From the Superintendent
This is the third segment in a multi-part series around the 2024-25 district strategic priorities. The Strategic Plan identifies wellness as the foundation of learning and teaching, and one way that wellness is being prioritized this year is by stressing the importance of regular school attendance.
Why are we prioritizing attendance? The state of Maine requires that districts track and report data for chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason. During the 2023-24 year, 8.3% (or 183 students district-wide) were considered chronically absent in our schools, with 12% at GHS; 6.8% at GMS 6-8; 6.5% at GMS 4-5; and 7.0% at MIW. Though the data in 2023-24 was an improvement over the prior year's rate of 13.2%, there is still a long way to go to meet the district's target of less than 5% of our students classified as chronically absent.
One daily habit can set your child up for success for years to come: Showing up at school in person as often as possible. When children and teens regularly attend school in person, they’re more likely to develop their whole selves—personally, socially, academically, and emotionally. They’re routinely able to connect with friends and adults, collaborate and problem-solve, make decisions, think critically, be creative, and engage in hands-on learning.
How you can support your child's regular school attendance:
Establish Routines: Create a consistent sleep schedule and morning routine to help students feel prepared for school.
Communicate with School: Reach out to your child's teachers if they're facing challenges that might impact attendance.
Celebrate Attendance: Acknowledge and celebrate good attendance habits.
Attend School Events: Show your support for education by actively participating in school events and meetings.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the upcoming departures of two long-time district staff members. Scott Poulin, the district's Director of Finance, Human Resources, and Operations has announced his retirement, effective at the end of December. I wish to thank Scott for his 27 years of service to MSAD #51 overseeing all non-educational areas of the school organization. Additionally, I would like to thank Sue Fuller, who will be retiring from her role in the Finance Office handling accounting and payroll for the last 24 years. On behalf of the MSAD #51 school community, my gratitude and very best wishes to both Scott and Sue for well-deserved retirements.
As a result of these retirements, organizational adjustments moving forward as we search for replacements include advertising for a Director of Business Services who will be responsible for all non-educational/business operations for the district. A new Finance Manager position will supervise all aspects of the budget and financial operations for the district. Finally, the current HR specialist position will be reclassified as a Human Resources Coordinator. These adjustments are intended to be collectively budget-neutral and responsive to the current and future needs of the district and its stakeholders.
Regards,
Jeff Porter
Thanks to the fundraising efforts by the class of 2024, they were able to gift GHS with four new bottle fillers. Thank you to class adviser, Liz Rodas and the Class of 2024! 
Mr. Goldsmith's & Mr. Conley's students spent some time learning about the US Constitution on Constitution Day, September 17, 2024!
Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
One person in Maine has recently tested positive for locally acquired WNV. Due to recently detected positive results, there is currently a high risk for people living in Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo counties. The risk for getting a mosquito-borne disease is highest from dusk to dawn and when temperatures are above 50°F (especially above 60°F), since this is when mosquitoes are most active. Risk from mosquito bites is expected to continue until two hard frosts kill the mosquitoes this fall/winter. The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.Learn what West Nile Virus (WNV) is and how to protect yourself and your household from it.
Quick tips:
1. Use an EPA-approved bug spray.
2. Cover up with long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid activities during dusk and dawn.
4. Mosquito-proof your home by removing standing water and ensuring all screens are secure with no holes.
For more up-to-date information on West Nile Virus, visit Maine CDC at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/
Firearm Safety Locks
Free firearm safety locks are available for all who are interested. Each school office has them available as well as the Central Office. Thank you to the Cumberland Police Department for making them available.
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MSAD #51 Board of Directors Information
All meetings will take place at 6:00 pm in the Gyger Room at Greely High School. For those of you unfamiliar with that room, the Gyger Room can be accessed from the GHS parking lot (the side without the electronic sign).
October 3 - Regular Meeting
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo
Links
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes
Board of Directors Meeting Videos
Community Notices
Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51. Please contact the organization directly with any questions. For a full listing of Community Notices, please click HERE.
Firearm Safety for Families
Useful Links
Greely Center for the Arts Events
If you would like something included in our weekly newsletter, please send a brief write up with title along with a JPEG or PNG image of your flyer (if applicable) to Melissa Porter for approval. The deadline each week is Wednesday. Any requests received after Wednesday will be reviewed for possible submission in the following week's newsletter. All approved submissions will be posted on the district's website.
Not all items in this email are MSAD #51 sponsored programs. If you need more information, please contact the group or organization that is sponsoring the event.
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021
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