MSAD #51 District Newsletter - October 12, 2023

From the Superintendent

This the last segment in a four-part series around the district's 2023-24 Strategic Priorities. This week's focus is Early Childhood Education, one of the four priority areas of the Strategic Plan.  

 

Per the Short-term Facilities Plan, we have completed Phase I's focus on Mabel I. Wilson's modular reconfiguration, additions, and playground replacement in an effort to reclaim programming space and redress long-standing issues. In all of the discussions and meetings I have had since we began talking about building a new school back in 2018, few people have disputed the need for additional learning space. After all, the school first exceeded its 550-student capacity limit in 2015, eight years ago. The school's current enrollment is now up over 200 students since then and is expected to peak in 2028 with 822 students. During the summer of 2023, modular classroom reconfiguration and site work allowed us to place 22 modular classrooms behind the main building in two cluster units.

 

Phase II begins during the summer of 2024 when enrollment shifts at GMS necessitate replacing 7 modular classrooms with a 12-room unit in order to reclaim programming space and prepare for rapid enrollment increases in grades 4-8 over the next several years. With a current enrollment now exceeding 800 students at GMS, there will be more than 1,000 students in the school by the start of the 2028-29 year. Phase III of the plan is tentatively planned for the summer of 2026 with an additional 12-room modular unit to be needed at that time.

 

More discussions about finding a long-term solution to the district's rapidly expanding enrollment will take place on October 25 at a joint meeting of the MSAD 51 Board of Directors, North Yarmouth Select Board, and Cumberland Town Council. In the meantime, the Board has convened a new Community Engagement Committee to help inform the community about current and future conditions and plans related to this strategic priority.

 

Regards,
Jeff Porter
 

Camp Kieve staff worked with all GHS 9th graders this week on activities building community & belonging.

MIW teacher Crystal Gagnon, Foundation 51 president Heather Goddu & Asst. Principal Mallory Orzechowski unveiled a new book vending machine during a special MIW assembly this week. Thank you to F51 for donating the funds for this purchase.

GMS 6-8 Teacher James Treadwell entertains students at the annual club assembly.
 

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our District's weekly newsletter by clicking here.
Like us on Facebook at MSAD #51
Find us Instagram @msad_51
YouTube Channel MSAD #51
School News App by Edlio (follow these brief instructions HERE to download the app)

Check out our new robust Youtube Channel! You will be able to view not only Board of Director meetings but sporting events, student presentations and other recorded events. Make sure to subscribe!
 

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 25, 2023 - Joint Meeting with Cumberland Town Council and North Yarmouth Select Board

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

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

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.

Greely PTO

• Did you know that all proceeds raised from the Greely PTO go into the schools?
• Did you know the Greely PTO funds fieldtrips, author visits, student events, classroom and playground equipment, and even ACES Day?
• Did you know $25 could send 2 students on fieldtrips for the year? 
• Supporting our fundraisers will help the schools and bring more enrichment to students. 

 

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.

North Yarmouth Waste Reduction Committee

Useful Links

Employment Opportunities

MSAD #51 Website

2018-2023 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 Sunday. Any requests received after Sunday 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.