Spring has finally arrived in Maine—and with it, the inevitable return of blackflies! There’s always something, isn’t there? But let’s be honest: a few pesky bugs are a small price to pay for living in such an incredible state. From breathtaking natural beauty to a strong sense of community, Maine has a lot to offer. This past week, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several schools and was thrilled to see students taking full advantage of the warmer weather, whether it was recess, outdoor learning activities, or just a quick movement break. There’s nothing like fresh air to lift the spirit and energize the day!
Scroll down to check out some snapshots of what’s been happening in our schools recently—then we’ll dive into the informational part of this blog post! (P.S. - needed two sets of photos this time to capture all the learning fun across our schools)!
Our teachers are more than just instructors—they are mentors, encouragers, and champions of every child in their care. They show up each day with patience, creativity, and resilience, in meeting the individual needs of their students. And while they don't do it for recognition, knowing that their efforts are seen and appreciated can be deeply meaningful.
Think back to your own school years. Can you remember a teacher who made a difference in your life? Someone who believed in you when it mattered most? For me, that person was Mr. Morin, my high school history teacher. His passion for the past made history come alive and inspired me to pursue a career in education—an impact that still shapes me today. I often wish I had taken the time to thank him back then. It’s a reminder that the simple act of saying “thank you” can mean the world.
This week, I encourage every family to find a way—big or small—to show their appreciation. A few ideas:
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Write a heartfelt note or email sharing how a teacher has made a difference in your child’s life.
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Organize or contribute to a classroom supply drive.
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Help your child create a handmade card or treat.
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Post a shoutout on social media recognizing your child’s teacher and tagging the school.
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Volunteer your time to support classroom or school-wide activities.
These gestures, no matter how small, lift spirits and remind our educators why they do what they do. Teaching—like parenting—is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging. A kind word or thoughtful gesture can make a huge impact.
Thank you for being partners in this journey with us!
FY 26 SCHOOL BUDGET UPDATE
Transparency is what allows families to feel confident and involved. When schools openly share their mission/vision, strategic goals, core beliefs, decisions, and progress, families are empowered to take part in their children’s education in meaningful ways. Whether it’s understanding how resources are allocated, what our policies and procedures are, and how students are supported in the classroom, the information is there, and we encourage everyone to engage with it.
This openness also creates a stronger sense of partnership. When schools and communities work together, with shared understanding and trust, we can accomplish so much more for our children. Public education thrives when educators, families, and community members are aligned in purpose, and that alignment begins with access to clear and honest information.
As a public school system, we take seriously our responsibility as stewards of both your trust and your children’s futures. Our transparency is not just a policy—it’s a promise to keep our community informed (Blog posts) involved, and at the heart of everything we do. If you have any questions about our practices, please reach out to your child's teacher, principal, superintendent, or your elected school committee members. It is no easy task to raise a child in today's world, as educators and parents, we understand this critical task's weight and responsibility. We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as partners because we know this is the only way for our mission to "Prepare and Inspire" all children to achieve their future success can be achieved.
At its core, public education is a public trust, and our schools honor that trust through their daily commitment to openness, accountability, and inclusion. By continuing to lead with transparency, public schools reaffirm their role as responsive, community-centered institutions that prioritize students. Thank you for continuing to hold us accountable to this important task of keeping you informed as partners in your child's education!
For many years, Gorham Middle School (GMS) has proudly served as a local polling location, and during the pandemic, Great Falls Elementary School was added as a second site to ensure more accessible and safe voting options for our community. As a school district, we are proud to partner with the Town of Gorham to support civic engagement and make it easier for every community member to exercise their right to vote.
At GMS, we are able to securely separate the voting area from the rest of the school by using the gymnasium and designated entrances, allowing students and voters to remain safely apart throughout the day. Unfortunately, Great Falls Elementary does not offer the same flexibility. Due to the building's layout, particularly the placement of the cafeteria and shared spaces, there is no feasible way to prevent interaction between voters and students during the school day.
In past elections, such as those held in November, we’ve resolved this challenge by aligning staff professional development days with voting days, which keeps students out of the building while still supporting our role as a polling place. However, in June, we do not have a professional development day available to make this adjustment.
Therefore, to continue supporting our community's access to voting while prioritizing student safety, we will hold a Remote Learning Day for all Great Falls students on Tuesday, June 10. This decision allows us to maintain our commitment to civic partnership and student well-being. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we balance these two critical responsibilities.
FLAVORS OF OUR COMMUNITY EVENT!
The other day I was walking along the upstairs hallway at GMS, the one that connects the 7th grade and 8th grade wings and I saw this quiet little poster on the wall that caught my attention. The poster was an essay written by Michael Brown, entitled "What Is an American?" I stopped to read it and wondered how long it had been up on the walls. Upon questioning some veteran staff members, I discovered that the poster had been hung up in one of the school's first years, back in 2003, over 20 years ago now.
An American is not defined by a particular skin color or way of life. He is a person from many places, with many shades of skin, different sizes and varied energies. He has a Master’s Degree, or he may never have finished high school. He may drive an expensive automobile, or perhaps he relies on the rules of mass transit to get him to the office. But regardless of who he is, what he looks like or any facial features he may bear, he is a strength in tradition that compels the American way. An American opens the doors of opportunity to all people into a life known only in the hearts of those who have struggled and sacrificed for freedom, and which has released the American ideal to those who reach for the stars.
An American does not wave armed callings in defiance of a system, but rather as a reminder that the system exists. He is an inventor and a discoverer. An American believes that freedom is a responsibility, not a right. He is an advocate for peace, and when it is called upon him to stand in defense of his nation’s soil, he does not retreat. But he realizes that the future solely becomes the heritage of those who preserve it.
An American trusts the system and believes that it will not harm them through a process in which it serves all people. He does not promote absolutism, and in times of trial, rises above the ashes of defeat to shine through the anguish. He does not measure greatness in wealth, but in character. He stands ready at a moment’s notice.
An American finds nothing in all universal creation that equals getting cold chills when his flag raises in revelry. His flag has flown in battle and has never been replaced. When the smoke cleared over Fort McHenry, it was still there. When it drifted in the sands of Iwo Jima and when the colors glistened on the moon, it was still there. That is what it means to be free. An American sees nothing wrong with shedding a tear in honor of his brother while the National Anthem is played. He views hope as not only a dream, but as a promise that he must keep. He believes that his freedom will only be unreachable when it is no longer worth the risk.
An American is the essence of pride in a way of life. What is an American, you say? He is fortunate.
— Michael Brown
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