MSAD #51 District Newsletter - August 13, 2026

From the Superintendent

One Campus Construction Project Update

This summer has been very busy on campus with multiple facilities-related projects underway. These projects have either been completed or are nearing completion:

• • • Addition to MIW (will be ready for occupancy in time for the new school year)
    • Carolyn F. Small School construction progress hit the 50% mark over the summer
    • Campus Drive was reconfigured and paved between Main Street and the track
    • New parking lots and bus loop areas added in front of CFS School 
    • Sidewalks added to Campus Drive and Tuttle Road
    • Renovation of GHS science wing with new HVAC systems 
    • Complete roof replacement at Mabel I. Wilson School 
    • Substantial electrical upgrade/code compliance at Greely High School 
    • MIW internal renovations to multiple spaces, including a reconfigured STEM room, addition of new playground hallway /entrance, moving nurse’s station, additional office space, staff room upgrades, new restraint/seclusion room, toilet retrofits, and enclosure of central stairwell to conform to code
    • Coming soon: Resurfacing the outdoor track and replacing the outdated GHS intercom system

PLEASE NOTE: We are extending the closure of Campus Drive (between Main Street and the GMS access road) until Monday, August 24 to allow for a final coat of pavement to be applied and cured. Access to the campus before this date can be made from Gyger Way (GHS) or the GMS access road off Tuttle Road. Additionally, we have also had to extend the closure of Mabel I. Wilson School building and grounds, including the playground and other play areas, until Monday, August 24 due to completion of the roof replacement project, new addition, and multiple renovations of interior spaces.

New Cell Phone Policy: Arrival to Dismissal Begins on Day 1

As I noted in a previous newsletter back in June, 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." In June, 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/guardians in helping us comply with state law without going to the additional step of centrally storing devices at school. One way parents and guardians can help is by leaving messages for their child during the school day by calling or emailing the school’s main office. Please do not text or call your child on their devices during the school day. Students are allowed to use devices after dismissal to communicate with parents as needed. 

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. Additionally, each school will communicate out more specific information pertaining to the rollout of this new state law and policy at each grade level.

Regards,  
Jeff Porter

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Orientation Bus Routes

Kindergarten & PreK orientation are coming up in a few weeks! Please check the schedule below for the orientation bus routes. Given the extended closure of Mabel I. Wilson school please make sure to look for updates regarding Kindergarten and PreK Orientation dates.

Bus Routes

Transportation 

For transportation inquiries please visit the Transportation webpage on the District website.

School Start Dates

First Day of School for Grades 1-9: August 31
First Day of School for Grades 10-12: September 1
First Day of School for Kindergarten: September 2
First Day of School for PreK: September 3

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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).     

August 31 - Board Workshop

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.

Back to School Time!

 

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.