2025-2026 Handbook

September 26th- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

October 13th- Holiday, No School

October 17th- Early Release, Elem. school only- 12:30 dismissal

October 31st- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

Principal's Note:

Hello Mustangs!

We've had a wonderful first 11 days getting to know each other and establishing our classroom communities. Our focus has been on practicing school routines and expectations so that everyone can feel safe, respectful, and responsible.

We're also diving into academics with our fall universal screenings. Our math and literacy interventionists are already meeting with students to conduct the AimsWeb+ assessments. In a couple of weeks, students in grades 3-8 will take the Maine Through Year NWEA MAP Growth assessments in reading and math. These important tests will help us understand what our students already know and what they're ready to learn next.

Bus Route Update

We want to let you know that bus driver Mr. Merrill Ebner will be leaving MDES. His last day will be September 19th. We're so thankful for the way he has transported our students safely to and from school each day, and we wish him well.

We are actively working on adjusting our bus routes to cover this vacancy. Most of Mr. Ebner's route will be combined with Mr. Sargent's route. This will result in a full bus, with 2 or 3 students to a seat.

Students who live on Mr. Ebner's current route from Oak Hill Road to Aspen Way will be transported in the school vans. Since we have more students than seats in our vans, we'll need to make multiple trips. We will be in touch with those families next week to coordinate the specific transportation details.

Attendance Matters

Our current daily attendance rate is 96.8%! This means that on average, almost 97% of our students are at school each day. This is a fantastic start! Last school year, we ended with a 92% attendance rate. Let's work together to keep kids coming to school!

Please remember that an absence is only excused for specific reasons:

Student illness (illness criteria is listed later in this newsletter)
Planned family travel (please inform the office of travel plans ahead of time)
Student appointments
Religious holidays
Family emergencies

We must hear from you directly to excuse an absence. If we don't hear from a parent or guardian about the reason for a student's absence, it will be marked as unexcused.

I appreciate your partnership in making this a successful school year for every student.

Thank you,

Heather Dorr, M.Ed.

She/Her

Principal,

Mount Desert Elementary School

Welcome back to MDES!

Just a few housekeeping items for the 25-26 school year.

Please log into your parent account on PowerSchool and update student forms, contacts and permissions. These are VERY important, so please do so as soon as possible.

Remind your children about their after school plans the night before or the morning of. If any changes are necessary, please email their teacher and include me Miranda.clough@mdirss.org prior to 1pm.

If your child is going somewhere other than home on the bus, PLEASE send a bus note for the bus driver.

Fun in Prek

Building and testing out their Lego Ramps.

Kindergarten Fun

1st grade visits Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park

6th grade fun at Schoodic Education Adventure Camp

MDES Athletics

Athletic Calendar subject to change.

Athletic Calendar

2025-2026 School Calendar

Mustang Cafe

Art News

Students in second through 8th grade took part in an interconnectedness mural for their first art project. Using hexagons, students reflect on their individual hopes and dreams. Together, the pieces work to highlight the diversity and interconnection of our Mustang community.

Music News

Advanced Band musicians rehearse every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Chorus rehearses every Wednesday.

Advanced Beginner Band rehearses every Friday.

4th Grader Families: beginner band sign up forms are due to Mrs. Graves no later than Wednesday, September 10th. (Forms went home on Wednesday-check the take home folders)

Welcome back, MDES parents and guardians!

My contact information is below if you need to reach me. Please remember to have your children check for ticks daily. I've included information in this week's newsletter on ticks and brown tail caterpillar rashes, which we're seeing quite a bit of this time of year.

If your child isn't feeling well and you aren't sure if they should come to school, the Health Guidance for Maine School Children is a great resource that provides guidance on when to keep your child home due to illness. You are always welcome to call or email if I can answer any questions.

Thanks, Ashley

Ashley Page, RN, Email: ashley.page@mdirss.org Phone: 276-3348, option 3

Beautiful Garden Days

Library News

MDES Newsletter

MDES Athletics