MDES Newsletter

MDES Newsletter

 

December 5th, 2025

 
 

 

2025-2026 Handbook

Elementary Student Handbook

MDES Newsletter

 

 

December 16th- Winter Concert, 6pm MDES gym

 

December 23rd- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

 

December 24th-January 2nd- No School, Winter Break

 

January 19th- Holiday- No School

 

January 22nd- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

 

Please note:

Show choir every Wednesday and Friday** from 3:30-5:00*

*students are welcome to go to the library until 3:30

 

Jazz band every Friday morning from 7:20-8:00

 

 
 

Principal's Note:

As the winter season brings colder temperatures, I want to ensure we are all prepared for outside recess. Concurrently, our academic focus remains sharp as we continue with our important winter screening assessments. Your partnership is essential for a smooth and successful winter season both outside and in the classroom.

Winter Weather and Recess Policy

We continue to prioritize the opportunity for students to get fresh air and exercise during the school day.

Our school Wellness Policy states that students will have outside recess as long as the "real feel" temperature is 0° Fahrenheit or higher.

Please ensure your child comes to school prepared for the cold. This includes extra coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and boots for students who need them to be outside. We do have extras of these items for students to borrow as needed.  Please contact Nurse Ashley or Mrs. Brophy for help outfitting your child with winter gear. We want every child to be warm and dry while playing! 

 

Winter Screening Assessments Underway

Our winter screening window is in full swing. These assessments are vital tools that help us monitor student progress and tailor instruction.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CoGAT): Our Gifted & Talented Coordinator, Mrs. McIsaac, will be administering CoGAT testing in 2nd, 5th, and 8th grades. This screening tool is an important part of our process for Gifted & Talented identification and planning for enrichment needs across the school.

Literacy and Math Screening: Our dedicated interventionists are conducting school-wide screening assessments in Literacy and Math. The data gathered from these screenings allows us to monitor every student's progress and make informed decisions regarding instructional support and intervention needs.

 

Critical Transportation Update and Survey 

I must address the ongoing challenges we face with student transportation.

Our bus driver position remains vacant, and as a result, we expect to be able to run only two of our three standard bus routes for the foreseeable future. I recognize and deeply acknowledge the significant hardship this situation presents, especially for families who have been consistently without bus service since October 21st.  To better understand your current needs and help us refine our transportation plan for the remainder of the year, we urgently request that all families complete the Transportation Survey sent out earlier this week. Your input is critical for planning the best possible two-route system.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

 

 
 
 

Help...I'm Lost! Please take a look at our Lost and Found in the entry way of the school building. 

 
 

Kindergarten Fun

Making Stone Soup

Kindergarten Owls

 

6th Grade

Grade 6 attended the Future of Maine Aspirations Fair today at Camp Beech Cliff. Students traveled around to different stations to interview community members in professions that interest them. It was fun to see 6th-grade students from across the island gather for this learning experience, and we are grateful to the community members for their help and to Maine College Circle for planning this opportunity.

 

MDES Athletics

 
MDES Newsletter
 

Athletic Calendar subject to change.

Athletic Calendar

 
 

2025-2026 School Calendar

Pictures
 
 

Mustang Cafe

 
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Art News

 
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The 5th graders have been printing reusable produce bags to help eliminate the use of single use plastic.  These bags can be purchased for 5$ each at Swallowfield and will money benefit our MDES Food Pantry.  

 
 

Music News

 
MDES Newsletter
 

Mark your Calendars

for these upcoming Music Events/Field Trips

 

12/16 at 6:00 is the Annual MDES Winter Concert. All students in grades 2-4 will be performing along with all 5th-8th grade chorus and band members. Please arrive at 5:45!

12/16 is our Winter Concert Cookie Sale!! Please send in individual baked goods with your child on the morning of the 16th. Baked goods will be plated and sold at the concert.

12/18 the CHORUS will be going to The Grand to see Annie. Permission slips will go home on the 10th.

12/22 all 3rd-8th grade students will attend a concert in the MDIHS Auditorium from 11:45-12:30.

 
 
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Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the weather starts to get colder it's important to remember to send your children to school with proper outerwear. Please use the infographic below as a guide for what each student needs to be comfortable outside during recess. If you are in need of assistance with winter gear please don't hesitate to contact me directly so I can connect you with local resources.

Thanks,

Nurse Ashley 

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Library News

 
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Hello Mustang Music Families! Tuesday, Dec. 16th is the MDES Winter Concert.  To help support the music program and the PTO we will be holding a holiday bake sale before and after the concert with goods baked by you! We will also be selling Mustang merch that makes great holiday gifts!  Please send baked goods into school with your child Tuesday morning or drop them off by 9am.  We would also appreciate some gluten free items as well. The goodies do not need to be individually packaged. If you have containers that need to be returned, please label and you can get them back after the concert.  If you are available to help plate the goods during the day, please contact me at  tresamaxim@hotmail.com or sarahfmarch@gmail.com 

Thanks for your support! See you at the concert.