MSAD #51 District Newsletter - September 14, 2026

Logo of MSAD #51, Cumberland and North Yarmouth, Maine.

From the Superintendent

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

Educate Maine, a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to improve education and workforce training for all students, last week released a key report on the status of literacy education in Maine schools: Reading at Grade Level in Third Grade Is Imperative, which summarizes the findings and made policy recommendations for the next governor and legislature to consider.

One of the key tenets of this report is the importance of using evidence-based practices to facilitate literacy development in students. It should be noted that MSAD 51 has already implemented most of the recommendations found in this report.

In the past, I have written about the importance of both phonics and comprehension as part of the process of reading. This was in response to recent research that strongly recommends balancing classroom literacy practices after decades of "whole language" approaches in schools across the United States. A literacy audit conducted as part of our Strategic Plan in 2018-19 found gaps in foundational literacy skills that led to greater examination of our instructional methodology. Over the last several years, elementary teachers and staff have learned more about approaches that align with recent research on literacy acquisition, also known as the Science of Reading, which is not a 'program' but an approach that helps students deconstruct reading in ways that best set them up for success by using research-based instructional methodology. Being able to read fluently, i.e. at a comfortable pace with precision, is the goal of early readers. Reading proficiency is based on both the ability to decode (convert written words into speech) and comprehension (being able to understand what is decoded).

Our district's comprehensive PK-5 literacy pilot in 2024-25 ultimately led to the purchase of Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) beginning in the 2025-26 school year. CKLA offers our students a cohesive curriculum resource across the elementary learning continuum and is specifically designed to include interactive read alouds, grade level text materials, and individual decodable reading books. CKLA uses multi-sensory phonics, sequenced texts that are rigorous and relevant, content knowledge in other subject areas like science and social studies, and writing development.

Additionally, in line with the report published by Educate Maine, teachers at MIW have taken the rigorous LETRS course to better understand the components of the Science of Reading and the foundational nature of reading acquisition. Over the years, we have invested in additional literacy specialist/interventionist positions throughout the district to provide support to teachers around sound instructional practices, along with providing direct services to students who require additional reading and writing support.

I wish to thank all of our educators who have been involved in bolstering our literacy offerings over the past few years, helping our students have access to the most current methodology and strategies for future success.

Regards,
Jeff Porter

School Resource Officer Tony Clukey joins GHS Health Class.

Notices from the Office of the Superintendent

Superintendent's Report

In case you missed the latest Superintendent's Report at Thursday's Board meeting. superintendent report cover photo.

State Mandated Assessments Notice

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am writing to share information regarding student testing that we will conduct in MSAD #51 at different points during this school year. As a district, it is important that we regularly assess our students to determine whether they are making sufficient academic progress. Our local assessment system includes a coordinated collection of standardized tests that we administer to students. These measures provide holistic information on individual student, school, and district progress toward the Maine Learning Results (MLR) content standards.

Maine Law requires all public schools to administer the Maine Through Year (MTY) Assessment twice a year in reading and math in grades 3-8 and the second year of high school. MSAD #51 includes students in their first year of high school in this testing. In addition, the Maine Science Assessment is required for all fifth grade, eighth grade, and third-year high school students. Maine uses the data for accountability purposes, and it is one of the primary tools used by the state to determine a school’s effectiveness.

We know participation in this assessment will be of value to our students, and we view it as an opportunity for learning, not just testing. MSAD #51 uses state assessment data to inform our decision-making regarding individual student instructional plans and each school’s programmatic curricular decisions. More information about how we use state and district assessments is available on our website at this link.

MSAD #51 is committed to providing the best educational programming and support for our families. Our school principals will provide additional information regarding the specifics of testing within each school. If you have questions regarding your child’s testing, please contact your building principal.

Sincerely,

Mar-E Trebilcock, Director of Academic Services

👷 Hard Hat Chats

Last year, GHS senior Camden Burke took us behind the fence line and helped launch Hard Hat Chats, leading us through the infancy of our One Campus One Community project.

Across six videos, Camden introduced our community to the architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled tradespeople who were laying the groundwork for an incredible vision. His conversations gave us a firsthand look at the people and planning behind the project—and helped connect the work happening on the construction site to real-world opportunities for our students.

And then, over the summer, a lot more happened! The project has continued to take shape, and there is so much more to see, learn, and share.

As we begin a new school year, we’re looking for a new student host to pick up where Camden left off and continue telling the story of this transformational project. 🦺🏗️

The work continues—and so does Hard Hat Chats!

Episode 1: Earthwork & Concrete— https://youtu.be/_41-msOU1qA?si=EIQw-U63XRFUPz81

Episode 2: MIW Update - https://youtu.be/lS7NkhhUo0k?si=uOcoVbF1yzCeR1wj

Episode 3: Architecture - https://youtu.be/a9GqszNueT4?si=YPAN2tHiHCFfvO01
Episode 4: Steel - https://youtu.be/8CMRCLgJBrA?si=vfdbkO2j6POe8JPE
Episode 5: MIW Update - https://youtu.be/nWonC3TtGjY
Episode 6: Building Envelope - https://youtu.be/a8Guk2PG3Fk?si=dZt1cV1MZQ33_el9
GHS students—ever wondered what it takes to bring a project like this to life? If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes details of this project and want to learn directly from the experts, this is your chance—join us!

Hard Hat Chats flyer

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).

October 1 - 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

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.

Dunk Mrs. O & Mr. Munsey!

dunk tank for Mrs. O and Mr. Munsey flyer photo

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