Dear MDES Families,
As we approach the end of our first semester, there is important information regarding the upcoming schedule and our ongoing school initiatives. Please take a moment to review the updates below.
Important Dates & Schedule Changes
Next week will be a short, busy week for our students as we transition between semesters:
Monday, Jan. 19: No School (Holiday)
Thursday, Jan. 22: Early Dismissal at 12:30 PM
Friday, Jan. 23: No School for students (Teacher Workday/Last day of Fall Semester)
Grading and Academic Reports
Our educators will soon finalize grades and prepare comprehensive feedback on student progress.
Report Cards: Will be delivered via email on Friday, January 30.
Specialized Reports: Benchmark screening assessment data, as well as progress reports from our Interventionists and Special Education teachers will be mailed home, via USPS, on January 30. Please expect to receive them the first week of February.
A Vital Note on Bus Safety
Two more recent accidents involving Maine school buses continue to remind us why safety protocols at bus stops are so critical. Ensuring our students get to and from school safely is a partnership between bus drivers, motorists, students, and parents.
To keep our children safe, please reinforce these habits:
Be Ready: Arrive at the stop before the scheduled time and stand well away from the road.
Wait for the Signal: Students should always make eye contact with the driver and wait to be waved across the street or given the "go-ahead" to board.
No Running: Never run toward a bus or attempt to flag one down if you are running late.
Our drivers carry an enormous responsibility for student safety, which they take very seriously. Unexpected behaviors at the stop or unpredictable actions from other motorists add significant stress to their roles. Let’s work together to make their jobs easier and our students safer.
Behavior Rubric Pilot & Community Input
We have officially completed the first week of our Behavior Rubric pilot, and I am pleased to share that it has gone very well. This rubric is designed to provide clear, consistent expectations and responses to target behaviors across our school.
In the coming weeks, I will share a brief survey to gather your thoughts. Additionally, I invite you to schedule a meeting with me for an open conversation about these expectations and responses.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us end this semester on a high note!
