May 13th- MDES Spring Concert 6pm

May 16th- Early Release -Students Dismissed at 12:30pm

May 19th- 4th Grade Swan's Island Day

May 26th- Holiday, No School

June 2nd-June 4th- 8th Grade class trip

June 5th- 8th Grade Promotion 5pm

June 6th- Full day of School

June 9th- Full day of School for MDES

June 10th- Last Student Day (Early Release) for MDES

Dear MDES Families:

We want to hear about your experience with your student’s education. We invite you to participate in completing the School Climate Survey. This survey includes questions about your student’s learning, school safety, and interpersonal relationships, as well as your attitudes about the institutional environment and your personal involvement in school. Your responses will be very helpful in improving student relationships, learning conditions, and the overall school environment.

School Climate Survey Link

Vision of a Graduate

We’re excited to share that this past winter and spring, we hosted nine in-person community-based conversations focused on developing a Vision of a Graduate. These gatherings brought together over 70 participants from across our school communities, and we’re grateful for the thoughtful insights and perspectives shared.

A Vision of a Graduate defines the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes we want every student to develop by the time they graduate. It acts as a North Star for our schools—guiding curriculum, instruction, and opportunities both in and beyond the classroom—so that all students are prepared for success in life, career, and college.

In addition to these in-person events with families, staff, and community members, we’ve also been conducting in-person interviews with students to ensure their voices are at the center of this work.

To continue broadening our reach and deepening the conversation, we invite you to share your input using the attached form. Your voice is an important part of shaping a vision that truly reflects our collective hopes for our graduates.

Thank you for being a part of this important work!

Vision of Graduate Questionnaire

Pre-K Fun

Kindergarten Friends

MDES Athletics

Schedules are subject to change - please check the link below to see what is happening for Athletics for the upcoming week. Thank you.

Athletics Calendar

Spring Track Practices Coming Up:

Week of 5/12-5/16:

Monday 5/12: Local Practice 3:00-4:15

Tuesday 5/13: MDIHS 3:30-5:00

Wednesday 5/14: AWAY MEET @ BANGOR 3:30PM

Thursday 5/15: MDIHS 3:30-5:00

Week of 5/19-5/23:

Monday 5/19: AWAY MEET @ ELLSWORTH 3:45PM 

Tuesday 5/20: Coaches Meeting–No Practice

Wednesday 5/21: MDIHS 3:30-5:00

Thursday 5/22: Local Practice 3:00-4:15

Week of 5/26-5/30:

Monday 5/26: Holiday–no practice or meet

Tuesday 5/27: Practice (location–TBD)

Wednesday 5/28: Almquist Invitational Meet (AIM) 3:00 PM

Thursday 5/29: AIM RAIN DATE FOR FINAL MEET

For a full schedule, see the Athletics Page.

Any questions, please contact Coach Taylor.

ktaylor@mdirss.org

From the Mustang Cafe

Homework Club

Homework Club 5th-8th grades

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3:15-4:15

This is a space for students to work on assignments after school. A snack is provided (think granola bar, pretzels or Chex mix). Any 5th- 8th grade student is welcome to attend.Students are encouraged to attend after an absence, before a practice or game, or when they may benefit from help with their work.

2024/2025 School Calendar

2025-2026 School Calendar

Art News

Music News

Mark your calendars!

The MDES Spring Concert is Tuesday, May 13th at 6pm. All instrumental and vocal students in grades 1-8 will be performing.

All 5-8 advanced band will be playing in the NEH Memorial Day Parade on Monday, 5/28. We will meet at MDES at 10:00 and the parade starts at 10:30

All 4th-8th grade musicians are eligible to get free music lessons over the summer. Please email Mrs. Graves at hgraves@mdirss.org and let her know if your child/family would like more information on free lessons. Responses must be turned in by 5/6.

Note from Nurse Ashley: Tick season is here! Encourage your children to do a tick check as part of their daily routine.

Key areas such as ears, in armpits, along the hairline, at the waist, and at the backs of the knees and thighs are all common areas ticks like to hide.
Remember to wear protective clothing:
- Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from getting on your legs under your pants.
- Wearing light-colored (white, khaki, etc) clothing makes ticks easier to see as they crawl on you.
Use bug spray that is approved by the EPA for repelling ticks.
- The four types of EPA approved repellents for use on skin are Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Permethrin is approved for use on clothing.
Check pets for ticks as well. Even pets that are treated for ticks may carry them into the home.

Garden News

Last October, students planted 200 bulbs from Holland in the school's patio garden~daffodils and tulips~a gift from the Garden Club of Mount Desert. Over the years, the garden club has donated hundreds of bulbs for the children to plant every fall. After a bitter cold winter, the flowers are a gorgeous dazzle of blooms and quite a sight to see! Much thanks and appreciation to the Garden Club of Mount Desert for the generous donation~helping to keep our young gardeners planting and growing and our school grounds beautiful!