MDES Newsletter

MDES Newsletter

 

October 24th, 2025

 
mdesnewsletter

2025-2026 Handbook

Elementary Student Handbook

MDES Newsletter

 

October 31st- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

Halloween Parade (10:15 lineup, 10:30 step off)

 

November 3rd-7thParent/Teacher Conferences, Link below

 

November 3rd-8th grade dinner fundraiser, Dine in -MDES cafe, OR Take-out! See an 8th grader or Miranda for more info!

 

November 10th-No School, Teacher Professional Development

 

November 11th- Holiday, No School

 

November 12th-Photo Retake day- if you received a photo package, please return package with your student. 

 

November 14th- 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

 

Schedule your Parent/Teacher Conferences Here
 
 

Principal's Note:

What a wonderful week it has been—a true testament to the strength and spirit of our community!

Community Appreciation & Shared Commitment

We extend our gratitude to the Mount Desert Fire Department for helping us capture our Unity Day photograph. It was a spectacular sight!

Thank you also to the many students, staff, and community members who joined us in wearing orange to show a shared commitment to kindness, inclusion, and unity. Your participation sends a powerful message to our students.

I also want to recognize our families for your patience and partnership as we navigate changes in our school transportation plan. Your grace in adjusting has been vital. We value open communication about needs and challenges; please never hesitate to reach out.

Crucial Safety Note: To ensure all students arrive at the correct destination, please notify the office AND classroom teacher as early in the day as possible of any changes to your child's after-school plans. This helps prevent missed connections and confusion at dismissal. Our two bus routes do not overlap so when a student is on the wrong bus, the only option is for a family member to pick their child up at the bus garage at the end of the route.

 

Looking Ahead: Halloween Parade & Key Dates

We are excited for our annual Halloween Parade! Please note the following important times and procedures for Friday, October 31st:

10:00 AM: Students change into costumes.

10:15 AM: Line up in front of the school.

10:30 AM: Parade begins.

Parade Route: Joy Road to Main Street (via Summit Road), all the way down Main Street to Neighborhood Road, then up Gilpatrick Street back to school for lunch.

Dismissal Reminder: Friday, October 31st, is an early release day, with students dismissing at 12:30 PM.

Parade Checkout Procedure: Families who plan to dismiss their child immediately following the parade are asked to check in at the main office to sign out their child. This is essential for safety and accurate attendance.

Important November Dates: Conferences and Fundraiser

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for the week of November 3rd. Your child's teacher will be sending out sign-up information soon.

Support Our 8th Grade! Please consider helping our 8th Grade Class raise money for their class trip. They are holding a dinner fundraiser on Monday, November 3rd. You can support them by purchasing a dine-in or take-out meal ticket for November 3rd. Details on how to purchase your ticket will be sent home shortly, and we hope you will participate!

 

We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to seeing you at the parade!

 

 
 
MDES Newsletter

2 Positions Open

Please reach out to Principal Dorr or Leon Sargent Heather.dorr@mdirss.org, Leon.Sargent@mdirss.org, 207-276-3348 if you're interested in driving bus for MDES!

 

Unity Day

 

Dine in or Take out! Please see an 8th grader or contact Miranda in the office for more info.  

 
COA Calendar link
 

Fun in Kindergarten

 
 

MDES Athletics

 
MDES Newsletter
 

Athletic Calendar subject to change.

Athletic Calendar

 

Cross country had a great end of the season with two big meets this week. Our boys' team won the local championships, with our top 5 runners placing in the top 20, and the girls placing third overall. Athletes also had a great run at the Airline school on Thursday at a big competition with over 22 schools present and 100 - 150 athletes in each of three races. MDES's Carter Barton came in 2nd overall. Way to go, Carter! Final practices this week included some traditional workouts – a fall leaf-catching practice on the carriage trails and the final fast run up Schoolhouse Ledge hill. Congratulations to the cross country team on a great season!

MDES Newsletter
 
 
 

2025-2026 School Calendar

Pictures
 
 

Mustang Cafe

 
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Art News

 
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Don't forget to get art fundraisers this Monday.  Parents can order their student's artwork printed on a variety of items. Items will be returned before the winter vacation in time for holidays. This fundraiser supports arts week! 
  Reach out to Mrs. Westphal with any questions. 

 
 

Music News

 
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Attention all CHORUS parents: Thursday, November 6th, is MDI Sings! Be on the lookout for a permission slip to come home next week.

Is your child using a school instrument? If so, a school instrument contract needs to be signed and returned with the $100 yearly loan fee. Please reach out to Mrs. Graves if your child has not brought theirs home yet.hgraves@mdirss.org

The jazz band rehearses at 7:20. Students need to be at school and in their seats ready to play at that time.

PRACTICE RECESS is a time for students to come to the music room for additional time on their instruments. Practice recess for 4th/5th graders is MONDAY. Practice recess for 6th/7th/8th graders is THURSDAY.

Beginner band and 5th grade band students need to bring a signed note saying they practiced their instrument for at least 20 minutes each week. Parents are welcome to email Mrs. Graves if that is easier.hgraves@mdirss.org

Jazz Parents-please check and make sure you received an email from Mrs. Graves. She has had a difficult time getting the group mailing list to send.

 

 
 
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Maine Tracking Network
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Garden Days

 

The harvest is coming to an end. There are still a few veggies to pick, prep and eat~and many chores to do to put the garden to bed for the season. Time to move the scarecrows to the roadside to ready the funny fellows for Halloween fun!

Follow us on Facebook~https://www.facebook.com/MDESSchoolgardenproject

 

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Library News

 
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MDES Newsletter