From the Superintendent
Last week, the MSAD 51 Board approved the 2026-27 school calendar. This calendar looks somewhat different from years past due to the large-scale PK-8 One Campus project transition set to take place beginning in June 2027, just over a year from now. Staff will need sufficient time over the upcoming school year to plan and prepare for this huge shift, the largest in the district's 60-year history. Thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility around the changes reflected in this calendar for this purpose. As you review the calendar, here's some important highlights and changes:
- State law requires that all vocational regions have no more than 5 dissimilar days between them. The PATHS (Portland Arts and Technology High School) region that MSAD #51 belongs to includes multiple districts working together to comply with the law. As such, much of the school calendar is set regionally and not by individual districts.
- School begins before Labor Day (Monday, Aug. 31 for grades 1-9) after a couple of years of starting after the holiday.
- Per the teachers' collective bargaining agreement, an additional staff work day (non-student day) has been added to the calendar. It was placed on Jan. 15 as a staff day to assist with transition work for the One Campus project.
- Spring Conferences for grades 6-12 are earlier (Feb. 24 and March 3) and have been designated as Early Early Release (EER) for secondary students.
- The last days of school for PK-8 and 9-12 will be staggered in June 2027. The last day for PK-8 students will be Monday, June 14 and for grades 9-11 it will be Tuesday, June 15. This is to provide PK-8 staff with an additional work day to pack and get ready for the large summer 2027 move.
- High school students will attend school one day after PK-8 has finished in June 2027 because grades 10 & 11 would not otherwise meet the required state minimum of 175 days, given that Aug. 31 is reserved for 9th grade onboarding (grades 10-12 students do not attend on 8/31).
- The calendar allows for 2 traditional snow/weather days again (instead of 3). Additional weather-related days will be remote. This is because there are only 2 available days (June 16 & 17) prior to Friday, June 18, when Juneteenth is observed in 2027.
- If there are 2 traditional weather-related closures, the last student day for grades K-8 would be June 16 and for grades 9-12 would be June 17. June 17 will be a staff day for K-8 (non-student day).
Also at the March 5 Board meeting, I presented the draft 2026-27 budget. This budget reflects a 7.6% increase in expenditures due to continued enrollment increases, debt service related to the One Campus project, and increases to salary and benefits as a result of inflation, among others. Please mark your calendar to attend the district budget meeting on May 7 at 6:00 PM and the budget referendum vote on June 9.
Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the unexpected passing of Dennise McKague, a long-time custodian with the MSAD #51 Facilities department. Throughout her career in our district, Dennise worked in every building, including the former Drowne Road and NYMS schools. Dennise was a fixture in our schools, inarguably one of the most reliable staff members you could hope for, always showing up to lend a hand no matter what the circumstances. Each spring, many staff members were recipients of freshly harvested fiddleheads that were cut from her garden. Dennise was dedicated to the students and staff in our district and she will be sadly missed by the MSAD #51 school community. Please join me in extending our collective condolences to Dennise's husband, Doug, and the McKague family during this time
Regards,
Jeff Porter 
Dennise McKague, long-time custodian with the MSAD #51 Facilities department
Notices from the Office of the Superintendent
Important Notice from MSAD 51 Nurses
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to share an update regarding the recent increase in measles cases across the United States and confirmed cases in Maine. Measles cases have risen significantly across the country in 2026, with hundreds of cases reported across multiple states.
Situation in Maine
Earlier this month, Maine health officials confirmed several measles cases in Penobscot County. At this time, there are no identified public exposure locations connected to our local school community. We will monitor guidance from the Maine CDC and provide updates if needed.
How Measles Spreads and What to Watch For
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air even after the affected person leaves the area. Measles is highly contagious, with up to 90% of non-immune individuals becoming infected after exposure. While the MMR vaccine is highly effective, infection after full vaccination, though uncommon, can still occur. Complications can include ear infections and diarrhea. More serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis may require hospitalization and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms to look for:
● High fever (may spike greater than 104°F)
● Cough Runny nose
● Red, watery eyes
● Tiny white spots inside mouth (Koplik spots)
● Rash that starts on face along hairline and spreads all over body
If you suspect measles, please contact your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or emergency department to help prevent potential spread.
Protecting Your Family
The most effective protection against measles is vaccination with 2 doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Please review their child’s immunization record to ensure the MMR vaccine is up to date. If access to care or scheduling a vaccine appointment is a concern, please reach out to your school nurse.
Refer to Maine CDC resources for additional information about measles and immunizations.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community healthy.
MSAD #51 Nurses
Mark Your Calendars!
It's time to name the new PreK-1 school!
Thanks to the many community members and students who voted, the board will now decide between the Carolyn F. Small School or Greely Primary School at the April 2 board meeting.
Please join us!
IB Visual Arts Senior Exhibition
Please join us to celebrate Greely High School's IB Visual Arts Senior Exhibition show! The Exhibition opening will take place in the Greely Center for the Arts on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 from 4:00-6:00pm, and will be displayed through March. Stay Connected
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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).
March 19- Regular Meeting
Remember you can watch our meetings on YouTube LIVE (http://bit.ly/msad51livevideo)
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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.
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