MSAD #51 District Newsletter - September 8, 2025

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From the Superintendent

A man with a beard and suit, smiling against a gray background.

 As we begin the 2025-26 school year, it reminds me of the ancient proverb, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step." The journey of a school year can sometimes come across as daunting, filled with uncertainty amidst seemingly endless terrain. It is human nature to fixate more on the destination, or end point, rather than the small steps we take each and every day that eventually add up and get us where we want to be. Such is life, such is a school year, and such is any journey that we embark on. 

The mission of MSAD 51 begins with this phrase, "To guide all students..." The foundation of this guidance is rooted in this truism: That the real fruit comes not from the final destination, but in the journey that leads us there. Education is a journey and each step along the way is an opportunity for our students to grow in knowledge, skills, resilience, perseverance, and- most importantly- to grow as people. For a journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step. Indeed, how critical each step really is. 

This week marks the 24th observation of 9/11. During the busy beginning-of-school stretch, this annual somber reflection can be lost in the shuffle of activities and schedules. But it is incumbent upon all of us to help young people understand this turning point in our recent history and never forget the significance of so many lives lost and a nation devastated. It was in those bleak moments, and their aftermath, that our national character and resolve were tested. Those tests were passed, our nation continues to show strength and resilience, and we must keep 9/11 in our collective memory.
 

Regards,  
Jeff Porter

Season opener on the new turf fieldFirst football game on Friday
Rangers opening football game Friday night ended with a big win.

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Superintendent Report

Here is the latest Superintendent's Report.

Superintendent's report cover image with three pictures featuring students.

Mark your calendars!

Grand opening invitation for September 20


Madrigals Sea Dogs performance on Tuesday, September 2

Madrigals sea dog performance on 9/2

Madrigals performance at the sea dogs on 9/2

Stay Connected 

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Click on the icon above to connect with MSAD #51.  
Find all the ways MSAD #51 shares information.

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).     

September 25 - Regular Meeting

Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)

Committee meetings this week:

September 9 - Finance
September 9 - Curriculum
September 9 - Policy

Links  
Meeting Dates, Agendas & Minutes  
Board of Directors Meeting Videos

One Campus Project Information

For comprehensive information regarding the School Building Project, please visit the project page at: https://www.msad51.org/ apps/pages/building_project

Don't forget to check out the updates on our current projects

One campus one community photo album screenshot

Now uploaded - MIW addition construction pictures.
https://sites.google.com/msad51.org/onecampusphotoalbum/home

Community Partners

Our Community Partners are strong supporters of various areas of the school.  Without them, our students would not have many of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that they receive.

This Friday!

Kindergarten coffee flyer for the MSAD #51 PTO 

Community Notices

Community Notices are not affiliated with MSAD #51.  Please contact the organization directly with any questions. Here is a full listing of Community Notices.

Sounds of Silence
 

Useful Links

Employment Opportunities

MSAD #51 Website

Strategic Plan

District Calendar

GHS Athletics Schedule

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.

Maine School Administrative District #51  
357 Tuttle Road, PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021  
Contact Us   |   207.829.4800