW STUDENT/FAMILY AI HANDBOOK APPROVED BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
This handbook is not intended to mark the end of our conversations about artificial intelligence in education. In many ways, it represents the beginning. The handbook serves as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and learning, providing clear, practical guidance on how AI tools may be used to support student learning while protecting student safety, privacy, creativity and academic integrity.
For families who may have concerns about the role of AI in schools, it is important to understand what this handbook does—and does not—represent. Its adoption does not signal that Gorham Schools is "all in" on AI. Rather, it reflects our belief that artificial intelligence is an emerging technology that is already becoming part of the world our students live in and will eventually work in. As educators, and as a community, we have a responsibility to help students understand both the opportunities and limitations of these tools and to use them thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly.
Just as schools teach students how to navigate the internet, evaluate information, and use digital tools responsibly, we believe students need guidance in understanding artificial intelligence. Ignoring AI will not make it disappear. Instead, our goal is to help students become informed, critical thinkers who can make good decisions when interacting with these technologies.
As we move forward, we recognize that AI will continue to evolve, and our thinking, practices, and guidance will need to evolve as well. We view this handbook as a living document that will grow alongside our learning as educators, students, and families. We encourage parents and community members to read the handbook, ask questions, share feedback, and remain active partners in these conversations. Together, we can ensure that technology remains a tool that enhances learning, strengthens human connections, and helps prepare our students for a future that will undoubtedly look different from today. By working together and maintaining an open dialogue, we can approach that future with both confidence and optimism.
(Note: A new Staff AI Handbook is in the process of also being created and should be ready to roll out to staff by late October. It will mirror many of the same ideas/concepts as the student/family handbook, but written with staff as the audience).
NEW PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE APPROVED BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Also at its regular meeting on Wednesday evening, the Gorham School Committee unanimously approved a revised Portrait of a Graduate, the culmination of nearly a year of work by a stakeholder committee representing PK-12 educators, administrators, parents, and students.
Many people may wonder: What exactly is a Portrait of a Graduate? Simply put, a Portrait of a Graduate is a community-defined vision of student success. It answers an important question: What knowledge, skills, and dispositions do we want every student to possess when they walk across the stage to receive a Gorham High School diploma?
The Portrait identifies the durable skills and competencies that will help students thrive not only in college and careers, but also as engaged citizens, lifelong learners, and successful members of their communities. These are skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and responsible citizenship. These are qualities that remain valuable regardless of how the world, workforce, or technology may change.
When aligned with a district's mission, vision, and core beliefs, a strong Portrait of a Graduate serves as a "North Star" for the entire educational system. It helps guide curriculum development, instructional practices, student experiences, and decision-making, ensuring that we remain focused on preparing students not just for graduation, but for life beyond our school walls.
I encourage families to take a few moments to review our new Portrait of a Graduate and our other foundational district documents. While the adoption of the Portrait is an important milestone, it is only the beginning of the work. Our next step will be to develop a comprehensive Metrics for Success framework to measure how effectively students are developing these competencies across grade levels and how successfully our schools are supporting that growth. This work will begin in the fall and ultimately lead to the creation of a public-facing data dashboard on our district website, providing families and community members with greater transparency into student outcomes and district progress.
Ultimately, the Portrait of a Graduate reflects something much larger than a document. It represents a shared commitment between our schools, families, students, and community to prepare young people for an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. The skills outlined in this Portrait are cultivated through countless experiences, relationships, challenges, and opportunities both inside and outside of school. As we move forward together, I am excited about the possibilities this work creates for our students and grateful for the many voices that helped shape this vision. By keeping our focus on what matters most, we can ensure that every Gorham graduate continues to leave our schools prepared not only to succeed but to contribute to and make a positive difference in the world around them.
1st READING OF NEW DISTRICT CELL PHONE POLICY
It was indeed a productive meeting on Wednesday night, as the School Committee also reviewed our new Cell Phone Policy for a first reading. This policy is being developed in response to a statewide statutory requirement that all Maine schools implement "bell-to-bell" cell phone restrictions effective August 1, 2026.
Before sharing a summary of the proposed policy, it may be helpful to explain the approval process. Once a draft policy is developed by the School Committee's Policy Committee, it is brought before the full School Committee for a first reading, which occurred Wednesday evening. No action is taken at that time. Instead, School Committee members are encouraged to review the draft carefully and provide any questions, feedback, or suggested revisions to Policy Committee Chair Mia DeSanctis or me.
The Policy Committee then reviews any proposed changes and brings the draft back to the full School Committee for a second reading. At that meeting, the School Committee may vote to approve the policy, amend it further, or send it back for additional review. If approved by a majority vote, the policy becomes part of the district's official handbook. State law requires districts to have an approved policy in place by August 1, 2026. Gorham's second reading is currently scheduled for June 24, 2026, well ahead of the state deadline.
For those looking for the "Cliff Notes" version, the proposed policy can be summarized as follows:
Grades PK–5
- Students should not bring cell phones to school.
- This expectation is unchanged from current practice.
Gorham Middle School
- Students may have cell phones before school and after school, including on the bus.
- Students may not access or use cell phones during the school day.
- This expectation is unchanged from current practice.
Gorham High School
- Students may have cell phones before school and after school, including on the bus.
- Students may not access or use cell phones during the school day, including during passing time, study halls, lunch periods, or other non-instructional times.
- This represents a change from current practice, as students have previously been permitted to use phones during non-instructional periods. The new state mandate no longer allows for that approach.
It is important to note that the policy itself establishes the overall expectations required by state law, but it does not include all operational details on how each school will implement and enforce those expectations. Those details will be included in updated student handbooks and school-specific communications that will be shared prior to the start of the school year.
As we move into the summer months, one of the most important things families can do is begin having conversations with their children about these changes, particularly with students who will be attending Gorham High School next fall. For many students, the most significant adjustment will not be the rule itself, but the shift in habits and expectations that comes with it. By discussing these changes now, setting clear expectations at home, and helping students understand the reasons behind the new law, we can work together to ensure a smooth transition when school begins in September. Our goal is not to spend the opening weeks of the school year debating cell phone use; it is to spend that time building relationships, establishing strong learning environments, and helping students get off to a successful start. With the support of families and students, I am confident we can do exactly that.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ED. TECH. TRIANGLE FRAMEWORK - MORE COMING SOON.
As more and more schools and families begin to have important conversations about screen time and appropriate technology use, I wanted to introduce you to a tool that the Gorham Schools will be using moving forward to help us best determine when to use technology in our classrooms. It is called the "Educational Technology Triangle" and is strongly endorsed by Common Sense Media and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
I am sharing this for two major reasons. First, I think it is important for you to know that we are beginning to have these conversations as a school and are looking to ensure that technology use in our schools falls primarily within the "Transformative" and "Supportive" ranges. Second, I think this tool is also great to use in the home environment, and perhaps parents may wish to learn more and engage more with the framework as an important household tool.
You can find more information about the Educational Technology Triangle framework by CLICKING HERE. Check it out...and I look forward to our continued conversations this fall!
EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM UPDATE
The Gorham School Department is preparing for an important transition in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services. Beginning August 26, 2026, the Gorham School Department will assume responsibility for the oversight and provision of special education services for children who are 4 years old on or before October 15, 2026. This will be a transition of services away from Child Development Services (CDS) to the public school system. In the following year, we will assume responsibility for overseeing services for children who are 3 years old on or before October 15, 2027.
We have already reached out directly to many families whose children are identified for these crucial services and fall within this age range. If you have a child receiving these services and live in Gorham but have not yet heard from our office, please reach out using the information provided below.
In addition to the specific provision of special education services for this age, we are also responsible for providing "child find" services, which means we must reach out to identify children who may need these services but have not yet been identified. Because of this, we will be working with local health care providers, child care providers, and others to share referral processes and to make sure that if families or those who work closely with children of this age are concerned that a child might need specialized services, there is a method for individuals to make referrals for services directly to the school.
If you are a parent of a child who meets this age designation and have concerns that your child might require specialized services, you should speak with your health care provider or your child care provider, or reach out directly to our offices. If you have questions, referrals, or would like to discuss a child who may require support, please feel free to contact Nicole Poole directly using the information below:
Nicole Poole
Assistant Director of Special Services (Early Childhood Special Education)
Gorham School Department
Phone: (207) 222-1019
Email: nicole.poole@gorhamschools.org
We will also be sharing the flyer below more broadly in the community once we add the URL of our new website to the poster. For now, you can see a SNEAK PEAK. The QR code is operational for referrals. We are just waiting to add the website URL.
We look forward to working collaboratively with community partners to support the success of our youngest learners.
AMERICA'S 250th ANNIVERSARY IS ALMOST HERE!
Throughout the spring our schools have been talking about a very big upcoming birthday - FOR OUR COUNTRY! America's 250th birthday to be exact! Fortunately for you as families the actual birthday will be happening this summer in just under a month...so you can all celebrate together! I thought some folks might want some resources - so just sharing a few more.
- National Constitution Center
- National Parks Service 250 Materials
- The Story of America Video Series - From the White House
There are lots more resources online to find as well with a little more searching! Also, check out Maine's 250th celebration website to see what might be happening right here in ME. And I am sure things will be happening locally as well so keep your eyes peeled on the Town's social media sites! Whatever we do - let's make sure to all wish America a big 250th Happy Birthday!
A FEW CALENDAR REMINDERS
Summer Thursdays Food Truck Program
Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of witnessing our students do remarkable things. I have seen them solve problems, support one another, serve their community, overcome challenges, discover new passions, and grow in so many ways. In classrooms, on stages, on athletic fields, through community service projects, in career exploration experiences, or simply through everyday acts of kindness, our students have continued to demonstrate the very best of what it means to be a Gorham Ram.
Their success would not be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our teachers, support staff, administrators, School Committee members, volunteers, community partners, and MOST OF ALL - OUR FAMILIES - who all work tirelessly to support them every day.
This year also reminded us of something that has always made Gorham special: we are stronger when we work together. Across our schools and community, I have seen countless examples of people coming together in support of children. I have watched families volunteer their time (1500+ volunteers), local businesses open doors for student experiences (Business Roundtable, Aspire Gorham), community organizations partner with our schools (Baxter Library, Gorham Recreation, GATY, Village Alliance, and many more), and staff members go above and beyond to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and welcomed in our schools. Public education is truly a community endeavor, and Gorham continues to demonstrate what is possible when a community rallies around its children and believes in their potential.
As we head into summer, I hope each of you takes time to celebrate all that has been accomplished this year and to enjoy a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with those who matter most. While one school year may be ending, the story of Gorham continues to unfold. The lessons learned, relationships built, and memories created this year will become the foundation for the opportunities that await us next year. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering support of our schools. It is an honor to serve this incredible community. Have a wonderful summer, and as always, GO RAMS!
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