MSAD #51 District Newsletter - June 23, 2026

From the Superintendent

The last day of school on June 18 was filled with memorable events and send-offs, including a special 8th grade 'graduation' program held at the GCA for parents/guardians.

New Cell Phone Policy

As I noted in a previous newsletter, LD 1234 was passed this spring by the Maine Legislature in an effort to reduce the effects of personal technology devices/cell phones in schools. This law requires that "By August 1, 2026, a school board shall adopt and implement a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell. The policy must restrict student use of cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices with internet or cellular network capabilities."

For the start of the 2026-27 school year, students in PK-12 across the state will not be allowed to use phones or other personal electronic devices at all during the school day, with limited exceptions (as defined by law) "for medical reasons, emergency situations, or specific educational accommodations." On June 18, the Board adopted local Policy JICJ, which includes the language below, in alignment with state law:

"All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connectivity capabilities for the duration of the entire school day, from arrival to dismissal, except as otherwise permitted in this policy.

Students are not permitted to carry/wear or access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs during the school day. 

Prior to the arrival bell, cell phones and other PEDs must be powered off and remain off and stored in a student’s assigned locker, backpack, or handbag.

Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted for monitoring or management of a health condition in accordance with a health care provider’s order as incorporated into the student’s individual health plan (IHP) (e.g., glucose monitoring); implementation of a student’s IEP; a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student (e.g., use of assistive technology); in language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is reasonably available; or in an emergency situation as authorized by the building administrator in accordance with the school unit’s Emergency Plan."

Please note that this policy does not involve central storage of phones or other devices at school. This was a lengthy discussion at Policy Committee meetings as some districts have opted to centrally store all student devices upon arrival at school. Rather, the policy seeks to place the responsibility on students for powering off their phones and other devices and putting them away upon arrival at school each day. As a result, MSAD #51 is asking for help from students (and parents) in helping us comply with state law without going to the additional step of centrally storing devices at school.

Please note that due to the timing of the law and the expense, we will be continuing with Bring Your Own Learning Device (BYOLD) at GHS next year, so the policy will exempt personal laptops that are currently used by high school students during school hours. 

For more information: Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices in Schools 

Reminder-Campus Closure

Due to the One Campus project, Summer 2026 will be very busy on campus. As a result of multiple projects occurring simultaneously, many areas of the campus will be closed or partially closed to the community for large portions of the summer months as outlined below:

• Campus Drive (the road that runs from Main Street to the GMS access road) will be closed from June 22-August 17 (tentative). This is due to road, sidewalk, and parking lot improvements and construction at Carolyn F. Small School (CSS) and MIW. 
• Mabel I. Wilson School (building and grounds) will be completely closed June 22-August 17 (tentative) due to roof replacement, parking lot and access road upgrades, and internal building reconfigurations. This closure extends to the MIW playground, parking lot, and grounds.
• GHS will be accessible on the Gyger Way side of the building only (entrance on GCA side will be closed).  
• GHS Science wing will be closed from June 22-August 17 (tentative) due to the voter-approved SRRF (revolving renovation) project to upgrade HVAC systems.
• GMS access road and facility will be open for extended year services and recreation programs throughout the summer.
• Turf field will be open throughout the summer and can be accessed via Gyger Way. 
• The District Office will be open Monday-Thursday throughout the summer, but will only be accessed one way using the entrance nearest the district office building.

This will be the last district newsletter of the 2025-26 school year. There will be a couple of brief newsletters sent out over the summer with updates and information, and regular weekly newsletters will start up again in time for school to begin. My very best to the entire MSAD 51 school community for a wonderful summer full of memories and fun. See you back in late August!

Back to School 2026-27

August 31: Grades 1-9
September 1: Grades 10-12
September 2: Kindergarten
September 3: Pre-K 
 

Regards,  
Jeff Porter

Congratulations to Greely Girls Lacrosse on winning the State Championship!

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Annual Every Student Succeed Act

The Annual ESSA report prepared by Mar-E Trebilcock, Director of Academic Services, is now viewable on the District's website.

Superintendent Report

Here is the last Superintendent Report for the 2025-26 school year.

Stay Connected 

 
Click on the icon above to connect with MSAD #51.
Mabel I. Wilson News
Greely Middle School 4-5 News
Greely Middle School 6-8 News
Greely High School News   
Find all the ways MSAD #51 shares information.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of Good News Greely!
Cumberland Town Office, Prince Memorial Library, Food Stop, North Yarmouth Town Office, North Yarmouth Variety

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).     

July 16 - 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

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.