2025-2026 Handbook

Elementary Student Handbook

November 5th-20th- MDES Thanksgiving Food Drive

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 12th- Cooking Club with Ms. Emma (sign up required)

November 12th- Homework Club 3-4:15pm

November 14th- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

November 25th- Early Release- 12:30 dismissal

November 26th-28th No School, Thanksgiving Break

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:

Thank You for Conference Attendance!

A huge thank you to all our families who participated in our recent Parent/Teacher Conferences! We were absolutely thrilled to see a conference participation rate of 76%. That level of engagement is a testament to the strong partnership between home and school, and it truly helps us support our students' growth.

Please remember that our teachers and interventionists are always available to meet with you at your request throughout the school year. Our next dedicated conference opportunity will be our student-led conferences in March, where your children will take the lead in sharing their learning progress.

Community & Key Dates

It's been great to see the generosity of our community! We are excited to see the food donations coming in for the 6th Grade Thanksgiving Food Drive. Please continue to send in non-perishable food items; donations will be collected until Thursday, November 20th.

I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Veterans for their service to our country.  MDES especially grateful to Maintenance Supervisor/Head Bus Driver Leon Sargent and Bus Driver Don Wilson, who have both served in our country's armed forces. 

Upcoming Schedule

Please note the following important dates for our upcoming schedule:

Holiday Weekend: Please enjoy your extended holiday weekend! There is no school for students on Monday, November 10th or Tuesday, November 11th.

Early Release Day: Friday, November 14th is an early release day with a 12:30 PM dismissal for students.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I wish you and your family a safe and relaxing break.

Kindergarten Fun

Middle school students preparing the Thanksgiving food drive boxes for each class. Well done friends! 

                  November 12th                     November 13th 

                  Boys 4:00-5:15                       Girls 3:15-4:45

                  Girls 5:15-6:30                        Boys 4:45-6:15

We are also still in need of a B boys basketball coach.  If interested, please contact Coach Norwood.

Athletic Calendar subject to change.

Athletic Calendar

2025-2026 School Calendar

Mustang Cafe

Art News

The 5th grade is selling reusable muslin produce bags that they have hand printed.  These bags are available for presale for $5 each and will be available at Swallowfield starting November 18th.  These bags are a fundraiser for a local non-profit.  See Mrs. Westphal with questions.  

Music News

The music students have been busy!!

On Tuesday the jazz band went to Swans Island and played for an all school assembly. They also sat in on their two band rehearsals. What a fun day of sharing out hard work!

On Thursday the chorus (33 students!) participated in MDI Sings. Congrats to Chirp, Liberty, Ophelia, Atticus, Jaxon, Isla, Matie and Amelia who were selected to sing in small ensembles.

On Friday the 4th grade music students organized a Veterans Day celebration for our two veterans, Mr. Sargent and Mr. Don!

Mark your calendars....the MDES Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 16th at 6:00

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.

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 

MDI Thanksgiving Basket Project

Families get all the food for Thanksgiving:  Stuffing, cranberry sauce, fresh carrots and potatoes, Turkey, canned vegetables, plus dessert. Sign up in advance for Thanksgiving food.  There is no financial test or qualification.  Your information will not be shared except to help with delivery drivers if necessary.

Deadline to sign up:  November 18th

Sign up using the link below OR reach out to 

email:  29turkeybaskets@gmail.com

Phone: Debby at 207.650.7723

Facebook: MDI Thanksgiving Baskets

Garden Days

Busy in the Garden!

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

Library News