November 13 Post

Here we are, already almost halfway through November!  November is always a busy and exciting month in our schools! As fall gives way to winter and the holiday season approaches, our classrooms are filled with learning and opportunity for connection. It is also a season of gratitude.  It is a time to celebrate our Veterans and all that we are grateful for, while recognizing the incredible support of our families, local businesses, and community partners. Here in Gorham, we know that strong schools are built through strong community connections.  November reminds us just how fortunate we are to live and learn in this incredible community!

A few pictures from the past few weeks, and then on to the information! 

THIS BLOG'S TOPICS LIST (These are in order below, so just scroll to see the articles)...

1.  EDUCATIONAL TECHNICIANS:  THE HEART OF OUR SCHOOLS - AND WE NEED MORE OF THEM!

2.  BULLYING IN OUR SCHOOLS:  WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE.

3.  RENEWED GORHAM SCHOOLS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE FORMED TO TACKLE NEXT STEPS IN THE WORK - WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

4.  SNEAK PEAK - STUDENT VOICE SURVEY RESULTS

5.  UPCOMING EVENTS & CALENDAR REMINDERS

6.  IN CLOSING

EDUCATIONAL TECHNICIANS: THE HEART OF OUR SCHOOLS — AND WE NEED MORE OF THEM!

Behind every successful school is a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure students feel supported and capable of success. Among these essential team members are our Educational Technicians (Ed. Techs).  These individuals' daily contributions often happen quietly, but their impact on students is anything but small! The Gorham Schools employs approximately 70 Educational Technicians across our five schools. Unfortunately, we currently have five vacant positions, despite repeated recruitment efforts. These positions are incredibly important, so I wanted to take a moment to highlight the amazing work our Ed. Techs do and encourage others to consider joining our team!

What exactly do Educational Technicians do? The short answer is: everything necessary to help students learn and succeed! Ed. Techs support classroom teachers with small-group instruction, provide individualized assistance to students with special education needs, and work alongside students requiring more intensive academic, behavioral, or physical support. On any given day, they might help a child learn to read, encourage a struggling student, assist with specialized medical needs, or help a student navigate challenging emotions. They also supervise lunches and recesses, provide classroom coverage, and help keep our schools running smoothly. Their responsibilities are as diverse as the students they serve, and no two days on the job are alike!

But perhaps their greatest contribution isn't found in a job description. It's found in the relationships they build with students. Our Ed. Techs are often the trusted adults students turn to for encouragement and support. They celebrate small victories, they offer patience when learning gets difficult, and they provide a steady presence when a student's day isn't going as planned. Their work isn't always easy. An Ed. Tech's job requires compassion, flexibility, patience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every single student that they work with. For some of our most vulnerable learners, these relationships can make all the difference between simply getting through the school day and truly thriving. Our Educational Technicians help students believe in themselves!

So, what does it take to become an Educational Technician? We primarily seek Ed. Tech. IIIs, which require 120 college credits, but NOT necessarily a completed degree! Applicants must also pass a background check and obtain certification through the Maine Department of Education, and we can help navigate that process. Hourly wages range from $23.55 to $29.77, depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance (with 83% of premium costs paid by the district), dental insurance, sick and personal leave, and opportunities for tuition assistance and continued professional growth. Whether you're considering a career in education, returning to the workforce, or simply seeking meaningful work, this could be an incredible opportunity!

We're looking for five more people who want to make a lasting difference in children's lives! Perhaps one of those people is YOU! If you've ever considered working in education, I encourage you to apply. If not, perhaps you know a friend, neighbor, or family member who would be a perfect fit. Please help us spread the word, share this opportunity, and encourage others to join our Gorham Schools family! Every student deserves caring adults who believe in their potential, and sometimes the greatest difference in a child's life begins with just one person who believes in them. Could that person be you?

The link to apply is HERE.  

BULLYING IN OUR SCHOOLS: WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE

One of our most important responsibilities in the Gorham Schools is ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, welcomed, and a strong sense of belonging while within our schools. We are fortunate to have schools where positive relationships, kindness, and respect are central to our culture as outlined in our Code of Conduct. While bullying is certainly not a widespread issue in our schools, we recognize that, like every school district, we are not immune to these behaviors. As the cold winter months begin creeping in, we know these kinds of behaviors can increase.  When bullying concerns do arise, we want to address them.  We take them seriously and work closely with students, staff, and families to address them appropriately. Just as importantly, we want to ensure families understand how to communicate concerns, what to expect from our schools when a concern is reported, and how we can work together to maintain welcoming learning environments for ALL students.

FIRST - WHAT IS BULLYING? Under School Committee Policy JICK, bullying includes physical, verbal, written, or electronic behaviors that cause or threaten harm, create an intimidating or hostile learning environment, or interfere with a student's ability to participate fully in school. This includes cyberbullying through social media, text messages, or other electronic communications. Not every disagreement, unkind comment, or conflict between students meets the formal definition of bullying. However, that does NOT mean these behaviors are acceptable or that we won't address them! All concerns about student behavior deserve our attention and should be communicated to our staff so that we can address them.

HOW SHOULD FAMILIES REPORT CONCERNS? If your child shares concerns about bullying, please contact your child's teacher, building principal, or school guidance counselor directly. Share as much information as possible, including what happened, when and where it occurred, and who may have witnessed it. You can report by phone, email, or in person, and families may also use our formal Bullying Report Form (JICK-E1). Anonymous reports are permitted, although identifying yourself helps us investigate and communicate more effectively. You do NOT need to determine whether something officially qualifies as bullying before contacting us.  That is our job.  The best practice is if you become aware of concerning behavior, communicate it.  We can then work with you to put it in the appropriate "bucket" and address it from there.  

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A REPORT OF BULLYING IS MADE? Our school administrators promptly investigate reported bullying concerns, gather relevant information, and determine appropriate next steps. When necessary, we may put supports in place immediately to help ensure student safety. If bullying is substantiated, consequences and interventions may include disciplinary action, counseling, skill-building, or other measures to prevent future incidents. We will notify families as outlined in our policies, although student privacy laws may limit what we can share about another student's consequences. Our priority throughout this process is ensuring students feel safe and supported.

WORKING TOGETHER MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Preventing bullying requires strong partnerships between all stakeholders.  This includes Families, School Staff, Students, and Community. We encourage families to talk regularly with their children about kindness, respect, empathy, and the importance of speaking up when someone is being mistreated. Most importantly, if you have a concern, please reach out early! We would much rather work together to address a concern before it grows than have a student struggle in silence. We all believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, welcomed, and included in our schools so they can learn and grow into the best possible versions of themselves as they leave our schools and enter the next exciting phases of their lives.  Together, we can help make that happen!

For additional information, please review our district policies and reporting resources:

• Policy JICK – Bullying: 

• Procedure JICK-R – Bullying Administrative Procedure: 

• Form JICK-E1 – Bullying Report Form: 

RENEWED GORHAM SCHOOLS TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE FORMED TO TACKLE NEXT STEPS IN THE WORK - WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

Over the past year, the Gorham Schools have made significant progress in addressing the rapidly changing role of technology in education. We've developed our Student/Family and Staff AI Handbooks, begun building staff AI literacy through MagicSchool AI, adopted our Educational Technology Use Triangle to guide purposeful classroom technology use, and implemented Maine's new bell-to-bell cell phone restrictions. All of this work reflects our commitment to ensuring technology supports meaningful learning while keeping our schools human-centered, relationship-based, and focused on preparing students for their successful futures.

Now it's time to take the next important step! We have re-established our Gorham Schools Technology Committee, bringing together teachers, support staff, administrators, and technology professionals to ensure that our purposeful technology vision is carried out in action across our schools. Our goal is simple: ensure technology enhances learning, strengthens relationships, and helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

But we can't do this important work without YOUR voice! Before the committee begins meeting in mid-to-late December, we want to hear directly from our families and staff. What does purposeful technology use look like in our classrooms? When does technology meaningfully enhance student learning, and when might it get in the way? Your perspectives will help us better understand what is working, what needs improvement, and what our priorities should be in a constantly shifting landscape.  We also encourage you to talk with your children or students before responding so their voices can help inform this work!

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS (10 min. max)! We've created a Thought Exchange for staff, parents/families and community members to allow you to share your ideas AND consider and rate the perspectives of others. Please participate by December 7 so your feedback can help shape our committee's initial conversations.  This is a classic exchange, so please share your responses to the question and then be sure to go back into the exchange to rate the thoughts of others over the next few weeks! 

Survey Link:  https://tejoin.com/scroll/999720413

Know that this is just the beginning of our engagement, and there will be additional opportunities to participate as our work progresses. Thank you for helping us shape that future together!

SNEAK PEEK - STUDENT VOICE SURVEY RESULTS

One of the most important voices we can listen to when improving our schools is that of our STUDENTS! A few years ago, the Gorham Schools launched our Student Voice Survey for students in grades 5–12 to better understand their experiences in our classrooms and schools. Through this survey, we ask students to share how well we are meeting their needs, whether they feel safe, supported, and connected, and what we can do to make their school experiences even better. Their feedback gives us valuable insights to celebrate our successes, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure every student experiences a positive, welcoming learning environment.

Now, the survey deadline was just today, so I am not going to be able to share a full review of the data just yet, but I thought I'd share a quick "sneak peek" to heighten interest and then share a more complete summary in my next blog.  In my next blog, I will also be able to compare the data to the survey from two years ago to see where we have improved and where we may still fall short.  Again, MORE IN MY NEXT BLOG...but here is a quick sneak peek...

That's good for now...I'll share a more comprehensive report in the next Blog!  Overall,, though, I'd say this survey confirms what we already knew - WE HAVE GREAT STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOLS and WE HAVE AWESOME FAMILIES!  Is there always work that can be done to improve?  YES...but we also have much to celebrate!

UPCOMING EVENTS & CALENDAR REMINDERS

First - some calendar reminders:

*. There will be no school November 25, 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving Break

*. PK-5 Trimester ends on November 24.

*. The next Early Release Day is Dec. 2.

*. GMS Winter Choral Concert will be on Dec. 3

*. GHS Winter Choral Concert will be on Dec. 7

*. GMS Winter Band Concert will be on Dec. 10

*. GHS Chamber Singers Prelude To Christmas will be on Dec. 13

*. GHS Winter Band Concer will be on Dec. 14

*. The Holiday Break this year will be from Dec. 23 - Jan. 1 with students returning to school on Monday, Jan. 4

Other Community Events:

Noises Off - STARTING TONIGHT - Get Tickets HERE!

Galilee Church Penny Store:

Gorham Tree Lighting and Light Parade:

IN CLOSING

As we move closer to Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community partners who make the Gorham Schools such a special place to learn and grow.  We have incredible people...and as a way to showcase that - I thought I'd share our OCTOBER GORHAM SCHOOL SHOUT-OUTS with you below!  Congratulations to all those who received "Shout Outs" (34) and to those three who won the drawing for GHOP Pizza!  

REMEMBER - WE DO THIS EACH MONTH AND ANYONE CAN SHARE A SHOUT OUT!  Click here For information on how to do that!  And Click here for the link to complete. 

October Shout Outs:

We received 34 Gorham Shout-Outs in October! Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize a colleague and share the positive work happening across our district. We are excited to recognize our three October winners:

Cecely Conrad — Elementary Multi-Lingual Teacher
Cecely was recognized for the compassion, dignity, and respect she brings to students and families. Her nomination highlighted the lasting impact she has had helping families feel welcomed, understood, and supported in our schools.

Donna Landry — 1st Grade Teacher Village Elementary School
Donna was recognized for the extraordinary care she showed a student who became ill at school. She devoted extra time to comfort and reassure the student until she felt safe and settled.

Jessica Hunnewell — Longterm Substitute Gorham Middle School
Jessica was recognized for her flexibility and commitment to students. She has stepped into several substitute and long-term substitute roles and consistently brings care, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to the Gorham School Department.

Congratulations to Cecely, Donna, and Jessica! Each received a $25 Gorham House of Pizza gift card as part of this month’s recognition.

Everyone who received an October Shout-Out will also receive an email with a copy of their recognition.

November Shout-Outs are now open! Please keep recognizing the people across Gorham Schools who are making a difference. We will share the November Shout-Outs and select our next three recipients at the end of the month.

 

October 30 Blog Post

Happy Friday, Gorham! As we move further into the school year, I am reminded daily that the true measure of a great school system is found in the small moments when students discover something new, overcome challenges, show kindness, or begin to imagine futures they never thought possible. These moments make our work as educators, families, and community members so meaningful! I am fortunate to witness them every day, and I hope these blog posts offer you a glimpse into that same magic. Through our strong community partnerships, these small moments add up to BIG opportunities for our students! So, before we get to the updates, here are a few snapshots of those special moments from the past few weeks. Enjoy! 

TOPICS LIST (Scroll below for articles in this same order)...

-  HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DOES?

-  DESSERT & DISCUSS:  SETTING THE TABLE FOR OUR FY 28 SCHOOL BUDGET! 

-  RAMS RACK:  STUDENT VOICE, LEADERSHIP AND A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON!

-  GORHAM VOLLEYBALL, NOISES OFF & OTHER EVENTS COMING SOON!

-  IN CLOSING...

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DOES?

Our transportation system isn't glamorous.  Our transportation employees are not the highest paid.  Our buses aren't fancy, sporty, or flashy.  It is often so very easy to overlook one of the most important non-instructional programs for our school system to be the high-quality one that it is - Our Transportation Program...and we have one of the best!  On the heels of Bus Safety Week earlier this month, I thought it would be good to highlight the work this program does for our community.  Here's more than you might ever know about Gorham School's Transportation!  After reading this, be sure to thank our incredible drivers and mechanics - they are literally the "engines" that make us "go"!

Transportation by the Numbers

• Annual Fleet Mileage: 426,370 miles

• Total Fleet Inventory: 46 vehicles

• Daily Routes and Runs: 111

• Full-Time CDL School Bus Drivers: 23

• Non-CDL Van Drivers: 5

• Spare CDL Drivers: 11, including teachers and others

• Administrative Staff: 1 Transportation Director, 1 Dispatcher, and 1 Administrative Assistant

• Crossing Guard: 1, serving Village Elementary School

• Additional Transportation Requests: 357 requests received as of October 29, 2026, for athletics, curricular and extracurricular activities, and other school-sponsored events

The Scope of Our Daily Operations

Our department coordinates 111 daily routes and runs, supporting far more than transportation to and from our neighborhood schools. These include AM?PM elementary, middle, and high school routes, midday Pre-K transportation, vocational programs, special education services, and out-of-district educational placements.

Our services extend well beyond Gorham. Each day, we transport students to educational programs and specialized placements in Saco, Brunswick, South Portland, Westbrook, Windham, and surrounding communities.

Some of the specialized educational programs we serve include Margaret Murphy Centers for Children, Spurwink, Sweetser, and CADD.

Beyond Our Regular Daily Routes

In addition to our 111 daily routes and runs, we have already received 357 requests for additional transportation this school year. These requests include athletics, field trips, curricular and non-curricular activities, and other events that support our students' educational experiences.

Each request requires coordination of driver availability, vehicle assignments, scheduling, and logistics, often while maintaining our regular daily transportation commitments.

A Few Nuggets for Families

One thing that may surprise families is the sheer number of moving parts involved in school transportation. With 46 vehicles in our fleet, more than 426,000 miles traveled annually, 111 daily routes and runs, and hundreds of additional transportation requests, our department operates a transportation system that reaches far beyond the boundaries of Gorham.

Our office also oversees driver assignments, substitute coverage, route planning, vehicle maintenance, inspections, student transportation changes, parent communication, safety training, and regulatory compliance.

A single driver absence, vehicle issue, or scheduling change can ripple across multiple routes. Our team works together daily to make adjustments while keeping student safety and access to education at the forefront.

Our drivers are often the first school employees students see each morning and the last they see in the afternoon. They play an important role in creating a safe, welcoming, and positive start and end to each school day.

I'm incredibly proud of the work our transportation team does every day, both on the road and behind the scenes. Keeping our transportation system running safely and efficiently takes tremendous coordination, flexibility, and dedication. 

DESSERT & DISCUSS:  SETTING THE TABLE FOR OUR FY 28 SCHOOL BUDGET!

Each year, the Gorham School Department kicks off its budget development process with a meeting we affectionately call "Dessert & Discuss!" Wondering where the name comes from? For years, we've used this meeting as an opportunity to showcase the incredible talents of our School Nutrition Program (SNP) cooks, who prepare delicious desserts for our School Committee and leadership team. While dessert may not be the healthiest part of a meal, it sure is fun, and we love celebrating the talents of our amazing SNP staff!

Of course, the meeting is about much more than dessert! Budget development is one of our most important responsibilities as a school district. We simply use a little sweetness to bring people together and set a positive tone for some very serious conversations!

Laying the Foundation: No Budget Numbers Yet!

What makes this meeting unique is that we don't discuss budget numbers! Instead, we focus on two important areas that help establish the WHY behind future budget discussions and decisions.

1. Our "Pain Points" – What Keeps Us Up at Night?

Each principal and program director reflects on the biggest challenges facing their schools and programs. We look beyond the smiling faces and wonderful things happening in our classrooms to ask some tough questions: What's not working as well as it should? Where are our greatest challenges? Why do they exist, and what might we do about them?

We know we can't solve every problem, but openly identifying and discussing these challenges helps us understand where our greatest needs exist and how we might prioritize limited resources to address them.

2. Our 2–3 Year Outlook – What's Coming Down the Pike?

We also take a close look at what's ahead. Using data on enrollment, student achievement, demographics, facilities, and more, we identify emerging trends and anticipate future needs.

The goal is to look beyond what's happening TODAY and prepare for what's coming TOMORROW. By identifying patterns early, we can make thoughtful, proactive adjustments rather than constantly reacting to challenges as they arise. This kind of forward thinking is essential to responsible planning!

How Does the Meeting Work?

Our district leadership team shares their "Pain Points" and "Outlooks" with the School Committee, which asks questions and engages in discussion. About halfway through, we take a break to enjoy those wonderful desserts before returning to hear from the remaining leaders.

It's a LOT of information in one evening, but it provides valuable context for the budget conversations ahead!

Want to Listen In?

The public is always welcome to attend and listen to these important discussions firsthand!

Thursday, November 12, 2026

6:00 p.m. | Gorham Middle School Library

We will also record the meeting and share the video on our website for anyone unable to attend. I'll share that link once it's available!

Why This Foundational Work Matters

A school budget is much more than a collection of numbers on a spreadsheet. It reflects our community's values, our students' needs, and the priorities we establish together. Before we can make thoughtful decisions about where to invest resources, where to make difficult adjustments, or how to balance competing needs, we must first understand the challenges and opportunities before us. That's what Dessert & Discuss is all about! It helps ensure that our budget decisions are grounded in evidence, informed by the people closest to the work, and focused on both today's students and those who will walk through our doors tomorrow. We won't always have the resources to do everything we want, but we owe it to our students, families, staff, and taxpayers to make every decision as thoughtfully and as transparently as possible. That important work begins with listening and learning, and if we can enjoy a little dessert along the way, all the better!

RAMS RACK:  STUDENT VOICE, LEADERSHIP, AND A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON! 

One of the greatest joys of my job is seeing what happens when we give students opportunities to turn their ideas and passions into meaningful action. Sometimes, the most powerful learning doesn't come from a textbook or a traditional classroom assignment. It comes from students recognizing a need, imagining a solution, and having the confidence and support to make it happen! Recently, I received an email from Heather Whitaker, an alternative education teacher on Team Katahdin at Gorham Middle School, that perfectly illustrates this kind of learning in action. It was simply too good not to share!

A Student Idea That Keeps on Giving!

Last spring, two Gorham Middle School students, Ritaj and Leela, helped launch the Rams Rack, a student-led thrifting initiative that has continued to grow even after these students moved on to Gorham High School.

Rather than tell you about it myself, I want to share the wonderful email I received from Mrs. Whitaker celebrating a pretty impressive milestone!

A Special Message Worth Sharing

Dear Superintendent & Gorham School Committee,

We are so excited to share that, thanks to all the thrifting during the parent-teacher conference window, the Rams Rack has now surpassed 1,000 items thrifted! I've included Ritaj, Leela, and their families on this message so we can all celebrate the powerful impact their project continues to have, even now that they are at Gorham High School.

Since opening just a couple of weeks into May of last year, the Rams Rack has reached 1,054 thrifted items. Donations still arrive every week, community volunteers and our Team Katahdin students help keep the space running, and Leela & Ritaj come down from the high school once a month to stay connected. The Rams Rack has also inspired a group of students to start an after-school fashion club, which will start up this winter!

There's even a rumor on the streets of Gorham that Ritaj would like to start a Rams Rack at the high school. If that's true, I hope we can all rally around her, whether through donations of startup materials or simple encouragement, as she launches Rams Rack 2!

Ritaj and Leela, THANK YOU for your activism and leadership. Please keep at it, because the world needs people like you!

Have a fantastic weekend, and thank you for all you do.

Warmly,

Heather Whitaker

More Than a Thrift Shop: Our Portrait of a Graduate in Action!

Now, you might be wondering why I wanted to share this particular story. Certainly, surpassing 1,000 thrifted items is an incredible accomplishment, but what excites me most isn't the number. It's what these students have demonstrated through their actions!

Earlier this year, the Gorham School Committee approved our updated Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and personal qualities we want every Gorham student to develop throughout their PK–12 educational journey. Our Portrait identifies five essential competencies, and this one student-led project brings them to life in remarkable ways!

• Integrative and Informed Critical Thinkers: These students recognized an opportunity to connect their learning with a real-world need in their school community.

• Clear and Effective Communicators: They shared their vision, engaged others, and inspired students, staff, families, and community volunteers to participate.

• Self-Directed and Lifelong Learners: They took initiative, demonstrated ownership, and continued supporting their project even after transitioning to high school.

• Creative and Practical Problem Solvers: They turned an idea into a functioning, sustainable program that continues to grow and evolve.

• Responsible and Involved Global Citizens: Perhaps most importantly, they demonstrated what it means to contribute positively to their community, promote reuse, and create opportunities that benefit others.

These aren't simply skills we want students to learn about. They are skills we want students to PRACTICE, APPLY, and ultimately CARRY WITH THEM long after they leave our schools!

This Is What We Mean by Preparing and Inspiring Students!

The Rams Rack reminds us that student success is about so much more than grades and test scores. It is about helping young people recognize that their voices matter, their ideas have value, and they have the power to make a positive difference in the world around them. When students are encouraged to identify problems, take initiative, collaborate with others, and see their ideas come to life, learning becomes something much more powerful. It becomes purposeful, meaningful, and lasting.

Perhaps my favorite part of this entire story? Ritaj and Leela have moved on to high school, but what they created has NOT! Their work continues to benefit others, inspire new ideas, and create opportunities for students who follow in their footsteps. That is the kind of lasting impact we hope every Gorham student will experience through their education. Our Portrait of a Graduate is our promise to students and families about the kind of learning experiences we want to create every day, in every school, for every student.

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to Ritaj, Leela, Mrs. Whitaker, Team Katahdin, our community volunteers, and everyone who has helped make the Rams Rack such a success! You are demonstrating exactly what it means to Prepare and Inspire our students in this incredible and strong community of Gorham. And I, for one, can't wait to see where Rams Rack 2 might take us next!

GORHAM VOLLEYBALL, NOISES OFF & OTHER EVENTS COMING SOON

Before we get to the Noises Off information, I did want to make sure that folks knew that our GHS Volleyball Team will be playing for their possible FOURTH State Championship TOMORROW morning at SMCC!  Check out the information below.  If you want to attend, you need to purchase tickets in advance.  You can do that by CLICKING HERE.  

Coming right up in November, GHS Theater will also be presenting "Noises Off".  Details are below!  Get your tickets today by CLICKING HERE!

To keep up with other great community events happening in Gorham (not necessarily school-related), please check out a few key sites that I've linked below.

-  Baxter Memorial Library main page

-  Gorham Recreation Web page & events

-  Town of Gorham Social Media.  

Our community is a vibrant community with LOTS going on ...if you want to get out and about...check these events out - there is no excuse! ☺

IN CLOSING

As we wrap up another few weeks here in Gorham, I hope these stories remind you of just how much goes into making our schools and community such special places. Together, we aren't just preparing students for their futures...we are helping them discover that they have the power to shape those futures and make our world a better place along the way! Have a wonderful weekend!

October 16 Blog Post

Happy Friday, Gorham Schools Families and Community Members!  We are already halfway through October! The leaves are putting on quite a show here in Maine; the mornings are getting a little chillier, and our schools are buzzing with the energy of students and staff who have settled into the routines of an exciting school year.  Check out some pictures from the past few weeks below and then on to the information!

This Week's Topics (In order, so keep scrolling to view)...

- BE SURE TO VOTE NOVEMBER 3!

-  HOW DOES THE SCHOOL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WORK?

- OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL PARENT SCHOOL SURVEY ON CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

-  TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES FROM APPLE COMPUTER

-  HOW TO STAY INFORMED - YOUR SCHOOL COMMITTEE AT WORK!

-  EARLY RELEASE DAYS:  INVESTING IN OUR STAFF, STRENGTHENING LEARNING FOR OUR STUDENTS

- UPDATED CONCERT DATES FOR 2026-2027

-  SOME UPCOMING DATE REMINDERS

-  IN CLOSING...

BE SURE TO VOTE NOVEMBER 3!

With absentee and early voting already underway, I want to encourage every eligible Gorham resident to make their voice heard by November 3! Whether you vote early, by absentee ballot, or at the polls on Election Day, your vote matters. Voting is not only one of our most important civic responsibilities, but also a powerful way to model active citizenship for our children. They are watching, and our actions help shape their understanding of democracy!

This November, voters will make important decisions at the national, state, and local levels, including choosing leaders who will represent our communities and making decisions that will shape Gorham's future. Locally, voters will select Town Council and School Committee members and consider an important school bond question.

I've shared detailed information about the proposed school bond in previous blog posts, but I want to make sure every community member has access to the facts before heading to the polls. Below are links to key information to help you decide. 

*. Referendum Video from GoCat

*. Slide Presentation from Superintendent Perry

*  Page One of Informational Flyer

*. Page Two of Informational Flyer

In addition to the local bond question, we will also be voting to fill open seats as follows...

For our Town Council, we have the following folks running for two open seats:

- Suzanne Phillips

-  Lou Simms 

-  Sam Purington

-  Roger Kramer

For School Committee, we have the following folks running for three open seats:

-  Michelle Littlefield

-  Nancy Flagg

-  Karl Krebs

-  Sheldon Jones

-  Michael Ziegler

-  Matthew Steinbeck

If you want more information on any of our local candidates, our very own Gorham Times did a wonderful summary of the folks running and you can CLICK HERE to review.  

Plenty of consequential decisions are being made on November 3, so please get out and vote!  And remember, if you have questions about the local bond request from the Gorham Schools, check out the information linked above and feel free to reach out anytime!  My email is heather.perry@gorhamschools.org.

P.S. - AS A REMINDER TO FAMILIES . . . REMEMBER THERE IS NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON NOVEMBER 3 WHILE TWO OF OUR SCHOOLS ARE USED AS LOCAL POLLING LOCATIONS (GREAT FALLS ELEMENTARY, AND GORHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL).  

HOW DOES THE SCHOOL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WORK?

Believe it or not, we are already beginning the work to develop the FY 28 Gorham Schools budget! As we get started, I thought it would help to share how the process works, what to expect, and, most importantly, how YOU can stay informed and involved!

You can CLICK HERE to view the full budget development timeline. All School Committee meetings and joint meetings with the Town Council are open to the public, and we encourage you to attend! Can't make it? No worries! Meeting recordings are available through the Town's GoCAT website, and our district's budget webpage will be updated throughout the process with agendas, presentations, supporting documents, and more.

How Do We Build Our Budget?

Gorham Schools uses a zero-based budgeting approach, meaning we start fresh each year and carefully review all 1,000+ budget lines. Rather than automatically increasing last year's numbers, we build our budget around anticipated needs, ensuring resources are justified and aligned with our district's mission and priorities. While this can cause individual budget lines to fluctuate from year to year, it provides a thoughtful, transparent approach to allocating taxpayer resources.

What Does the Timeline Look Like?

Our process begins where it should—with our teachers and support staff! Starting this month, we gather input from those working directly with students. Principals and program directors then develop budget requests and submit them to my office in December for careful review.

From there, the process generally follows this timeline:

• October–December: Staff input, school and program budget development, and administrative review.

• February: Superintendent presents the initial proposed budget to the School Committee.

• February–April: School Committee conducts detailed public reviews, makes adjustments, and approves its proposed budget.

• May: Town Council reviews and acts on the proposed school budget.

• June: Gorham voters have the final say through the annual school budget referendum.

Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Your Voice Matters!

Our school budget is much more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It reflects our community's priorities, our commitment to students, and our shared responsibility to provide high-quality educational opportunities while respecting the taxpayers who make them possible. I encourage everyone to follow the process, ask questions, attend meetings when possible, and share your perspectives along the way. The strongest school budgets are built through transparency, thoughtful conversations, and meaningful community involvement. We look forward to working together to develop a budget that supports our students, our schools, and our community!

    OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL PARENT         SURVEY ON CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AASA, the National Superintendent's Association, is working with Thought Exchange to sponsor a nationwide survey of adult community members aimed at helping educational leaders:

• Measure confidence in the public schools that locally serve your community

• Hear real experiences about what is creating confidence

• Identify what actions would improve confidence

• Build a picture of what great public education looks like across the country

The survey is completely voluntary and anonymous, and participating will allow our local schools to see summary results specific to our community while also contributing your responses to broader state and national results.  

The survey should take about 8 to 10 minutes.  I would love to see our Gorham families contribute to this rich national discussion about what families think of our public schools, and how we can improve confidence in public schools moving forward.

Survey Link:  https://tejoin.com/participate/498093281

Survey QR Code:

GORHAM SHOUT OUTS NEED YOU!

Every day, Gorham School Department employees make a difference in the lives of our students, families, colleagues, and community in big and small ways. We want to make sure those moments are noticed and celebrated!

We are excited to share a way to make that happen that YOU can contribute to!

Gorham Shout-Outs, a simple way for students, families, staff, and community members to recognize any Gorham School Department employee who has made a positive difference. Maybe someone went above and beyond for your child, offered a helping hand when needed, created a strong sense of belonging, supported a colleague, or simply showed the care and compassion that make our schools special. We want to hear about it!

Please use the QR code on the attached flyer (below) to submit a Gorham Shout-Out. We will use these nominations throughout the school year to recognize and celebrate our employees and to share the many examples of great work happening throughout the Gorham Schools.

Our schools are strong because of the people who bring their best to our students and community each day. Thank you for helping us recognize them, celebrate them, and remind them that their work matters!

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES FROM APPLE COMPUTER

As we continue our conversations about the purposeful use of technology in our schools and work together to implement Maine's new bell-to-bell cell phone law, I want to make sure families know about the tools available to help children develop healthy, safe, and responsible technology habits. After all, schools and families can't teach students to use technology appropriately on their own. It takes a partnership!

Recently, Apple released additional parental controls and safety features to give families greater awareness of, and control over, how their children use technology. Since Apple products are widely used in our schools, I thought these resources would be a great place to start! Of course, not every family uses Apple devices, and that's perfectly fine. I'll be sharing similar resources for other devices in future blog posts.

What I find particularly encouraging is the growing recognition among technology companies that keeping children safe in a digital world requires more than simply giving them access to technology. It requires giving the adults who care for them the tools to guide, monitor, and support its responsible use. Technology can open incredible doors for learning, creativity, and connection, but our children still need boundaries, guidance, and opportunities to develop good judgment along the way.

Ultimately, our goal isn't simply to limit technology use. It's to help our children develop the skills to use technology wisely, safely, and purposefully, both today and in the future. Schools and families each play an important role in making that happen.

I encourage you to explore the Apple resources below, see what might help your family, and stay tuned for additional resources in future posts!

*. Apple and the American Academy of Pediatrics release new guide to help families build healthy digital habits

*. https://www.apple.com/tm/families/

HOW TO STAY INFORMED - YOUR SCHOOL COMMITTEE AT WORK!

One of the most important ways community members can support our schools is by staying informed and engaged in our School Committee's work. Our seven elected School Committee members play a critical role in shaping the direction of the Gorham Schools, making decisions that impact everything from educational programming and student opportunities to school policies, facilities, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. These decisions matter to the nearly 2,800 students we serve each day and to our entire community!

We often remind folks that strong public schools are built on strong community partnerships, and those partnerships begin with understanding, communication, participation, and engagement. School Committee meetings provide an important window into the challenges and decisions facing our district. While we may not always agree on every issue or decision, an informed community that understands the WHY behind our work helps us have more meaningful and productive conversations about the future of our schools.

So, how do I stay involved with my crazy schedule, one might ask?  GOOD QUESTION!  Fortunately, we have many ways to stay involved.  Here are just a few:

- Check out upcoming meeting agendas for topics of interest.  CLICK HERE to find 2026-2027 listings and links to full packet materials.

-  Attend A Meeting.  If you see an agenda item that interests you, please attend a meeting.  All meetings are open to the public, and each agenda includes a spot for general public comment at the front.  Visit our website to view our district calendar, which lists all meetings each month.

-  Watch our meetings.  GoCAT Video records and archives all regular and workshop meetings.  CLICK HERE to find a meeting and watch it!  They even have a convenient table of contents so you can skim meetings and go to just the areas you want to listen to.  Great for busy adults! 

- Reach out to SC Members or me to share comments or ask questions!  CLICK HERE for SC member emails or email me at heather.perry@gorhamschools.org

You don't have to be a parent of a current student to have a voice in our schools. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, business owner, taxpayer, or simply someone who cares about Gorham's future, your engagement matters!

At the end of the day, our schools belong to our community, and their success is a shared responsibility. The more we understand, the better equipped we are to make thoughtful decisions that keep our students at the center of all we do. Thank you to our School Committee members for their service and to our community for continuing to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. Together, we can ensure that the Gorham Schools remain a source of pride and opportunity for generations to come!

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY RELEASE DAYS & CONTINUED STAFF TRAINING

As families review our school calendars, you may notice several Early Release Days scheduled throughout the school year. Eight, to be exact.  We recognize that these days can create challenges for families as they adjust work schedules and arrange childcare. We also want our community to understand why these days matter to the work we do in the Gorham Schools. Early Release Days are not simply shorter school days. They are an intentional investment in our educators' professional growth and, ultimately, in our students' success.

Education is constantly evolving. From new research on how children learn to emerging technologies, student needs are changing, and expectations for our schools are becoming increasingly complex.  Our educators must keep learning and growing alongside their students. Early Release Days give teachers and support staff dedicated time to engage in meaningful professional development, collaborate with colleagues, examine student learning data, and strengthen instructional practices. Just as we expect our students to be lifelong learners, we expect our adults who work with them to model that same commitment to continuous improvement.

We understand that every minute of instructional time matters, and we do not take lightly the adjustments families must make to accommodate Early Release Days. We are grateful for your flexibility and partnership in allowing us to provide these important learning opportunities for our staff. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every student in the Gorham Schools has access to caring, knowledgeable, and highly skilled educators who are prepared to help them succeed, not only today but in a rapidly changing future. Great schools don't happen by accident. Great people build them and never stop learning, growing, and working together for children. Thank you for helping us make that possible!

UPDATED CONCERT DATES FOR 2026-2027

I shared this list earlier in September, but there have been a few additions, so I wanted to share it again.  Check out this comprehensive list of all concert dates for the 2026-2027 School Year and mark your calendars! 

SOME UPCOMING DATES OF IMPORTANCE

A few important upcoming dates are below.  This is not an all-inclusive list.  To keep up with everything, please go to the district website, click on your school, and view its calendar of events.  Also, please watch for each school's weekly updates and social media sites.  And always know you can call or email your child's school anytime with questions or to check in on information, and we'll do our best to answer! 

-  This Weekend - Homecoming weekend! Go Rams...and good luck to those participating in the golf ball drop to benefit the Reed Allen Foundation!

-  Next week is Parent/Teacher Conference week!  Please come join us - we'd LOVE to see you!  

-  Next week is also National School Bus Safety Week, when we also celebrate our drivers!

-  Wednesday, Oct. 21: Early Release Day for Teacher PD and Conferences with families.

-  Friday, Oct. 23 - NO SCHOOL for Parent/Teacher conferences.

-  Tuesday, Oct. 27 - World Occupational Therapist Day

-  Wed. Oct. 28 - School Committee workshop meeting 7:00 p.m. at new Adult Ed. location on 381 Main Street!

-  Tuesday, Nov. 3 - NO SCHOOL for Teacher Workshop day and use of schools as polling locations.  Be Sure To Vote!

-  Wed. Nov. 11 - NO SCHOOL to celebrate Veterans Day

-  Wed. Nov. 12 - Annual "Dessert & Discuss" Budget Development kickoff meeting with School Committee and District Leadership Team (open to the public), 6:00 p.m. at Gorham Middle School.

-  Wed. Nov. 18 - School Committee regular meeting, 7:00 p.m. at council chambers

-  Wed. Nov. 25 - 27 - NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break

IN CLOSING...

I wanted to take a moment to share how amazed I am every day by how articulate, mature, and impressive our students are here in the Gorham Schools.  Our students are simply incredible!  Here are just a few quick example stories to share as I close...

PK-5 - Recently, I had the opportunity to observe an elementary classroom lesson.  During my observation, a student in our Functional Life Skills program entered the room with an adult support staff member.  Students stopped what they were doing and excitedly said hi to the student.  Students asked to give high-fives (which were granted).  The student joined their peers during a reading/spelling lesson and during circle time.  Classmates positioned themselves as this student's partner, and it was clear this student was a popular part of their peer group.  The acceptance of this student's differences was crystal clear.  Lessons many of us as adults could learn from!

6-8 - Recently, a group of 8th grade students came to a SC meeting and presented their work as docents for an Anne Frank program conducted at our school.  These students were articulate; they were passionate, and they clearly cared about what they were doing.  When questions were asked, they didn't skip a beat and responded with care and enthusiasm, answering fully with examples.  Clear voices.  Eye contact.  And engagement was clear.  Don't believe me - check it out by CLICKING HERE (under admin reports) 

9-12 - Recently, a small group of students who have been working to improve our School Lunch program at GHS approached me to share what they were trying to do and ask my advice on how to proceed.  They asked great questions: how to prepare, what data to collect, and how best to advocate for what they wanted to see happen.  They didn't make demands.  They were extremely respectful, yet clear they felt things could change/improve.  They had a clear vision, understood they had to work for positive change, and were/are willing to do it.  I am very sure they will get where they want to be...their determination and passion were clear!

These are just three small examples of the incredible things I have the privilege of witnessing every day in our Gorham Schools. What stands out to me isn't simply what our students know, but who they are becoming.  They are becoming kind, compassionate, confident young people who are finding their voices and learning how to make a positive difference in the world around them. These moments remind me why we do what we do and why I am so incredibly proud to serve this school community. Our future is in wonderful hands, Gorham! Thank you for being such an important part of helping our students learn, grow, and shine!